It is obvious from the commentary from others in this forum that "Metamorphosis" is one of those Trek tales that one either loves or one hates. I fall into the former category, feeling that this is one of the best installments in the show's abbreviated "five year mission".
Glenn Corbett, late of "Route 66," replacing George Maharis in that show's final season, is very good as the Zephram Cochran, the man that would go on to develop the famous warp drive of "Star Trek" lore. Of course, the character returns in the eighth movie in a very different interpretation by Oscar nominee James Cromwell, but it is Corbett's quiet yet manly performance that is the focus of this episode. His revulsion at the idea that an alien blob of twinkling lights could have a romantic attraction toward him and his ultimate acceptance of said creature is quite believable.
Elinor Donahue, late of both "Father Knows Best" and a brief stint on the classic "Andy Griffith Show," is effective as both the dying commissioner and "The Companion," appropriately alluring as the latter being that has loved Cochran during his stay on the planet.
Of course, Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelly deliver their patented performances as Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, respectively, but they are upstaged by both Corbett and Donahue.
Glenn Corbett, late of "Route 66," replacing George Maharis in that show's final season, is very good as the Zephram Cochran, the man that would go on to develop the famous warp drive of "Star Trek" lore. Of course, the character returns in the eighth movie in a very different interpretation by Oscar nominee James Cromwell, but it is Corbett's quiet yet manly performance that is the focus of this episode. His revulsion at the idea that an alien blob of twinkling lights could have a romantic attraction toward him and his ultimate acceptance of said creature is quite believable.
Elinor Donahue, late of both "Father Knows Best" and a brief stint on the classic "Andy Griffith Show," is effective as both the dying commissioner and "The Companion," appropriately alluring as the latter being that has loved Cochran during his stay on the planet.
Of course, Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelly deliver their patented performances as Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, respectively, but they are upstaged by both Corbett and Donahue.