This is one of the classic "bottle shows", and it has always been one of my favorites. I was 10 years old when I saw it in first broadcast. It made me feel like I really was flying around the galaxy in a large starship. I most remembered the Enterprise resisting and then successfully breaking free of Balok's tractor beam.
Today I see an episode rich in character development, with everyone (except Mr. Bailey, at first) surviving by their wits against a vastly more powerful adversary. Now my favorite moment is the subtle change in Kirk's face when he realizes (thanks to his angry snap at McCoy) that their way out is to change the game they've been playing:
"Not chess, Mr. Spock. Poker. Do you know the game?"
Followed by Mr. Spock's impressed rejoinder a few minutes later:
"A very interesting game, this 'poker'"
Given the obvious comic potential, it's really too bad the show never followed through on Dr. McCoy's offer to teach it to Spock.
In contrast to the hot-headed and panicky Mr. Bailey, Mr. Sulu's calm, professional competence is on full display in this episode. You knew it was just a matter of time until he'd be promoted and offered command of his own ship.
Although this was the 10th episode shown, it was the first regular production episode. Not only were they fleshing out the characters, the episode itself is tense and well-acted, with a classic Trek moral. Newcomers should definitely watch this one first.
Today I see an episode rich in character development, with everyone (except Mr. Bailey, at first) surviving by their wits against a vastly more powerful adversary. Now my favorite moment is the subtle change in Kirk's face when he realizes (thanks to his angry snap at McCoy) that their way out is to change the game they've been playing:
"Not chess, Mr. Spock. Poker. Do you know the game?"
Followed by Mr. Spock's impressed rejoinder a few minutes later:
"A very interesting game, this 'poker'"
Given the obvious comic potential, it's really too bad the show never followed through on Dr. McCoy's offer to teach it to Spock.
In contrast to the hot-headed and panicky Mr. Bailey, Mr. Sulu's calm, professional competence is on full display in this episode. You knew it was just a matter of time until he'd be promoted and offered command of his own ship.
Although this was the 10th episode shown, it was the first regular production episode. Not only were they fleshing out the characters, the episode itself is tense and well-acted, with a classic Trek moral. Newcomers should definitely watch this one first.