It was interesting, watching this episode so close to The Conscience of the King: Spock’s logical choice of who to leave behind (versus drawing lots) was similar to Kodos’ justification for the executions.
I also noted fairly early on — when Spock and McCoy were around back of the shuttlecraft — the difference between McCoy’s comments about command and Spock’s actions: it turned out to be the theme of the episode, as, at the crucial moment of the creature attacking the shuttlecraft, Spock openly questions how what is logically correct continues to lead them astray. It was clear that his actions weren’t appreciated long before this, but I particularly liked Yeoman Mears‘ line of some inspiration would be nice, or some such. :-)
My other notes follow:
- I thought the service for Latimer was a bit premature, but Spock was needlessly callous about it; particularly when it seemed he might even leave the body for the creature.
- Spock’s look upon finding Gaetano’s body was priceless! As if to say, “Well, this is inconvenient.” :-)
- A Zefram Cochrane (from First Contact) sort of move, that fuel burn.
- I loved how Kirk couldn’t speak for a moment upon learning that five crewmen had been beamed aboard alive.
