The Menagerie, Parts I and II
Spock hijacks the Enterprise in an attempt to return his completely paralyzed former captain, Christopher Pike, to the forbidden world Talos IV.
A clever method of recycling footage from the original TOS pilot The Cage, this is a significant turning point for Kirk and Spock as well. The captain learns that logic and loyalty do not always lead his first officer to predictable actions, and is forced to put his best friend on trial. These scenes are convincing up to the commodore disappearing and Starfleet pardoning the Enterprise. It would be more engaging to see the officers face real repercussions, but then, we wouldn't want this to be a three-part episode. Suspense is well maintained. At first one wonders what the heck Spock is up to, and later, wishes to see Pike's adventures. As for The Cage, its a great episode that NBC execs found too cerebral. Curious, since there are some fights, plus high production values, psychological depths, solid characterizations, and bad guys that don't just "learn their lesson" but retain darkness and mystery. Compared to the Trek we all know and love, it's less campy. (Shatner equals instant camp?) Still, Kirk and Spock are a legendary team, and one can only speculate as to whether such bonds would have formed in Pike's crew. The old Captain and Veena find do happiness together, bringing their story full circle.
Spock Saves the Day: In a shocking twist, Spock creates quite a bad day for captain and crew, but for a higher purpose.
Oops: Young Spock smiles upon finding singing flowers and generally acts of out later-established character. Contemporary Spock puts the ship in danger.
Developments: Forget what you thought you knew about Spock to this point! Excused or not, he does commit mutiny and what's more, knows perfectly well how to take over Enterprise and manipulate Kirk into seeing his ultimate goals. Kirk's able to view hostility as a sentimental act eventually, but also must reconsider Spock as a threat to his power, and a wildcard. The audience certainly sees them as equals, not commander and subordinate. Fortunately they continue to be best friends, with deep affection and understanding, which lessens professional tension. Spock also does his own things in The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan.