The second, "of the," episode in a row, and another decent if not particularly noteworthy episode. I really appreciate how the writers have moved from needing aliens to be godlike to be threatening, and this weeks dangerous creature feels like something from a horror movie. But since this is Star Trek instead of some sort of horror the creature is driven away by laughter and almost everybody survives. The effects and fight scenes in this episode leave something to be desired, but the storytelling is actually pretty decent.
The episode opens with the Enterprise checking in on a colony of humans. When they arrive there is no sign of the humans or the distress signal. Out of nowhere a Klingon ship shows up, but it is in bad shape. The Klingon captain and several soldiers beam to the surface and accuse the Enterprise of attacking them. They take Kirk hostage and demand he give them the Enterprise. Kirk calls Spock and tells him they have, "visitors," and to beam them aboard. Scotty trick the Klingons and leaves them in the transporter beam longer than the captain so security can be summoned. Right after they beam up a glowing energy cloud appears on the surface of the planet and follows them back to the ship.
On board the Enterprise the Klingons are taken to the rec areas to be held for transport and the survivors of their ship are beamed aboard as well. Chekov seems to be taking all this particularly poorly and keeps ranting about hating Klingons for killing his brother. Scotty seems extra pissed off as well. Suddenly the ship starts flying on it's own at warp nine and most of the crew are sealed behind bulkheads leaving only the same number free as there are Klingons on the ship. When Kirk goes to talk to the Klingons they refuse to cooperate and suddenly swords appear and the Federation phasers are replaced with swords as well and the fight is on! The poorly choreographed sword fight where no one moves very much or actually tries to hit anyone.
On the bridge Sulu is sent with sword in hand to retake engineering and Chekov insists on going as well to avenge his brother. After he leaves Uhura points out Chekov is an only child. After Spock starts talking about hating humans they realize something is wrong. There is an alien presence and it is driving them to hate each other and fight. They convince the wife of the Klingon captain they are correct when she sees the energy cloud. Kirk confronts the Klingon captain and after another ineffective sword fight the cloud of light appears and Kirk convinces the Klingon that they are being used as pawns. Both captains order their crews to stop fighting and then they make fun of the alien and laugh until it leaves. Yes, that is actually now they solve the problem. And credits.
Review: While watching this seemed like an episode that made sense and developed fairly well, but upon reflecting and writing the above summary, wow, this one is odd! Still not terrible, but wow. Also the Klingon makeup looks even worse this season. Can't wait for the movies and "real" Klingon makeup.
5 out of 10
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