Planet of the space Lincoln! Well, not really, but pretty close. I am honestly not sure I get what this episode was going for in terms of its struggle between good and evil. I am not sure what the alien overlords in this episode expected when they pitted Kirk and Spock along with their greatest inspirations against the allied forces of evil. The episode does introduce us to the much talked about founder of the Klingon empire, Kahless, so it has at least secured a place in trek lore.
While surveying a barren planet of lava the Enterprise briefly detects what appears to be signs of life and energy, but they quickly disappears. Just as they are about to leave their view screen flashes and suddenly they are confronted by Abraham Lincoln who requests to be brought aboard the ship. Kirk beams him over with full presidential honors much to the dismay of Scotty and McCoy. While Kirk agrees that the man they see cannot be Lincoln, he is also fascinated by the opportunity to interact with someone he respects so much. An area of the planet below is converted to earth like atmosphere and Lincoln, Spock and Kirk all beam down.
On the surface they are greeted by Surak, founder of the modern logical Vulcan state. They also meet a rock that transforms into an actually pretty cool looking rocky alien which explains why there are here. It seems the aliens have no concept of good or evil and have decided the best solution to their dilemma is to make Kirk, Spock, Lincoln and Surak fight to the death with a team of ultimate evil for the fate on the Enterprise and its crew. They are naturally not excited by this idea, but after a sneak attack by the enemy forces they are forced to retreat and make a plan.
Kirk wants to make weapons and establish a base, but Surak insists in attempting to negotiate. Surak is captured and they are tormented by his cries of pain. Lincoln proposes that Kirk and Spock fake an attack to distract their foes while he sneaks behind the to save Surak. And of course it is a trap, Surak is already dead and Lincoln falls with a spear in his back right in front of Kirk. The fight is then on and it turns out the whole thing wasn't quite as deadly as they thought as Kirk and Spock drive off their foes and are told they have won and may go on their way. The rock creature turns back into a rock and they get the hell out of there.
Review: This is one I hadn't seen before so when I saw it was the one about space Lincoln I wasn't looking forward to it. But it is handled pretty well and keeps the action moving forward. Also, damn, they did it again with the cool suit for the silicon based life form!
7 out of 10
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