@finfan I watched this again (don't click on the spoiler tab if you don't know why) in preparation for the series finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. 6 years passed since I saw this episode. What surprised me is that it was instantly natural to watch it again, like it was yesterday since I watched a previous episode. All my "friends" Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu and others were there waiting for me.
The tension is enormous and I like that we see a psychological battle between two minds that are actually in doubt in their actions. No cocky attitude. Just two men playing chess in space.
Bones dialogue to Kirk is beautiful: "In this galaxy, there's a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million million galaxies like this. And in all of that... and perhaps more, only one of each of us. Don't destroy the one named Kirk".
I also liked the final confrontation between Kirk and the Romulan commander, I just hoped Kirk replied to him with some compliments.
Review by FinFanBlockedParentSpoilers2022-05-11T13:06:08Z
This episode is among the best of the show's whole run.
Not only is it a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the Enterprise and the Romulans. It shows their commander as much more than just a one-dimensional enemy. He wonders if everything he does makes sense. If there isn't a better way. But he can't escape his drilled in sense of duty. That alone would have make this story stand out. And even Kirk has it's moment showing a little doubt if his decisions are always right. It's basically the question if war is always unavoidable given certain cirsumsatnces, or if it isn't better to avoid it and search for other solutions.
We also have the character of Stiles who openly hates Romulans because his anchestors dies in the war at their hands. When he learns their is a connection to the Vulcans his hatred reflects upon Spock. Stiles only comes around when Spock saves his life despite everything. Yes, it's very on the nose. But for a TV show in the 60s, openly showing that form of bigotry, is exceptional and a reason for Star Trek popularity to this day.
The drama of the young couple supposed to get married at the beginning, with one of them being killed in the line of duty, looses a bit of impact under the weight of everything else. But it leaves us with a final word from Kirk:
"There's always a price to pay"