The ship which Kirk served on for his first deep space mission is disclosed to be the USS Farragut, and was named after David Glasgow Farragut, a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice-admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy and is credited for uttering the phrase, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"*, disregarding all danger while charging into enemy waters off the Alabama Coast.
-This is an abridged version. He said "Damn the torpedoes. Four bells, Captain Drayton, go ahead. Jouett, full speed."*
Second episode in a row in which Captain Kirk's capacity of commanding is questioned.
This episode establishes the fact that Vulcan blood is copper-based, unlike human blood which is iron-based.
Only time in the series where phasers are said to have a disruptor setting.
The only episode to have a security guard as the central story.