It's easy to be critical of individual ST episodes in hindsight, but consider the medium of TV. Try to find a moving or memorable chapter of Mannix, Ironside, Mod Squad...all successful shows, but "out the door" once watched. Trek is on a 50 year roll for a reason. Kirk has to remind Scott & McCoy of the very reason for the star-ship existence; after all, it's dangerous just being in space. And yes, they have been offered contact. There is much praise for Lincoln's portrayal, but I think Col. Green steals the show. The smug look when he's introduced as the leader of a genocidal war, Kirk's suspicious, guarded dialogue, "Where are you from?", his hostile chat with Surak, bossing the other three around...he's one of ST's many actors handed a one-time role and truly "owning it". Surak's role is strong too, "Maybe it's our belief in peace that's being tested". Tough stuff. When he wins, Kirk fires, "What gives you the right?"...Yarnak explains that they have a need to know; just because they're immobile, it doesn't mean that they're not curious or intelligent; different from Earthlings, but with similar needs. And because they're incapable of space travel, experience must come to them. An altogether brilliant entry.
Review of The Savage Curtain
