TOS A Private Little War -- Review

[charlesnaismith]

G: 2 stars - I like the idea of this episode, and there are some good moments. Overall, it doesn't quite come together and it's bit held back by the weird sexist bullshit. Things to like: the episode is grounded in more real and "current" history, and I also like how they go into more detail about the reasons for the prime directive. The big letdown is the ending is which is sadly lacking in a clear decision made by two "decisive" characters. They needed a better B plot about the enterprise in conflict with the Klingon ship.

C: 0 stars - Sometimes it is hard to believe Mr. Rodenberry ever met a woman. This is another stupid episode with non-Enterprise characters that make no sense (why would they not recognise Kirk?) other than the Romulans. Kirk advocates for starting a proxy war, Bones doesn't have a single argument against it, and the only woman is so bizarre in her characterisation that the director has her continuing her sexydance while fighting against being sexually assaulted. This episode has no redeeming features, no 'valuable for later' anything, and I am stunned it made it to TV.

Is this Star Trek? Yes. Kirke and Bones debate what they should do and think about the long term effects of their decisions, and the ramifications of the prime directive substantially create the central drama ( I think you can tell who wrote this bit ;) )
 

Plot Summary: Kirk and Bones investigate the guns wielded by natives of a primitive planet, as part of their ongoing colonialist proxy war with  the Klingons.

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