This is an enjoyable episode with an interesting plot and strong character moments.
The story has a quite divisive prime directive theme, with a fairly unsubtle Cold War allegory and biblical references. It does not find a satisfactory conclusion for many viewers, but for me the writer appears only to be interested in presenting arguments for and against involvement proxy wars, rather than finding another solution to the plot's dilemma. It strikes me that Spock is incapacitated for a reason throughout the episode, as they might not have wanted to place his stamp of logical approval on Kirk's decision. It is also relatively similar in plot structure to 'Friday's Child'.
Kirk is portrayed as in command of a complex situation that he handles in a way that will have a massive impact on a developing society. Everybody is likely to have an opinion on his actions but it cannot be denied that it is an intriguing premise and William Shatner is on good form.
Bones gives his opinion quite emotionally and it is another defining moment for the character. DeForest Kelley has one of his strongest outings as the iconic doctor observing a situation he finds deplorable.
The character of Nona is intriguing and provides much entertainment value. She is depicted as a power-hungry, witch-like, sex-object, who tries to cast spells over the male characters to make them win her approval. I can see how this is interpreted as quite misogynistic, however, if you put gender aside, it does quite capture the almost hypnotic state that some people can be driven to by love (or lust) for another person. Particularly when the person is suitably manipulative. Some of her scenes are quite risqué for the era and some of the innuendo is fairly strong.
Spock's subplot is pretty good. Majel Barrett is always great as Nurse Chapel and I also liked the Dr. M'Benga character. There is a lot of imaginative detail in these scenes about Vulcan physiology.
Visually it is mostly great with some decent on location cinematography, fun costumes and makeup. The Mugato looks pretty ropey by the standards of any era but that's all part of the charm.
For me this is a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
The story has a quite divisive prime directive theme, with a fairly unsubtle Cold War allegory and biblical references. It does not find a satisfactory conclusion for many viewers, but for me the writer appears only to be interested in presenting arguments for and against involvement proxy wars, rather than finding another solution to the plot's dilemma. It strikes me that Spock is incapacitated for a reason throughout the episode, as they might not have wanted to place his stamp of logical approval on Kirk's decision. It is also relatively similar in plot structure to 'Friday's Child'.
Kirk is portrayed as in command of a complex situation that he handles in a way that will have a massive impact on a developing society. Everybody is likely to have an opinion on his actions but it cannot be denied that it is an intriguing premise and William Shatner is on good form.
Bones gives his opinion quite emotionally and it is another defining moment for the character. DeForest Kelley has one of his strongest outings as the iconic doctor observing a situation he finds deplorable.
The character of Nona is intriguing and provides much entertainment value. She is depicted as a power-hungry, witch-like, sex-object, who tries to cast spells over the male characters to make them win her approval. I can see how this is interpreted as quite misogynistic, however, if you put gender aside, it does quite capture the almost hypnotic state that some people can be driven to by love (or lust) for another person. Particularly when the person is suitably manipulative. Some of her scenes are quite risqué for the era and some of the innuendo is fairly strong.
Spock's subplot is pretty good. Majel Barrett is always great as Nurse Chapel and I also liked the Dr. M'Benga character. There is a lot of imaginative detail in these scenes about Vulcan physiology.
Visually it is mostly great with some decent on location cinematography, fun costumes and makeup. The Mugato looks pretty ropey by the standards of any era but that's all part of the charm.
For me this is a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.