It's obvious from the first few minutes that this episode was written by someone other than the usual formulaic writers of the show. Spock is much more emotional and has a very witty line at the end to Yeoman Rand that is totally out of character but quite amusing. I would say that was the most noticeable difference in this episode from most of the Star Trek episodes: Mr. Spock's behavior. His human, emotional side is showing much more in this episode, I assume as a counterbalance to the literally 2 halves of Captain Kirk.
Looking it up on this site, the show was written by the great Richard Matheson, writer of innumerable things but most remembered (by me at least) for Duel and Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (Twilight Zone). This Star Trek episode definitely has that fast, no-nonsense pacing.
Many amusing touches are present in this episode too: What type of dog IS that that they have transformed into some creature with a unicorn horn and a rat's tail? Also, don't the scratches on the 2 Kirk's faces keep changing sides? Nice also the way they made the bad Kirk look really evil by using black eyeliner around his eyes.
Altogether, a very witty, very fast-paced episode devoid of a lot of the nonsense that tended to bog this show down as it ran its course. And a great bit of philosophy too represented by the message about how we are all the sum of our parts and are better for that. Really, also, a message for the world these days too.
Highly recommended!
Looking it up on this site, the show was written by the great Richard Matheson, writer of innumerable things but most remembered (by me at least) for Duel and Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (Twilight Zone). This Star Trek episode definitely has that fast, no-nonsense pacing.
Many amusing touches are present in this episode too: What type of dog IS that that they have transformed into some creature with a unicorn horn and a rat's tail? Also, don't the scratches on the 2 Kirk's faces keep changing sides? Nice also the way they made the bad Kirk look really evil by using black eyeliner around his eyes.
Altogether, a very witty, very fast-paced episode devoid of a lot of the nonsense that tended to bog this show down as it ran its course. And a great bit of philosophy too represented by the message about how we are all the sum of our parts and are better for that. Really, also, a message for the world these days too.
Highly recommended!