Balance of Terror Observations

[J.T.B.]

It's very obvious that a lot of BoT was derivative of The Enemy Below, especially the enemy trio of honorable captain, loyal old comrade in arms, and ideologue younger officer. But there are a some differences, too; the Mitchum character, for instance, is a new captain, a reservist and former merchant skipper, whom the crew does not know or yet trust. He also has a personal motivation and can seem a little obsessive about hunting the U-boat. And the ending...

RE: The Enemy below.
I was always struck at the relationship between Captain Murrell (Robert Mitchum) and the ship's doctor. Their conversations reminded me of those between Kirk and McCoy.

True, though they are new acquaintances and their major conversation scene is mostly getting to know each other.

I'm trying to remember. If the last scene was of the U-boat commander on his bridge saluting the destroyer Captain as the U-boat went down. I think that the U-boat Commander was played by Curt Jurgens. Kind of reminiscent of the final scene of BOT where the Romulan Commander tells Kirk "In another time and place, we could have called each other friends."

Spoiler: The end of The Enemy Below

Yes, it's Curd Jurgens. In the movie, the escort is torpedoed and heavily damaged in its final battle with the U-boat. Mitchum stops his ship and has fires built on deck so the U-boat thinks she's finished. The submarine surfaces and signals he will give five minutes, and the Americans start to abandon ship. Then as the submarine closes in, Mitchum orders open fire, and the U-boat is hit several times. Getting underway again, Mitchum and what's left of the crew ram the submarine, breaking her back and locking the two vessels together. Jurgens orders abandon ship and they set destruction charges. Everyone abandons ship except for Mitchum, who then sees the German captain on the deck of the submarine. Jurgens sees him and salutes. Mitchum returns the salute, then sees that the other captain is trying to help his seriously wounded engineer, his old comrade. Instead of jumping for the boat, Mitchum throws a line to the submarine and helps Jurgens get his friend to the deck of the escort. Then Jurgens climbs the rope himself. Meanwhile, the exec (David Hedison) sees what is going on and pulls his boat back alongside, and some of the crew and some rescued Germans go back aboard to help. They all get back in the whaleboat and it pulls away, and they watch as the charges detonate and both vessels go down. The next scene they are aboard a US destroyer, where the Americans stand respectfully as the German prisoners in borrowed clothes conduct a burial at sea for the engineer. The doctor tells Mitchum that amidst all the destruction of war, what he saw in their rescue efforts actually gave him hope. Jurgens goes back to the fantail and looks out to sea. Mitchum goes up to him and offers him a cigarette. They say something like:

Jurgens: I should have died many times, but somehow I keep living. This time, it was your fault.
Mitchum: I didn't know. Maybe next time I won't throw you a rope.
Jurgens: I think you will.

THE END.

The Enemy Below is currently available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime, if anyone is interested.

 

[T'Girl]

I think I've stated this before, but I feel that the few moments in the chapel after Martine leaves is interestingly telling. Kirk takes a sideways glance at what, from the perspective observed would seem to the front of the space

As Angela had just done, I think Kirk was saying a prayer for the soul of the departed Robert Tomlinson.

Tomlinson wasn't the first Kirk had lost, and he wasn't going to be the last.

+

 

[Avro Arrow]

This episode is basically a ripoff of the movie "The Enemy Below" with Robert Mitchum as a destroyer Captain hunting a U-boat.

I think they prefer the term "homage"...

 

[ZapBrannigan]

[Kirk's] reaction was observed and amplified significantly by the musical cue which, while heard at other times, I believe, gave the impression here of an ego humbling moment in the face of some far greater truth or reality.

That was a re-use of "Doctor Bartender" from "The Cage." It's one of my favorite film music tracks, from Star Trek or anywhere else.

 

[Indysolo]

Since we're talking about "Balance of Terror" there was no way I couldn't mention this terrific shot from the episode.

Source

Neil

 

[Captain Rob]

Is it just me or does Angela look a little like the chick from "Mythbusters"?

And 'homage' is a better term than ripoff. As the saying goes "If you're going to steal. Steal the best."
I've cancelled my Netflix. But I've got "The Enemy Below" on DVD. Time to break it out and watch it again.

 

[Wingsley]

One thing about these forum discussions shocks me.

There's frequently talk about the overall plot (or, in this case, obvious similarities to other stories or movies) and quite a bit of focus on the action scenes (weapons fire). But since I saw this being rerun in the 1970s when I was in elementary school, there was always one element, actually, a single scene, that would consistently shine above all the rest:

KIRK: Yes, well gentlemen, the question still remains: Can we engage them with a reasonable possibility of victory?

SCOTT: No question. Their power is simple impulse.

KIRK: Meaning we can outrun them?

STILES: To be used in chasing them or retreating, sir?

KIRK: Go ahead, Mister Styles. I called this session for opinions.

STILES: We have to attack immediately.

KIRK: Explain.

STILES: They're still on our side of the Neutral Zone. There would be no doubt they broke the treaty.

SULU: Attack, without a visible target? How do we aim our phasers?

