The Conscience of the King and Balance of Terror

First, my notes on The Conscience…:

• Ah, the life of a starship captain: “I’m beaming back down” — for a cocktail party! :-)
• Spock was hilarious during the “pick-up” scene: first, with wondering how Kirk knew that Lenore was beaming aboard, and then with his eyebrows when Kirk hinted at quoting Starfleet regulations to her.
• Did she just ask Kirk if he was throbbing? :-D Ahem… Sorry, high-school moment.
• I really like it when Uhura sings.
• I loved that scene in Karidian’s quarters: “I AM TIRED!” I had my doubts about Moss in the opening scene, but by this time I was thoroughly enjoying both his and Barbara Anderson’s performances.
• Lenore’s collapse was both terrible and beautiful.

I really enjoyed Balance of Terror; I think it was an even better battle than Khan’s last stand in Star Trek II:

• The unseen Romulans; great opening.
• Spock’s hint of a smile as the Romulan commander was revealed was pure gold. Mark Lenard was immediately recognizable.
• The Romulan ship’s paint-job was awesome! Of all the references to birds of prey over the years, this was the best!
• The reference to Centurion got me thinking about the Roman Empire. Upon reflection, it’s clear that that’s just one of many with regard to the Romulans.
• As I said, the battle was fantastic. The moments of silence reminded me of the submarine warfare I’ve seen dramatized.
• The conversation between Kirk and Bones as Kirk gets up from his rest was great: it reminded me of the pilot footage of Pike talking about retiring with his doctor.