A company of Shakespearean actors, who travel from planet to planet to offer their performances to those interested, have a lead performer who Kirk's friend believed is an executioner responsible for the massacre on a planet they were witness to. Karidian (Arnold Moss) is performing Macbeth when Kirk's former acquaintance (William Sargent) claims he's Kodos, the Executioner. Kirk investigates, becoming more passionate about it when Sargent is found dead...a half face mask on Sargent was an example of the terror left behind Kodos. Kodos was supposedly dead, burnt alive on the very planet he sent many to die, using eugenics to decide who he believes should live or die, as a food shortage/fungus provoked him to action. Kirk and later Spock who decides to monitor the captain's actions out of concern realize that those nine folks who know what Kodos looks like are being killed one by one, eerily happening in locations of the troupe's performances. With only two left, Kirk and his Enterprise officer, Riley (Bruce Hyde, last seen in his memorable supporting part in The Naked Time), are soon to be targets... particularly since Kirk invites the troupe on-board his ship! Riley's entire family was killed by Kodos, and he nearly died from poisoned milk, recovering with vengeance on the mind. Barbara Anderson is Lenore, Karidian's daughter, of whom Kirk becomes romantic. Anderson is initially this photographically soft lit lovely, but the conclusion offers a chilling madness as her father's fate seems threatened. Lots of use of Shakespeare gives this a unique feel, a bit atypical of this Trek series. Kirk butts heads with Spock over his investigation, but the captain relents that he's unsure if getting an answer about Karidian will result in seeking revenge or seeing that an annihilator is brought to justice for his crimes. Ultimately Kirk does the right thing, preventing an anguished Riley from ruining his career. Moss is more of a factor towards the end as Kirk assertively questions him, taking his vocal tenor for analysis. Moss effectively shows underlying guilt and shame while attempting to hide his past under a persona that is beginning to erode. Cool chance to see the observation deck in this one while Kirk takes Lenore on a walk through the Enterprise... Shatner truly conveys Kirk's blossoming fondness for her, choosing later when asked by Bones if he really cared about her not to comment. Disappointment in another failed romance is right there on Kirk, quite obvious.
Review of The Conscience of the King
