The Mark of Gideon
The Council of an overpopulated world requires a disease Kirk carries to reintroduce death to their population. They hold him hostage on an Enterprise replica with a female for company.
"Where is everybody?" wonders Kirk, just like Mike Ferris in the Twilight Zone premiere. These initial scenes hold promise, but don't amount to anything. The use of the replica Enterprise becomes simply a not-so-clever way avoid building a new set. The paradise theme has already been done to death (though sadly it hasn't killed the Gideons) and Kirk's scenes with Odana seem strained. Here would be a good time for a love potion, though our cap possibly gets it on mid-way. Spock's dealings with the Council are supposed to be funny, or something, but are pretty dull. We already know he and Kirk don't like red tape. Only when he takes action do things pick up. Terribly mediocre episode.
Spock Saves the Day: It takes a while but Spock does rescue Kirk.
Oops: Just let Bones come along. He's needed anyway. Also, why is Spock unarmed at beam down? I guess phasers aren't diplomatic, but Type I is discreet, and he's already breaking the rules. But who needs a weapon when you can fling a guy a few feet and have him instantly pass out?
Developments: Cursed bureaucrats. Spock doesn't like 'em.