Who Mourns for Andonais?
A giant hand stops the Enterprise dead in space, and the crew find themselves at the mercy of god Apollo, who finds few worshippers in the 23rd century.
Another episode to extol a progressive theme: humanity doesn't need gods. The bold statement is softened a bit by Kirk's "we find the one quite sufficient," but nonetheless the point is made. (Even more so when Roddenberry's own Secular Humanist views are considered.) Apollo himself is over the top, with a lot of pomp but none of the intelligence or beauty associated with the God of Light. The casting director might have been wiser to call back the Metron from Arena. Still, he makes a good foe for Kirk, someone our captain literally wants to bring down to size. This is Chekov's first major appearance (he only had a few lines in Amok Time) and his "Russian inwentions" are cute and not yet tiresome. Kirk and McCoy seem concerned about Scotty being in love, and if he goes on trying to tackle super beings to protect his lady, they should be! Palamas falls a little too easily for macho Apollo but maintains her loyalty. The destruction of the temple is a little too convenient a resolution, but contains some symbolism. Human technology can now easily destroy that which once had them trembling on their knees. The plight of the gods in affecting, but Kirk, and perhaps even we, have moved on.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock orders some holes be punched through the energy field, allowing communication and phaser fire to pass through.
Oops: More ear-based discrimination.
Developments: Spock is used to being mocked, but Pan? Well, we do have the ears, the lyre, and the smirk, but surely he doesn't appreciate comparison to a frolicking woodland creature.