The Enterprise crew is investigating the spread of insanity among the peoples of several planets. What is responsible is a disgusting-looking single-cell organism that attaches itself to hosts and spreads its tentacles throughout their bodies, and then controlling their minds. Things turn very serious when Spock himself is victimized by one of the creatures.
A rather familiar premise (shades of "The Puppet Masters" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers") is given solid-enough treatment in this entertaining 'Star Trek' episode. It shows how Kirk really is an all-business type; even though tragedy strikes his family in this episode, he must concentrate on the task at hand. And what, exactly, is the weakness of the creatures? Conventional weapons like phasers don't affect them. The combined minds of Spock & Bones come up with few answers, and Kirk would prefer not to kill off a whole civilization, although he knows it may prevent the creatures from continuing their influence on other species. The answer lies in a suicidal move by one denizen of the planet.
Scripted by Steven W. Carabatsos ("El Condor", "Tentacles"), and directed by Herschel Daugherty ('Dr. Kildare', 'The Smith Family'), 'Operation - Annihilate!' is an enjoyable if perhaps uninspired closer to this series' first season. It benefits the most from the chemistry between the principal cast members, who'd had enough time to settle quite comfortably into their roles. Nimoy has plenty of good moments here as Spock fights to retain control of his own body; as one can expect, the fact that he's half-Vulcan turns out to be his own saving grace.
Seven out of 10.
A rather familiar premise (shades of "The Puppet Masters" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers") is given solid-enough treatment in this entertaining 'Star Trek' episode. It shows how Kirk really is an all-business type; even though tragedy strikes his family in this episode, he must concentrate on the task at hand. And what, exactly, is the weakness of the creatures? Conventional weapons like phasers don't affect them. The combined minds of Spock & Bones come up with few answers, and Kirk would prefer not to kill off a whole civilization, although he knows it may prevent the creatures from continuing their influence on other species. The answer lies in a suicidal move by one denizen of the planet.
Scripted by Steven W. Carabatsos ("El Condor", "Tentacles"), and directed by Herschel Daugherty ('Dr. Kildare', 'The Smith Family'), 'Operation - Annihilate!' is an enjoyable if perhaps uninspired closer to this series' first season. It benefits the most from the chemistry between the principal cast members, who'd had enough time to settle quite comfortably into their roles. Nimoy has plenty of good moments here as Spock fights to retain control of his own body; as one can expect, the fact that he's half-Vulcan turns out to be his own saving grace.
Seven out of 10.