Ep. 3 The Corbomite Maneuver

This episode was where the Enterprise was blocked in space first by a probe, and later by a ship. They are told that they will be destroyed. Kirk tells the alien Balok that the ship contains corbomite, a destructive element that will destroy Balok himself if he attacks Kirk. In the end, Balok is a peaceful alien who was simply testing them, and they become fast friends.

This is one of my favorite episodes because it is brilliantly written. Despite taking place almost completely on the bridge, it doesn't get boring. The drama is compelling, even without seeing the enemy alien until the end. And, of course, it is wonderfully acted. A great episode that could have been dull, pulled off fantastically. It also introducing Dr. McCoy, Uhura, and Yeoman Rand, who were important recurring characters. Sulu was on the bridge, and everyone finally had the right color shirt on, except Uhura, who was in gold, for some reason. My criticism is that Bailey, painted as a younger version of Kirk, leaves at the end of the episode. This marks two episodes in a row that interesting bridge crew members are taken off the show the same episode they are introduced. It also doesn't bode well for any future navigators, as the first two we see only last one episode a piece.

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
DeForrest Kelley as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy
James Doohan as Scotty
George Takei as Sulu
Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura
Grace Lee Whitney as Yeoman Rand

NOTABLE GUEST STARS:
Anthony Call as Lt. David Bailey
Clint Howard as Balok

Quote:
"Has it occurred to you that there's a certain inefficiency in constantly questioning me on things you've already made up your mind about?"
"It gives me emotional security." ~ Spock and Kirk