Although this episode was broadcast third in the series it is in fact a second pilot episode and introduces us to Captain Kirk as well as to Scotty and Sulu; Spock is also present although he was of course introduced in the original pilot episode 'The Cage'. There are several characters who initially appear to being set up as major characters who are unfamiliar; some don't survive the episode and others just aren't seen again.
While exploring the outer edges of the galaxy the Enterprise discovers the data recorder from a ship lost long ago. As Spock investigates its contents he discovers a strange warning about people with ESP. Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, the ship's psychiatrist assures Kirk that ESPers are of no danger and for the meantime the message is ignored. Heading out of the galaxy they enter a strange space barrier, it causes the death of a few crew members and has a strange effect of Kirk's old friend helmsman Gary Mitchell; he is knocked unconscious and when he awakens his eyes are shining in a peculiar way. It turns out he is an ESPer and it isn't long before his powers increase exponentially. Spock notes that as his powers increase he could become dangerous; he is soon looking down on ordinary people and it can't be long before he considers them mere irritants. Spock advises Kirk to abandon Mitchell on a remote planet before it is too late; it won't be easy though.
This was a really good episode; it is just a shame it was broadcast out of order as established characters like McCoy and Uhuru aren't present and others who seem important are there is also the fact that the uniforms aren't the same as in the rest of the series; most notably Scotty and others who wear red are in beige. Just imagine; if things hadn't changed we'd be calling doomed one-episode characters 'beige shirts'! Guest star Gary Lockwood does a fine job portraying Mitchell as his megalomania increases along with his powers and Sally Kellerman is likable as Dr. Dehner. I also rather liked Andrea Dromm, who had a small part as Yeoman Smith thanks to Kirk addressing her as Yeoman Jones; it is a pity she never became a recurring character. Overall a great introduction to Kirk's era of 'Star Trek' with a good mix of drama, emotion and action.
While exploring the outer edges of the galaxy the Enterprise discovers the data recorder from a ship lost long ago. As Spock investigates its contents he discovers a strange warning about people with ESP. Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, the ship's psychiatrist assures Kirk that ESPers are of no danger and for the meantime the message is ignored. Heading out of the galaxy they enter a strange space barrier, it causes the death of a few crew members and has a strange effect of Kirk's old friend helmsman Gary Mitchell; he is knocked unconscious and when he awakens his eyes are shining in a peculiar way. It turns out he is an ESPer and it isn't long before his powers increase exponentially. Spock notes that as his powers increase he could become dangerous; he is soon looking down on ordinary people and it can't be long before he considers them mere irritants. Spock advises Kirk to abandon Mitchell on a remote planet before it is too late; it won't be easy though.
This was a really good episode; it is just a shame it was broadcast out of order as established characters like McCoy and Uhuru aren't present and others who seem important are there is also the fact that the uniforms aren't the same as in the rest of the series; most notably Scotty and others who wear red are in beige. Just imagine; if things hadn't changed we'd be calling doomed one-episode characters 'beige shirts'! Guest star Gary Lockwood does a fine job portraying Mitchell as his megalomania increases along with his powers and Sally Kellerman is likable as Dr. Dehner. I also rather liked Andrea Dromm, who had a small part as Yeoman Smith thanks to Kirk addressing her as Yeoman Jones; it is a pity she never became a recurring character. Overall a great introduction to Kirk's era of 'Star Trek' with a good mix of drama, emotion and action.