Capella IV is home to "rocks" (mineral worth quite a price) that the Federation is interested in, willing to work a treaty with the tribes on the planet. Akaar (Ben Gage) is leader of the Capellans, but Maab (Michael Dante) is influenced by Klingon visitor, Kras (Tige Andrews), to usurp the throne and take it. Maab leads his men in a successful rebellion that overthrows Akaar, killing him and his men, while Kirk, Spock, and Bones are forced to eventually flee (with Akaar's very pregnant wife, Eleen (Julie Newmar, not the sexpot she'd be recognized as on Batman and other projects)). Kras sees the deaths of the Federation's finest as quite the notch on his belt, but ultimately he wants the mineral rights, as a Klingon cruiser is somewhere near the planet.
Scotty is in charge of the Enterprise while Kirk, Spock, and Bones try to find a location of safety while on the lam as Maab, Kras, and other Capellan warriors give chase. A distress signal draws the Enterprise away from the planet, but Scotty soon realizes that it is false, bogus chicanery by the Klingon cruiser. Finding a cave, Kirk and Spock can fashion medieval weapons (bow and arrows) while Bones delivers Eleen's unwanted child. Eleen wants to die since Akaar is dead, but Kirk prevents it, nearly perishing in the process. The planet is hot, dry, and barren, with hills and peaks, so the cat and mouse isn't easy for Kirk and company while a bomb causing collision and a strategic attack keep them just out of harm's way. Eleen isn't exactly the easiest company for our heroes, even leaving the safety of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and her newborn, surrendering herself to Maab. While Maab and the Capellans live by honesty and violence, Kras isn't above stabbing them each in the back or securing a Federation phaser to blast one of them.
It is really fun seeing Scotty in command, with Uhura, Chekov, and Sulu on the Bridge assisting him during their orbit and answer of the distress signal, with plenty of analysis and intuition involved. Meanwhile you have the Three (well, the fourth is a redshirt quickly dispatched when he sees Kras and draws his phaser) dealing with the climate and natural landscape of the planet, titanic Capellans who are purposely presented as very tall and imposing (despite their rather laughable, unflattering attire), and treacherous, slimy Kras, with no honor or dignity, just wanting to take whatever his Klingons desire. The kligat is a type of throwing star favoring similarly to the boomerang which the Capellans use as a weapon, along with their daggers. Kras is almost vanquished early by Kirk, saved by Maab. Eleen is a walking contradiction she offers her life to be taken yet wants to live. Newmar speaks as the Capellans stone-faced and with primitive words. Spock's reaction to what Eleen names her newborn as Kirk and Bones gloat is priceless. Fascinating scene has Eleen slapping Bones for trying to feel of her stomach to verify the baby's condition, with him taking a few shots before offering one across her face for good measure! Predictable conclusion, as Kras is certain to get his. Scotty challenging the Klingon cruiser and them wanting none of the Enterprise, while Kras proves time and again he's a weasel, is quite a contrast to the warriors of Worf's era hell, the Klingons of Kirk are completely different than that of Picard! In fact, the Capellans are a bit more similar to Worf's Klingons than Kras!
Scotty is in charge of the Enterprise while Kirk, Spock, and Bones try to find a location of safety while on the lam as Maab, Kras, and other Capellan warriors give chase. A distress signal draws the Enterprise away from the planet, but Scotty soon realizes that it is false, bogus chicanery by the Klingon cruiser. Finding a cave, Kirk and Spock can fashion medieval weapons (bow and arrows) while Bones delivers Eleen's unwanted child. Eleen wants to die since Akaar is dead, but Kirk prevents it, nearly perishing in the process. The planet is hot, dry, and barren, with hills and peaks, so the cat and mouse isn't easy for Kirk and company while a bomb causing collision and a strategic attack keep them just out of harm's way. Eleen isn't exactly the easiest company for our heroes, even leaving the safety of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and her newborn, surrendering herself to Maab. While Maab and the Capellans live by honesty and violence, Kras isn't above stabbing them each in the back or securing a Federation phaser to blast one of them.
It is really fun seeing Scotty in command, with Uhura, Chekov, and Sulu on the Bridge assisting him during their orbit and answer of the distress signal, with plenty of analysis and intuition involved. Meanwhile you have the Three (well, the fourth is a redshirt quickly dispatched when he sees Kras and draws his phaser) dealing with the climate and natural landscape of the planet, titanic Capellans who are purposely presented as very tall and imposing (despite their rather laughable, unflattering attire), and treacherous, slimy Kras, with no honor or dignity, just wanting to take whatever his Klingons desire. The kligat is a type of throwing star favoring similarly to the boomerang which the Capellans use as a weapon, along with their daggers. Kras is almost vanquished early by Kirk, saved by Maab. Eleen is a walking contradiction she offers her life to be taken yet wants to live. Newmar speaks as the Capellans stone-faced and with primitive words. Spock's reaction to what Eleen names her newborn as Kirk and Bones gloat is priceless. Fascinating scene has Eleen slapping Bones for trying to feel of her stomach to verify the baby's condition, with him taking a few shots before offering one across her face for good measure! Predictable conclusion, as Kras is certain to get his. Scotty challenging the Klingon cruiser and them wanting none of the Enterprise, while Kras proves time and again he's a weasel, is quite a contrast to the warriors of Worf's era hell, the Klingons of Kirk are completely different than that of Picard! In fact, the Capellans are a bit more similar to Worf's Klingons than Kras!