Where No Man Has Gone Before
At the edge of the galaxy, Gary Mitchell and Dr. Dehner undergo a transformation and develop ESP powers. Kirk must watch his best friend become a terrible danger he must destroy.
While it might be more effective were it not aired in such close proximity to Charlie X (which also featuring a super human) this is a far superior piece. Gary is much more sympathetic than Charlie, and Kirk makes the painful decision he avoided with the surly teen. Helping him along is, of course, Spock, who is characterized much differently here than in the rest of the series. We can guess this is a few months prior, since McCoy is no where to be seen and we have Dr. Piper. Legend has it this pilot sold the series to NBC through its action sequences, though its dramatic impact shouldn't be overlooked. Viewers truly sense Mitchell's potential for harm, Kirk's turmoil, Spock's single-mindedness, and the crew's tension. The "final fight" is satisfying because it provides strong visuals for Kirk and Mitchell's struggles: the "praying", the tombstone, Dehner's last act of redemption. Kirk saves his ship but loses his best friend and first officer, but that role will be filled soon by a certain pointy-eared Vulcan.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock provides information on Mitchell's condition and insists on killing the dangerous entity the first officer's becoming. He beams down a phaser rifle, which Kirk uses.
Oops: For an alien lacking emotion, Spock certainly barks out his orders! Nimoy's still working on the Spockian "cool," it seems.
Developments: It's difficult to assess Spock here, since not all the elements of his character are yet in place. He has the logic but not the cool exterior, the outer stiffness without the inner weakness. He seems truly alien and dispassionate, but admits to feeling in the end. It's not clear whether Vulcans have no feelings or just choose to control them, as later understood. Still, he makes quite an impact in his insistence on Mitchell's death. In lighter moments he plays chess with Kirk, who still seems to be adjusting to this not-quite-human officer's presence and personality. With Gary gone, the captain might wish for someone to fill the void, and makes an effort to be buddies with Spock. In turn, the Vulcan trims his eyebrows and lowers his voice.