It's wonderful to see an episode that takes risks left and right, particularly when, as in this case, they all pay out wonderfully. So we've got the Enterprise and this alien ship locked in battle. That's certainly cool, but nothing terribly innovative. In addition to the clever game of cat and mouse that fills the bulk of the episode, however, the narrative is enriched beyond the norm on both sides of the line. Aboard the Enterprise, we're treated to an intimate look at both discord among the upper ranks with the vengeful Stiles, and loss on the lower decks when the battle costs the life of a young groom to be. Riskier still is the time we spend aboard the Romulan vessel. Here we have a commander campaigning ruthlessly to destroy our heroes, and coming rather close several times more than we might like. He's not just good at his job; he's Kirk good at his job. But because he carries out his mission reluctantly, because that is the job he is born to perform, we sympathize with him, though we know we may not show him any quarter. The rules of this game make it so that only he or we may survive - our rejoice at victory is coupled with regret that it must also mean their defeat. Superior storytelling.
Balance Of Terror
- Thread starter Mendon
- Start date
In fact, the episode is almost too close to that film. Some plot points are lifted right out of it.
Well sure, they say there's nothing new under the sun. To be clear, I mean risks only in introducing new elements to the fledgling Star Trek formula, not for breaking new ground in narrative forms more generally. In this case, they chose their inspirations wisely.
That said, I suppose I should see The Enemy Below to properly judge the nature of the parallels before I start applauding too loudly; taking inspiration is one thing, but there's nothing admirable about painting entirely according to someone else's numbers.
That said, I suppose I should see The Enemy Below to properly judge the nature of the parallels before I start applauding too loudly; taking inspiration is one thing, but there's nothing admirable about painting entirely according to someone else's numbers.
The best thing about Balance of Terror is the good writing; besides the tense cat-and-mouse game, the episode introduces us to one of Star Trek's most interesting alien races. The scenes with the Romulans are so good that by the end of the episode we really care about the antogonists and what happens to them. We also get a peek into Kirk's world of self-doubt and internal angst, and what might be McCoy's best speech in the entire series ("...don't destroy the one named Kirk").
The worst thing about Balance of Terror is the poor writing; or at least poorly thought-out science. Scotty's throw-away line about the Romulan ship having "simple impulse power" has caused many arguments; Sulu's comment that "one shot would detonate" the fearsome Romulan plasma weapon, and the fact that the weapon is a blob of energy that could be easily avoided by a ship. Why doesn't Kirk order "hard to starboard" and let the weapon pass by? It doesn't seem to be a guided missile.
The worst moment has to be Kirk hugging Rand on the bridge at the critical moment; especially after it had been stated in the writer's guide that a starship commander (or a 20th Century naval commander) would never act this way.
The worst thing about Balance of Terror is the poor writing; or at least poorly thought-out science. Scotty's throw-away line about the Romulan ship having "simple impulse power" has caused many arguments; Sulu's comment that "one shot would detonate" the fearsome Romulan plasma weapon, and the fact that the weapon is a blob of energy that could be easily avoided by a ship. Why doesn't Kirk order "hard to starboard" and let the weapon pass by? It doesn't seem to be a guided missile.
The worst moment has to be Kirk hugging Rand on the bridge at the critical moment; especially after it had been stated in the writer's guide that a starship commander (or a 20th Century naval commander) would never act this way.
S'Tyles is Romulan undercover, assigned to spread dissention and ensure the outpost attacks succeed.
But as an agent provocateur it makes sense, casting guilt on the Vulcan. Not like we don't see this trick all over TOS (JtB, TT, even Kirk returning the favor in EI).
If the harshest criticisms one could offer are leveled at the logistics of the weaponry, I say they've done a fine job. Considering that at this stage in the game, the basic concepts of science in Trek had not yet been established to their current degree, it's perfectly understandable if it doesn't jive with our current understandings. As a piece of drama unto itself, it's pretty fantastic.
So was I, as I was with the crowd in the rec room in "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield", the Galileo 7 crew and Scotty in the extended TUC.
Star Trek wasn't as utopian as all that. Things were better, but not as "perfect" as early TNG.
As for Balance of Terror, the science may not make sense (but then, can we even be sure what "simple impulse" means at this stage of the series? The Federation hadn't even been invented yet!), but this episode is brilliant. The Romulans were fantastic enemies and Mark Lenard was as good an opponent for Kirk as there was ever going to be. Seeing Kirk go through this situation and have to deal with all this responsibility was very compelling, great TV.
As for Balance of Terror, the science may not make sense (but then, can we even be sure what "simple impulse" means at this stage of the series? The Federation hadn't even been invented yet!), but this episode is brilliant. The Romulans were fantastic enemies and Mark Lenard was as good an opponent for Kirk as there was ever going to be. Seeing Kirk go through this situation and have to deal with all this responsibility was very compelling, great TV.
Some? The only thing missing was a Romulan drinking song to the tune of Der Alte Dessauer.
Yes, this isn't perfect and some have spoken of a few glaring faults contained in this episode.
However... as Mendon states, these do not distract from the superb performances (esp. Mark Lenard) and the heightened drama of the action - even if it is borrowed from another film. Hell, if "Dr Who" can nick plots wholesale from popular culture (and get away with it), why not "Star Trek"?
However... as Mendon states, these do not distract from the superb performances (esp. Mark Lenard) and the heightened drama of the action - even if it is borrowed from another film. Hell, if "Dr Who" can nick plots wholesale from popular culture (and get away with it), why not "Star Trek"?
I have always liked this episode, one of my favorites.
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