STILES: Aim with sensors. Not accurate, but if we blanket them--...

SULU: And hope for a lucky shot before they zero in on us?

STILES: And if we don't?! Once back, they'll report that we saw their weapons and ran!

SULU: And if they could report they destroyed us?

STILES: These are Romulans! You run away from them and you guarantee war! They'll be back! Not just one ship but with everything they've got! You know that, Mister Science Officer! You've the expert on these people, always left out that one point! Why? I'm very interested in why!

KIRK: Siddown, Mister.

SPOCK: I agree. Attack.

KIRK: Are you suggesting we fight to prevent a fight?

MCCOY: Based on what? Memories of a war over a century ago? On theories about a people we've never even met face to face?

STILES: We know what they look like.

SPOCK: Yes, indeed we do, Mister Stiles. And if Romulans are an offshoot of my Vulcan blood, and I think this likely, then attack becomes even more imperative.

MCCOY: War is never imperative, Mister Spock.

SPOCK: It is for them, Doctor. Vulcan, like Earth, had its aggressive colonising period. Savage, even by Earth standards. And if Romulans retain this martial philosophy, then weakness is something we dare not show.

MCCOY: Do you want a galactic war on your conscience?

KIRK: Captain to Bridge.

UHURA [OC]: This is Uhura, Captain.

KIRK: What's our position?

UHURA [OC]: Course unchanged, sir. Estimating treaty boundary in twenty one minutes.

KIRK: Are you continuing to broadcast tactical reports?

UHURA [OC]: Affirmative, Captain.

KIRK: And at this distance?

UHURA [OC]: Approximately three hours before receiving a reply to our first message.

KIRK: Thank you, Lieutenant. Check our course ahead, Mister Spock.

SPOCK: A comet, magnitude seven, dead ahead, and the intruder changing course toward it.

KIRK: Comet Icarus four. Composition?

SPOCK: Quite ordinary. An ionized mass, a trail of frozen vapour particles.

KIRK: And when an object passes through it, even an invisible object?

SPOCK: It leaves a visible trail.

KIRK: Our chance, gentlemen. Prepare to attack. All hands, battle stations. I hope we won't need your services, Bones.

MCCOY: Amen to that. We're taking a big gamble, Jim.

People seem to talk only about Stiles' behavior on the Bridge, but his outburst in the Briefing Room, plus McCoy's and Sulu's interjections, left a lasting impression on me.

It's an all-talk scene, but it's as effective (if not moreso) than anything else in the entire episode. It's pure TOS: talk that stimulates imagination.

It has been said here that this episode might be a "ripoff" or "homage" to World War II drama movies from the 1950s, specifically 1957's excellent The Enemy Below. But "Balance of Terror" was at least as much about the Pearl Harbor attack (Tora! Tora! Tora! did not come out in theatres until about four years later, after Star Trek was no longer on NBC.)

The main drama of the episode seemed split between Kirk v. the Romulan Commander and Stiles v. Spock. Call it an A/B story in you like.

 

[Maurice]

I don't think it's "shocking" that people don't discuss the aforementioned scene. Yes, it's a good scene, but it's not all that different from other briefing room scenes early in the show, such as in "The Corbomite Maneuver". The reason this one stands out is that it's got a strong irritant in the room in Stiles.

To me Pearl Harbor is a stretch. Just because it's a sneak attack doesn't make it analogous to that. That's merely incidental.

 

[benjaminh]

I think the historical references are multiple. The title of the episode, as I say in my paper, comes from Robert McNamara, in a comment that he made about the Cuban Missile Crisis. But the Cuban Missile Crisis was a shock that for some reminded them of Pearl Harbor. It happens that "Balance of Terror" was aired on almost the exact 25th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, which was featured on the cover of Newsweek that week. I think the "sneak attack" element of the episode would have reminded some of Dec. 7th, 1941. And, as Marc Cushman says in These Are the Voyages, in 1966 the Vietnam War was raging. As Cushman writes, “The troops of North Vietnam continued to pour across the DMZ into the South, carrying out their military strikes, testing American defenses, and then retreating to the safety of home. The actions of the Romulans in “Balance of Terror” were clearly designed to mimic the tactics of the Viet Cong of this era.” (Cushman, p.234)

 

[Indysolo]

Must.....not.....derail......otherwise.....excellent.......thread......

(see signature below)

Neil

 

[J.T.B.]

As Cushman writes, “The troops of North Vietnam continued to pour across the DMZ into the South, carrying out their military strikes, testing American defenses, and then retreating to the safety of home. The actions of the Romulans in “Balance of Terror” were clearly designed to mimic the tactics of the Viet Cong of this era.” (Cushman, p.234)

Cushman doesn't know the difference between North Vietnam and Viet Cong forces? I'm shocked!

Must.....not.....derail......otherwise.....excellent.......thread......

You're better than me, sorry.

 

[HuckleCat]

BoT is a great episode that (for me) holds up really well over repeated viewings over the years. Side question - does anyone know the title of the black leather bound book Kirk slides toward spock at the end of the briefing room scene?

