Star Trek (TV Series) Amok Time (1967) User Reviews

the Kirk-Spock-McCoy Friendship

[spidey_man · 10/10 · 29 November 2010]

This started the second season of Star Trek with a bang, giving us both a greater understand of Spock's Vulcan heritage and the bond between Kirk, Spock and McCoy.

Two scenes to me stand out for their excellence and geniuneness in the relationships between these three. In the first, Kirk knows that Spock will die if they don't reach Vulcan in eight days. However, despite his pleas to Starfleet Command, he is told to proceed to Altair VI to be part of an inauguration ritual. With McCoy when told this, McCoy remarks "Well, that's that." Kirk however has no intention of following orders and tells McCoy he will continue to Vulcan. McCoy tells him this will mean his career. Kirk replies, "Spock has saved my life at least a dozen times. Isn't that worth a career?", then looks straight at McCoy and says, "He's my FRIEND." A great line, maybe the best of the original series.

Second is when McCoy, Spock and Kirk are all in the turbobay, and Spock asks Kirk if he will accompany him. Kirk ask if it is permitted, and Spock says that it is "my right, to be accompanied by my closed friends." He then says slowly, "I also.. request... McCoy." McCoy, understanding the respect Spock has shown him and much pleased, says "I shall be honored, sir."

These are great moments in television, ones that cemented Star Trek as being more than just science fiction, but about the human condition. I've watched these scenes over and over and still get a thrill watching them. Great art, great story, great direction, great direction.

The UnTimely Urge of a Certain Vulcan

[Bogmeister · 9/10 · 14 August 2006]

The 2nd season of the original Trek show began with an intriguing glimpse into the backstory of the show's now most popular character, Spock, and his homeworld of Vulcan. The audience of '67 was plunged into the first detailed vision of Vulcan mystique, rituals and ceremony, and most, I would gather, would be quite surprised. Up until this point, the one facet of Vulcan culture which the show stressed (during the 1st season) was logic. When the subject of Vulcan mating methods (itself a daring theme during sixties TV) comes up during this episode, all of us, like Kirk, assumed it would all follow along those logical lines. Not even close. An ancient culture, the Vulcans are still subject to and participate in ancient traditions which precede their turn to logic. But, who would have guessed it would be this violent, this primal?

Contradictions in Spock's behavior abound during this episode and I believed this added to the entire wonderment many fans already had in respect to Spock and his history. Though logic supposedly determines Spock's actions, he keeps his secrets about his sudden need to visit his home planet, even though such an approach would surely cause his death. It doesn't seem like he was counting on Kirk's persuasive abilities as a friend to break through his Vulcan guardedness; instead, Spock seems hellbent on perishing, wrapping himself in solitude and loneliness. The music during these sequences in Spock's quarters conveys an overwhelming sense of melancholy, and it's quite a depressing mood - all the actors are at the top of their game here. I'd have to say my favorite scene, however, is in the turbolift with the main trio; Spock requests Kirk to accompany him down to the planet, as a close friend; there is a pause, and then, as we anticipate, he asks McCoy the same thing - no wisecracks from McCoy here - it's a solemn occasion. The scene is fantastically scripted, directed and acted, especially by Kelley.

Mention should also be made of guest star Lovsky as the high muckety-muck Vulcan priestess - talk about perfect casting. Her accent makes it seem as if she was born to play this role. She utters several words in the Vulcan language and it all rings true. The entire atmosphere on Vulcan, with the decor, the costumes and the Vulcans themselves was never done better (unfortunately). In fact, future Trek series, even TNG, and especially the "Enterprise" show, were never able to capture that terrific exotic feel which we're able to immerse ourselves in during this sequence. These REALLY were Vulcans, not just some actors with strange pointed ears attached. Only actor Mark Lenard was also able to capture that authentic Vulcan sensibility later in this 2nd season, in "Journey to Babel." That episode also explained, more or less, as to why Spock's parents didn't attend this Vulcan marriage ceremony. Ah, poor Spock - at least you chose your friends well.

wonderful show

[fabian5 · 10/10 · 16 October 2007]

Season 2 of Star Trek started off with a bang. This is one of the most memorable shows concerning Spock and his home planet of Vulcan. Plus the Vulcan's 7 year biological urge to mate. Only Harlan Ellison's "City on the Edge of Forever" exceeds the quality of Theodore Sturgeon's script here. It must surely rank among the Top 10 Star Trek shows that were ever produced.

We see Spock and Kirk fighting at the end and Spock is almost out of his mind since he is in the throws of Ponn Far--the Vulcan mating ritual. Who can forget Spock's poignant speech to Tpau that he shall not live long and prosper since he has killed his captain and his friend, Kirk.

"... there are some things which transcend even the discipline of the service".

