Various Enterprise crew encounter a species called the Kelvans, who are stranded on a fairly lush planet. The Kelvans, however, are anything but grateful, overtaking the landing party and forcing their way onto the starship where they completely take over. They're determined to fulfill their mission of conquering numerous other parts of the galaxy.
We've seen Kirk be an excellent problem solver before, but this time he really has his work cut out for him. He has to watch as crew members get reduced to blocks of matter. Seemingly, there's no way of combating these Kelvans. Finally, he & Spock realize that this species - ordinarily of immense size and sporting a great many tentacles - are bound by the laws of these human forms that they've assumed. So he realizes what he has to do: OVER-stimulate the Kelvans!
We're treated to another classic Kirk fight, as he tussles with Kelvan leader Rojan (Warren Stevens, "Forbidden Planet"), and we watch as he shows his amorous side with luscious Kelvan babe Kelinda (the stunning international icon Barbara Bouchet ("Casino Royale")). A hilarious bit of business occurs when Scotty drinks Kelvan character Tomar (Robert Fortier, "McCabe & Mrs. Miller") under the table. His drunken "It's....green." line is a classic Scotty moment.
While the conclusion, where Kirk manages to make Rojan see reason, is not really convincing, overall this is a bright, lively episode with some great moments, and typically wonderful interplay between the regular players. The very good script is by D. C. Fontana and Jerome Bixby, based on Bixby's story.
Stewart Moss ("The Bat People"), who'd previously been in a first season episode ('The Naked Time'), Carl Byrd ("Telefon"), and Julie Cobb ("Just You and Me, Kid") also guest star.
Eight out of 10.
We've seen Kirk be an excellent problem solver before, but this time he really has his work cut out for him. He has to watch as crew members get reduced to blocks of matter. Seemingly, there's no way of combating these Kelvans. Finally, he & Spock realize that this species - ordinarily of immense size and sporting a great many tentacles - are bound by the laws of these human forms that they've assumed. So he realizes what he has to do: OVER-stimulate the Kelvans!
We're treated to another classic Kirk fight, as he tussles with Kelvan leader Rojan (Warren Stevens, "Forbidden Planet"), and we watch as he shows his amorous side with luscious Kelvan babe Kelinda (the stunning international icon Barbara Bouchet ("Casino Royale")). A hilarious bit of business occurs when Scotty drinks Kelvan character Tomar (Robert Fortier, "McCabe & Mrs. Miller") under the table. His drunken "It's....green." line is a classic Scotty moment.
While the conclusion, where Kirk manages to make Rojan see reason, is not really convincing, overall this is a bright, lively episode with some great moments, and typically wonderful interplay between the regular players. The very good script is by D. C. Fontana and Jerome Bixby, based on Bixby's story.
Stewart Moss ("The Bat People"), who'd previously been in a first season episode ('The Naked Time'), Carl Byrd ("Telefon"), and Julie Cobb ("Just You and Me, Kid") also guest star.
Eight out of 10.