After a surprise attack, the Federation is in a state of war with the Klingon Empire.
This is a strong episode that delivers a pacifist message in unique way and contains a number of memorable performances.
It has a good plot, giving great opportunities for characters to shine and contains an important message. It is rare to see the main protagonists and antagonists both portrayed like this and for me this is what makes it a great episode.
It introduces two excellent concepts in the Klingons and the Organians. Perhaps rather tellingly, considering the nature of the episode, it says a lot about what an audience wants to see when you consider the violent, warlike Klingons feature in so many future episodes, whereas the peaceful Organians only appear one other time in the franchise.
The only thing I found that slightly frustrates with The Errand Of Mercy is the time it takes to get to a key reveal. From the early scenes it is clear to see The Organians are not just simple pacifist humanoids, yet it takes almost fifty minutes to get to their true form. Personally I do not think the writers should have made this so obvious. That being said, when the final reveal comes it is a brilliant and memorable concept done very cinematically.
The visuals are good with some decent interior sets and fun costumes on display. However the best part comes during the big reveal towards the end.
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy both give strong performances, particularly Nimoy in his facial expressions and body language. For me the star of the show is John Colicos as Kor.
I think it is an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is a strong episode that delivers a pacifist message in unique way and contains a number of memorable performances.
It has a good plot, giving great opportunities for characters to shine and contains an important message. It is rare to see the main protagonists and antagonists both portrayed like this and for me this is what makes it a great episode.
It introduces two excellent concepts in the Klingons and the Organians. Perhaps rather tellingly, considering the nature of the episode, it says a lot about what an audience wants to see when you consider the violent, warlike Klingons feature in so many future episodes, whereas the peaceful Organians only appear one other time in the franchise.
The only thing I found that slightly frustrates with The Errand Of Mercy is the time it takes to get to a key reveal. From the early scenes it is clear to see The Organians are not just simple pacifist humanoids, yet it takes almost fifty minutes to get to their true form. Personally I do not think the writers should have made this so obvious. That being said, when the final reveal comes it is a brilliant and memorable concept done very cinematically.
The visuals are good with some decent interior sets and fun costumes on display. However the best part comes during the big reveal towards the end.
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy both give strong performances, particularly Nimoy in his facial expressions and body language. For me the star of the show is John Colicos as Kor.
I think it is an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.