Errand of Mercy

Enter the Klingons. For the first time in the series Star Fleet finds itself pitted directly against the vicious, bellicose, more-than-a-little-Soviet forces of darkness.

Hostilities have been brewing between the UFP and the Empire for some time, and both sides are jockeying for strategic position. Thus emissaries from both groups have been drawn to Organia, an otherwise-obscure little world that happens to be located at a prime spot for refueling and resupplying starships.

The Enterprise is first on the scene. Kirk and Spock beam down and pull the old “take me to your leader” routine with the Renfest-looking locals. The Organian high council are cordial enough, but Kirk can’t seem to convince them that the Klingons pose a threat. No matter what he says, they simply insist that they’re in no danger and refuse to get involved in the conflict.

As if to simplify matters, the Klingons show up. Led by Commander Kor (John Colicos), the detachment immediately sets to imposing the Klingon way on the planet. They seize control of the government. They threaten the Organians with death if they resist. Our heroes are trapped on the planet because the Klingon vessel forced the Enterprise to back out of transporter range. Even though they’re masquerading as civilians, the Klingons still threaten to torture them. In short, the bad guys live up to every stereotype Kirk warned the Organians about.

But still the natives are unmoved. When Kirk and Spock are taken prisoner, the Organians set them free. But they refuse to participate in the insurrection Kirk tries to instigate. As the good guys prepare to square off against the bad guys on the surface, both Star Fleet and the Klingons are massing their armadas nearby and preparing for a battle royale.

Then out of nowhere everything stops working. Phasers don’t function. All the spacecraft shut down. The Organians patiently explain that as vastly superior beings they’ve been forced to use their powers to prevent the conflict. Both Kirk and Kor are outraged. How dare these milquetoast jerks prevent a war both sides claim not to want! But no matter how everyone fusses and fumes, the Organians hold fast. Both fleets will remain frozen unless and until the parties agree to a peace treaty.

My favorite part about this episode is the tone of vaguely disgusted tolerance the “pure energy” Organians use when addressing the inferior beings who’ve journeyed to their world. It’s as if the Klingons and we were no better than stupid pets who’ve just made a mess on the rug. Of course with our apparent commitment to violence and conquest, can we expect anything better?

Episode rating:

Stardate: 3198.4

Episode type: Powerful alien

Written by: Gene L. Coon

Original air date: March 23, 1967

The Devil in the Dark / The Alternative Factor

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