Some episodes are well remembered because they are well written, dramatic pieces of science fiction. Others are remembered, for other reasons.
Plot:Kirk battles an alien captain who destroyed a Federation outpost.
Guest Stars:
Nitpick:How did the Gorn fake that call that got the Enterprise to Cestus III? Where was Scotty when the Enterprise was under attack? Sulu was awesome in the scene but Scotty was the senior officer! Was chemistry class not a thing back in the 60's? Because they seem astonished by the gun powder discovery which seems pretty obvious.
Summary:
Teaser-The Enterprise has been invited to the outpost on Cestus III by the commander. When they beam down, they find the outpost has been annihalated.
Act 1-The landing part fan out figuring they were set up to be ambushed. Gotta say this opening is quite impressive with the landing party under attack on the planet and Sulu commanding the Enterprise, also under attack. They find a survivor who confirms the message that lured them to the planet had to have been faked. The Enterprise is forced to leave orbit without the landing party. Spock and Kirk manage to rig and explosion that scares the attackers off. The Enterprise returns and beams them up safely. Kirk tells Sulu to chase the aliens, to an unexplored section of the galaxy. The survivor explains how they were sneak attacked for no apparent reason. Even though Spock says that may not no the whole story, Kirk insists he knows enough and means to go after the alien vessel.
Act 2-The Enterprise continues the chase into an unexplored area. Spock tries to convince Kirk that destroying the alien ship may not be the answer, but Kirk insists they must act. At last they are closing on the alien vessel, when the Enterprise is scanned. The aliens slow to a stop, and then the Enterprise suddenly loses power. A voice then announces that they have intruded into Metron space on an mission of aggression. As a result the Metrons will resolve the conflict. They will transport Kirk and the captain of the Gorn vessel to a planet where they can resolve their conflict. On the planet will be sufficient elements to make weapons but they will be totally alone. And the loser will be destroyed.
Act 3-The Gorn is a reptilians species, and yeah I'll just say it. The costume is silly looking. Thanks goodness the creators were smart enough to film the scene outside and not on a made up soundstage. I love how the costume is so restricting the performer inside can hardly move. This act us mostly Kirk and the Gorn evading each other while the crew of the Enterprise wonder what to do. Kirk finds several different types of mineral deposits but no weapons as the Metrons promised would be there. Kirk's attempt to pin the Gorn under a rock fails, and he ends up pinned and nearly about to be impaled.
Act 4-Kirk manages to get away from the Gorn in time. Kirk keeps finding different elements but no actual weapons. The Metrons then allow the Enterprise to witness what is happening since it seems Kirk is going to lose. Kirk begins to realize the elements he has found are also the elements to make gun powder. As he gathers up the elements and a firing mechanism, the Gorn communicates with Kirk. He explains that the Gorn attacked the outpost because the outpost was established in their space. And they simply destroyed the invaders to their space in self defense. Kirk finally makes a canon and with the minerals to form the gunpowder and diamonds are projectile, he defeats the Gorn. However Kirk can't finish the job. The Gorn vanishes, returned to his ship, and when a Metron appears he wonders why Kirk did not kill. Kirk explains that the Gorn and Federation will resolve their dispute diplomatically. The Metron is surprised, saying maybe in a few decades they will meet Kirk's people and make formal contact.
Final Thoughts:There is a good story here about not jumping to conclusions and judging things based solely on how they appear. And that violence should not be the first solution. But that Gorn costume..ugh. I really must visit Vasquez Rocks someday.
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