The first post-pilot episode to be produced is a solid if not exceptional “bottle show” which builds upon the format and conventions established in the two previous pilots and concentrates on developing character within the framework of a straightforward yet engaging storyline.
With Kirk, Spock and Scott having had their presence established in “Where No Man”, the most significant new addition to the cast is of course, McCoy. Right away, DeForest Kelley forges a presence on the program and generates an immediate dynamic with Shatner, in a noticeable contrast to Paul Fix’s somewhat bland Dr. Piper character. And so the lead roles and the chemistry between them are already in full swing.
Faring less well are the lead female characters. After having a woman executive bridge officer in “The Cage” and a woman professional lead character in “Where No Man”, “Corbomite Maneuver” introduces the characters of Uhura and Rand. In this initial offering, the former acts as merely a switchboard operator and the latter as a stewardess. Fortunately, better roles in episodes lie ahead for both.
The central motivating force of the episode is the tense crisis faced by the Enterprise as they face a seemingly hostile threat from an unknown and apparently powerful foe, and how the crew and their fearless Captain face the crisis and search for a way to survive the “no-win situation”. This strategem ultimately emerges in the form of the brash bluff by Kirk which gives the episode its title. The irony is that the whole time the alien Balok is running an even greater bluff.
The tension in the episode as the Enterprise faces destruction is effectively conveyed, with a countdown to destruction presented in real-time (although a careful observer will note that Balok’s “minutes” are actually about ninety seconds in length) and the reactions of the bridge crew to the rapidly approaching deadline.
Another element which the episode puts forward is the gestalt of the program, the ideal of space exploration with an intent to discover alien life - and to seek understanding of and cooperation with that life even when it displays hostility. This is exemplified by Kirk’s initial attempts to reason with Balok when the alien threatens them, and then his decision to help Balok when the alien appears to be in distress, in spite of its previous animosity. “The Man Trap”, the first episode to actually air, did not quite convey those ideals as well as this episode does.
The major guest role, that of Navigator Bailey, help adds some realism to the characterization. His meltdown, however over the top some might view it, shows that the Enterprise crew is made up of human beings, not supermen.
The episode is also memorable for its iconic images in the form of the photographic effects - the multicolored cube, Balok’s ship made up of a thousand balls of glowing light, and of course the hideous Balok puppet itself.
On a side note Balok's treatment of the Enterprise seems kind of paranoid. Despite his technical superiority, he carries on his masquerade until he's absolutely sure the starship is friendly towards him. He even believes that all the voluminous data in the record banks might have been a fabrication! This episode reminds me thematically somewhat of The Twilight Zone fifth-season episode “The Fear.” Of course, “Corbomite” writer Jerry Sohl was closely associated with the Zone.
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