I'm sure I will get a lot of gruff for that claim, but this 2 part episode has it all, and Roddenberry managed to make it dovetail perfectly with "The Cage" in terms of plot. This is one of those episodes that is far more than gorilla monsters or planet killers, it has intrigue, secrets within secrets, and what seems like the idyllic Star Trek world falling apart before our eyes as the two top characters look to be finished career-wise, and one may even be executed! The end of part I has a sobering pan-away as Captain Kirk is alone in a room, quietly pondering what to do next. You feel his confusion and sadness and the tension is gripping. You just can't wait to watch part II. The masterful re-use of The Cage pilot gives you insight into the way two starships are run, first with the serious all-business Captain Pike, and the relaxed swagger of Captain Kirk. The two crews in contrast to each other but both knowledgeable and professional in what they do. Will this culminate in a happy ending for all? Or will it be a disaster for Starfleet and the Captain of the Enterprise? Time to pop in Part 2 and find out...
Review of The Menagerie: Part I
