The "japanized" American commander is a dead ringer for Tom Hanks. The resemblance is eerie.
Part of the reason this episode works is because it isn't stupidly and fanatically anti-war, but advocates pragmatism - even more so than mercy.
Additionally, the Japanese side isn't portrayed favourably. This may seem obvious now, but in light of which political forces dominate script-writing in Hollywood, even this blatant fact cannot be taken for granted.
The conclusion isn't as obvious. We expect the arrogant new commanding officer to change his mind about slaughtering the enemy, but he is prevented by news of the atomic bomb. So while it is clear that the commander had experienced a major change in attitude, he doesn't get the chance to fully show it. Perhaps it's better that way, because such an ending would have been corny.
The dialog is OK. It isn't too preachy, not many heavy-handed speeches.
That's Spock in a small role. (As an American soldier - obviously!)
Part of the reason this episode works is because it isn't stupidly and fanatically anti-war, but advocates pragmatism - even more so than mercy.
Additionally, the Japanese side isn't portrayed favourably. This may seem obvious now, but in light of which political forces dominate script-writing in Hollywood, even this blatant fact cannot be taken for granted.
The conclusion isn't as obvious. We expect the arrogant new commanding officer to change his mind about slaughtering the enemy, but he is prevented by news of the atomic bomb. So while it is clear that the commander had experienced a major change in attitude, he doesn't get the chance to fully show it. Perhaps it's better that way, because such an ending would have been corny.
The dialog is OK. It isn't too preachy, not many heavy-handed speeches.
That's Spock in a small role. (As an American soldier - obviously!)