Enterprise visits a planet where the inhabitants are strongly controlled by what appears to be a supreme being.
This is a reasonably good prime directive episode with plenty of decent character moments, but it feels quite unoriginal.
The plot has been done before in 'Return of the Archons' in a slightly different setting. However there are some good character moments that make up for that.
Kirk, Spock, Bones and Chekov have plenty of good moments and memorable lines, particularly Kirk and Spock. There is some good focus on Kirk's command responsibilities and decision making. His regret of rigidly following orders is addressed in a later situation quite well.
The prime directive is an important factor in the plot resolution and it is refreshing after watching a lot of 'The Next Generation' episodes to see Kirk's more cowboy attitude to interference.
The Redshirts have a tough time on the away mission and there is noticeably little more than lip service paid to their deaths.
Visually it's a very plastic and papier-mâché looking set with some quite odd looking alien costumes. Some of the props look fairly ropey too. As with most away missions in the original series all these aspects are part of the sixties charm.
Most performances are enjoyable, especially Leonard Nimoy and Walter Koenig.