 

[Indysolo]

@HuckleCat, the book is "Table of Comets". Spock doesn't need to refer to it.

http://tos.trekcore.com/hd/albums/1x14hd/balanceofterrorhd291.jpg

Neil

 

[HuckleCat]

@HuckleCat, the book is "Table of Comets". Spock doesn't need to refer to it.

http://tos.trekcore.com/hd/albums/1x14hd/balanceofterrorhd291.jpg

Neil

Thanks Neil - Even with Blu-Ray, my 50 year old eyes couldn't makeout the book's title,

 

[ItsaTribble]

One of those I picked up some things i never realized before.

1) Tomlinson: "Well until then (His marriage) I'm still your boss."

I think I once thought that meant they'd have to be put in different departments when married, but now think it's a sly joke that she'll be his "boss" cause they're married.

2. I guess I never realized that because of the limited range of the plasma torpedo, Kirk seems to be staying at that range and firing from that range. That's why the Romulans can't simply decloak and fire once the Enterprise is nuked. Also, not only does the Romulan Commander not want to finish off such a noble opponent...he (correctly) thinks Kirk is playing dead.

3. Spock talking about Vulcans savage colonization period makes Romulus sound like a lost colony....not a group of Vulcans who left due to a schism. I guess they could be both.

4. I don't know who got the bidding for Phaser control safety protocals (no masks??) and circuit design (They burnt out before being hit and nuked) but they need to be sued.

I have watched star trek aince the 70's... Im watching TOS Balance of terror right now. I consider myself a decent authority on TOS. However... One thing that always bugged me about this episode maybe someone can help put to bed. When the Romulans fired the plasma at the Enterprise... WHY dis she just continue in a rearward course trying to out run it rather then adjust course to port or starboard or a positive or negative Z axis to steer away from it? Its doubtful the blaat would be "guided" towards the ship.
Thx

 

[FormerLurker]

Jurgens: I should have died many times, but somehow I keep living. This time, it was your fault.
Mitchum: I didn't know. Maybe next time I won't throw you a rope.
Jurgens: I think you will.

I couldn't help but hear Robert Mitchum's sonorous voice in my head as I read this. God, what an actor.

 

[Timo]

Why is it doubtful?

There's little indication in this episode or others about how the plasma weapon "should" behave. Since Sulu can't or won't dodge, some lines of speculation appear superior to others...

The Romulans are forced to become visible when firing. Spock speculates this is because the cloak consumes a lot of power. Later episodes establish that the cloak consumes minimal power, though, so the natural assumption would seem to be that it's the the weapon that consumes a lot of power instead. Perhaps that power involves guiding the plasma cloud by projecting a warp field around it? That'd explain why the ship's own warp drive doesn't register when Scotty tries assessing the enemy capabilities - it's diverted to the role of propelling the projectile.

On the other hand, the cloud could simply be naturally, physically attracted to starships or other big lumps of metal...

Timo Saloniemi

 

[1001001]

I have watched star trek aince the 70's... Im watching TOS Balance of terror right now. I consider myself a decent authority on TOS. However... One thing that always bugged me about this episode maybe someone can help put to bed. When the Romulans fired the plasma at the Enterprise... WHY dis she just continue in a rearward course trying to out run it rather then adjust course to port or starboard or a positive or negative Z axis to steer away from it? Its doubtful the blaat would be "guided" towards the ship.
Thx

First, welcome to the board.

Second, please take some time to read through the posting rules, located here:

https://www.trekbbs.com/threads/rules-a-short-guide-to-posting-on-the-bbs.282269/#post-11662568

In the future, please do not reply to threads that have been dead over a year. We'll let this one slide, since it's pretty close.

Thanks!

 

[Ssosmcin]

Hey, though, since it's been revived....

The "photon torpedo" instead of phaser beams probably didn't register with people back during the original run. The only other time the Enterprise fired phasers prior to this episode was The Corbomite Maneuver. And these were "set to proximity blast." It never bothered me and the "torpedo" effect never looked this good again.

As for the "homage" - it was - and may still be - common for TV series would remake movies and books. The Most Dangerous Game was probably reused more than any other story. As for "The Enemy Below," just a season earlier, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea did exactly the same thing - even using stock footage from the film -in the episode Killers of the Deep. The battle of wills between Admiral Nelson and the enemy sub commander is very similar, although less deep than in the movie or on Trek. However, this episode was actually quite good. Very exciting and suspenseful. A rare successful example of Irwin Allen creating an entire episode out of stock footage.

 

[J.T.B.]

The "photon torpedo" instead of phaser beams probably didn't register with people back during the original run. The only other time the Enterprise fired phasers prior to this episode was The Corbomite Maneuver. And these were "set to proximity blast." It never bothered me and the "torpedo" effect never looked this good again.

I have mentioned this before, but when I was a kid I didn't know the flashes in the dark were supposed to be explosions, but thought they were the phaser beams/bolts seen end-on, coming at the viewer.