This episode shows just how good Shatner can be when he doesn't overact. (Don't crucify me.)
Very well written, realistic dialog, but it's the acting that holds everything in place. Shatner's descent into madness is on target, and while there is no major plot-twist - as is nearly always the case - at least none that directly relates to the main characters, there is an intelligent point to be made, devoid of the over-the-top preaching. But then again, Serling didn't write it, which is why it doesn't have the usual teezonian foibles and nonsense.
In fact, TZ would have been a much better series overall had Serling not been so egotistic, wanting to script most episodes. Had the writing work-load been fairly distributed among more writers, the series would have had far less duds, and more classic episodes.
Very well written, realistic dialog, but it's the acting that holds everything in place. Shatner's descent into madness is on target, and while there is no major plot-twist - as is nearly always the case - at least none that directly relates to the main characters, there is an intelligent point to be made, devoid of the over-the-top preaching. But then again, Serling didn't write it, which is why it doesn't have the usual teezonian foibles and nonsense.
In fact, TZ would have been a much better series overall had Serling not been so egotistic, wanting to script most episodes. Had the writing work-load been fairly distributed among more writers, the series would have had far less duds, and more classic episodes.