One of Our Planets Is Missing
A distant planet disappears from space, where the crew discovers an energy cloud that consumes whole worlds for food. Is it intelligent? And more importantly, can it be reasoned with?
This starts out remarkably like The Doomsday Machine and The Immunity Syndrome put together, then launches into Fantastic Voyage territory. The biological explanations, however, actually make more sense than either of those TOS installments, and an interesting moment is reached when Kirk realizes he has to kill, negating his earlier statements about evolution. Also of note: this is the first time we see the engine room inside, and the approach to the mind meld is unique. The animation is not too convincing; more detailed drawings of the clouds would be nice. Also, replacing the classic shot of officers falling over in the corridors is - a frame of them already fallen over. Geez, what a rip-off. Apart from Kirk's tinge of regret nothing happens character-wise, though Arex gets some screen time. Not as disappointing an episode as one expects at first, but not fresh either.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock both devises a means to kill the cloud (and the ship with it!) and communicates with the creature.
Oops: Why are Spock's arms outstretched? What does that accomplish?
Developments: This is perhaps the only mind meld we see interfaced with the ship's technology, necessary since Spock can't at all touch the cloud. His thoughts also seem to be broadcast ship-wide on the intercom, which is a a bit strange. The conversation between Spock and the cloud is thoughtfully written, conveying his respect for life with an understanding of the cloud's naiveté. The voice is the same as that of the Companion in Metamorphosis, which Spock was also charged with killing, then saving. Kirk is fickle, but Spock responds.