LogFAQs > #967448997

Episode 26: Errand of Mercy

I find that I'm falling into something of a pattern in writing these reviews. I'll typically begin by describing my thoughts on the main concept/plot, go on to discuss the characters in roughly descending order of importance, point out any technical qualities in notice (set design, music etc.) and finish with a paragraph on the theme/moral of the episode. The reason for this structure is to try and have something vaguely interesting to say about every aspect of the production. Just wondering if there's any area you lot think I'm neglecting or could stand to improve my writing on. I want this to be enjoyable to read, else there's no point in making it, so, hit me up with some criticisms if you've got them.

Despite all that, I'm going to start with the characters this time around. Kor is a fine villain. Only a few steps below Khan. He has some unfortunate yellow peril vibes to his design, but he's ruthless, fair and quite respectful at times. He shows clear appreciation for Kirk, even when he's in disguise, is savvy enough to have the council room bugged and shows remarkable decency to his lieutenant after the escape. Similar to the Romulan commander, there's a note of regret in some of his duties. He's clearly angry that the organians won't fight back and shares Kirk's clear contempt for their pacifism. It's funny how he inserts himself into Kirk and Spock's dynamic after the twist, what with asking followup questions to Spock's observations and suggesting he and Kirk team up. Pretty fantastic character. I can tell why Klingons got a redesign, though. Also, he is completely right: you shouldn't trust people who smile too much.

Kirk and Spock are basically a single unit this episode. Their banter is impeccable and often hilarious. They are practically finishing each others sentences. Kirk gets a nice solitary moment when his compassion wins out over his frustration and he states he will still "protect" the organians, despite his clear dislike of them.

Sulu got to be captain for a bit, though we unfortunately didn't see much of him. I'll take what little I can get, though. Uhura is still being shafted for the most part which I don't like much.

Ayelborne (an absolute monster of a name to type out) started off annoying me, but quickly rose to become perhaps the best character of this piece. Or at least second to Kor. The twist that they are a godlike race was easy to see coming. In fact, the main reason I disliked him was because he refused to explain that fact, despite hinting at it at least thrice. Mind you, Kirk should cottoned on immediately.

Production wise, the design of the Organians' facsimile of a society is pretty nice. Every scene with Kirk and Kor talking is tense, especially when he's in his, frankly see through, disguise. Speaking of, Spock is clearly a Doctor Strange cosplayer.

But the big thing to talk about is the theme. This is a blatant parable of the cold War and how both the US and the ussr were both after proxy states to fight in it. The key question is about whether anyone has a right to interfere in other cultures. "Let us liberate/protect you" probably doesn't sound too different to "we will conquer you" if you're having foreign occupation and military bases built in you home however you slice it. What makes it better than just that though is the issue of the Prime Directive.

Upon hearing that organian culture has apparently stagnated, Kirk immediately tries to sweeten the deal by, effectively, imposing his culture on them. And this is where the character of Ayelborne absolutely sings to me. I figured out that they were incredibly powerful really early (though it wasn't exactly hidden), but I still thought that we were tending towards a mediocre anti pacifism story. Then, when it became clear that Ayelborne can use his powers, albeit in subtle ways, I thought we would be having a clichd pro pacifism story, like what Arena did. Instead, I got an excellent cold War analogue, but it didn't stop there. Stagnation has so far been a justifiable reason for intruding on a culture, one that I've agreed with. To some extent, I might be being led by the narrative: after all, any competently written script with a point is, by definition, a persuasive argument. But to have my own viewpoint set up and then, along with Kirk's, viciously torn down and to have him keep dismantling it for an excruciatingly long time is fucking fantastic. Ayelborne breaks his own prime directive and commits an act of hypocrisy against a government of hypocrits. I could write an essay about this episode (I basically already have). Kor almost gets off lightly, because at least he's honest. But I'll leave it here.

In conclusion, I was taken for a painful, relentless ride and I liked it. An absolute gem of an episode.

Next: The Alternative Factor