Ha I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice the disappearing phasers.
I always have enjoyed this episode. Much to love and even to be sorry about.
*Spooky alien set and music. Weird and colorful costume on Lee Meriwether. Action on board the Enterprise and a planet.
*Even though Spock seems a little off and grumpy I find all the dialogue amusing. Those bits about doors opening and closing and "I must touch you" and "I am for you" crack me up every time. Take a shot every time you hear those and this could be a drinking game episode.
*Sulu gets on a landing party and unloads ineffective phaser fire into Lee Meriwether's abs. Dr M'Benga makes a return appearance! D'Amato, Dr. Sanchez and Lt. Rahda make the ship feel bigger with more officers and specialists.
*The deaths of Enterprise crew are regrettable especially with the knowledge that it is really a computer just executing defensive programming in a centuries old lost cause.
*I once read a fan, probably here, confess that he tried that "I am for you" and "I must touch you" business on his wife and she understandably grew rapidly annoyed.
