As the second season starts Spock is behaving uncharacteristically; he is showing signs of emotion and asks for leave on his home planet of Vulcan. He is initially unwilling to tell Capt. Kirk why he must return but eventually explains; it is the Pon Farr; the time when a Vulcan has an uncontrollable urge to return home as part of their breeding cycle. He explains that his wife was chosen for him when he was a child and now he must return to her; if he doesn't he will die! Star Fleet has ordered the Enterprise to go to Altair VI but Kirk diverts for his friend. When they arrive at Vulcan they learn that the woman Spock had been promised to doesn't want to be paired with him; as part of the ritual she can choose another who will fight to the death with Spock
she chooses Captain Kirk meaning the two friends must fight and Spock's condition means he won't hold back from killing Kirk!
This episode is a great introduction to the second season; we have a fine story that tells us more about Vulcan culture and teaches us that they do have times when they lose their famed logic. It also sets up a conflict that looks as though it must end in the death of either Kirk or Spock obviously watching now we know that somehow they will both survive but that doesn't make it any less exciting. The final resolution is nicely handled as is Spock's intended's explanation of why she picked Kirk to fight for her. Leonard Nimoy does a fine job showing us the emotional conflict Spock is going through as he tells his friend Kirk the Vulcans' deepest secret. The episode also serves to introduce Ensign Pavel Chekov to the show; although at this point there is no way to tell him apart from other single episode characters; he certainly doesn't play a large role in the story. Overall a quality episode that fans are sure to enjoy.
This episode is a great introduction to the second season; we have a fine story that tells us more about Vulcan culture and teaches us that they do have times when they lose their famed logic. It also sets up a conflict that looks as though it must end in the death of either Kirk or Spock obviously watching now we know that somehow they will both survive but that doesn't make it any less exciting. The final resolution is nicely handled as is Spock's intended's explanation of why she picked Kirk to fight for her. Leonard Nimoy does a fine job showing us the emotional conflict Spock is going through as he tells his friend Kirk the Vulcans' deepest secret. The episode also serves to introduce Ensign Pavel Chekov to the show; although at this point there is no way to tell him apart from other single episode characters; he certainly doesn't play a large role in the story. Overall a quality episode that fans are sure to enjoy.