Requiem for Methuselah
Larry Flint is a historical puzzle, owning what appear to be new Da Vinci paintings and Brahm waltzes. His only companion is the gifted Rayna, who also can't be all she appears.
Here is a bright spot in an otherwise dire run of shows. Those who consider Kirk a player should note this is only the third time he falls hard for the "alien chick." More of an android chick this time admittedly, but in any case, this is a touching and tragic affair. Shatner nails the final scene, and we totally sense his loneliness and despair. This is probably the most realistic examination of androids yet, whom human emotions can tear apart. The immortal premise is interesting but not fully convincing, but I guess if humans can learn telepathy as in Is There in Truth No Beauty? and shape-shifting in Whom Gods Destroy, anything's possible. The robots (M4, cousin of M5?) and ritalin are not needed, since the story is strong otherwise. Our heroes could have just beamed down out of curiosity like in the good 'ol days. But these are quibbles; a refreshingly good episode as the season winds down.
Spock Saves the Day: A timely phaser blast saves Kirk from M4. Throughout he tries to protect Kirk from harm.
Oops: Brandy, anyone? Perhaps he wished to surprise the doctor, or check if its real. (The scenario is similar to those in The Squire of Gothos and Catspaw, with their flavorless illusory drinks.)
Developments: Spock can play a newly-discovered waltz perfectly first time through! Quite the virtuoso. As mentioned, he wants to protect Kirk, trying to shield him at first from the sight of earlier Raynas, then erasing his memory. This final scene is most eyebrow-raising. Is it an act of compassion, envy, efficiency (wishing Kirk to return to duty), or an effort to prove to McCoy he understands emotional distress? It's wonderfully ambiguous and poignant.