I only take issue with one part of this episode. It's a big one, mentioned by others before. It is the ease with which a small group of people can take over the Enterprise. For heaven's sake, they've been boarded so many times, you'd think they were a cruise ship. I realize other writers have said the same thing. The part that I was fine with was a commentary on religious zealots. I consider myself a spiritual person, but to me there is nothing more frightening than a bunch of religious factions that base their lives on fairy tales where they are the chosen ones. Our country is loaded with them right now. Enough of my soap box, however. I really loved the use of the transporter and the eventual retaking of the ship. The episode was about a plan to save the mission and move ahead. The final scene is terrific. Are these people going to live there now? I suppose that issue will be ignored now. I try to view these episodes on their structural value and found this fun. All the "deus ex machina" aside (which is constantly at work in ever version of Star Trek conceived), it's a pretty cool story.
Oh, one last thing. Isn't it interesting how a dominant male group would base their religion on giant balls.
Oh, one last thing. Isn't it interesting how a dominant male group would base their religion on giant balls.