[classicsoncall · 10/10 · 8 November 2010]

THIS is what great science fiction is all about! The second season of the series kicks off with an entirely original story that explores Spock's Vulcan roots, and delves into that planet's ritual and customs that have grown shrouded in antiquity. I just love the way the writers (Roddenberry and Sturgeon) develop the concept of Pon Farr, the time of mating, and use it to create havoc with Spock's rational side. There's a uniquely creative element at work in the naming of the characters, the revelation of Vulcan as a red sky planet, the history of T'Pau, the beauty of T'Pring and the challenge of the Kal-if-fee. And if that wasn't enough, you have your first genuine 'Holy ____' moment in the history of Star Trek - Captain Kirk dies! That comes so totally out of left field that you're left wondering how this can possibly be happening to one of TV's favorite characters.

Even after forty plus years this episode performs it's magic for me. Not only does it work as extraordinary sci-fi, there's also the bond that's developed between Kirk, Spock and McCoy that sets the stage for a friendship that really didn't exist in the series before. Most of the time in the first season, their relationship was developed along strictly professional lines, with boundaries drawn along status and rank. Here those lines are blurred when Spock invites his fellow officers to witness the Koon-ut-kal-if-fee, and is given even more approbation when T'Pau honors Spock's choice.

What further magnifies this episode as one of the best are those elements written into the story that wouldn't have been missed if they were left out, but since they were included, work to create an even richer tapestry for the Star Trek universe. Here I'm thinking about T'Pau's renown as the only person ever to decline a seat on the Federation Council. With that simple description, Roddenberry elevates the character's status in the ST universe in a way that might otherwise have taken a couple of episodes to impress.

And of course there's T'Pring's rationale for the Kal-if-fee. I always got a kick out of the way Star Trek presented those situations that worked to reinforce logic and reason to effect an outcome. This one was brilliant, pitting Kirk as T'Pring's champion against a Spock who even if he emerged victorious, would have left T'Pring with her own desired outcome. All of these elements work so well in the story, that every time I watch it, I'm left speechless as an Aldebaran Shellmouth.

Spock fights Kirk in a battle to the death!

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 18 June 2015]

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.

Vulcan puberty

[Fluke_Skywalker · 9/10 · 31 October 2016]

Plot; Affected by the Pon Farr, an ancient Vulcan mating drive, Spock must return home to partake in a mating ritual that could mean his life.

One of the more iconic episode from TOS, and rightfully so. It's also full of firsts. It the first episode to feature Walter Koenig as Chekov, the first to bill DeForest Kelley alongside Shatner and Nimoy in the opening credits, and perhaps most importantly, the first to feature Gerald Fried's iconic "battle music".

As for the episode itself, it's very tight and tense, with a strong performance by Nimoy, who clearly relished the juicy role and a chance to see another side of the otherwise cool and logical Spock.

One of the top five episodes.

[mm-39 · 9/10 · 2 November 2017]

One of the top five episodes. Spock gets sick and must go back to Vulcan. Cool episode, where Spock must mate and follows a wild ritual where Kirk must face Spock in a battle to the death. A bizarre episode that has the viewer guessing what will happen next. The fight music with Spock and Kirk is memorable. There is McCoy/Kirk synergy with the Amok Time episode. McCoy make great comic relief for tense situations for the Star Trek series. The Vulcan plant, culture, back grounds, and sets create and exotic feel which melds perfect the Vulcan characters. A memorable episode. 9 out of 10 stars.

Spock vs. Kirk

[Samuel-Shovel · 9/10 · 11 May 2018]

In "Amok Time", Spock falls victim to the Pon Farr mating period and must return to Vulcan and betrothe his arranged mate or risk death via the equivalent of an adrenaline overdose. The Enterprise heads for Vulcan and Spock invites Kirk & Bones to watch his ceremony.

Many confusing Vulcan traditions stun the Earthlings and T'Pring ends up forcing a battle to the death between Spock and the perplexed Kirk. Spock has a full on fever of blood and is no longer himself. The stately T'Pau presides over the entire process. After a long and exciting battle sequence, it appears that Spock has won, Kirk appears dead. Bones transports up the body and Spock asks to turn himself in, no longer under the spell of Pon Farr and now uninterested in T'Pring after learning that this entire gimmick was because she wants to marry a third man. It's revealed that Bones drugged Kirk to make him appear dead, everyone's now fine. The Enterprise heads off again for the stars.

Thus episode really captures the essence of Vulcan and the customs of its people. I love all the traditions, weapons, and backdrop. Nimoy does a fantastic job in this episode showing off a wide range of emotion, something normally not asked of him.

It's a bit odd that both McCoy and Kirk are unaware of the concept of Pon Farr. The humans has been interacting with Vulcans for a very long time by now so the fact that this is a heavily guarded secret is strange. Heck, we even see it occur aboard the Enterprise with T'Pol over 100 years before! Vulcans and humans have married. How has this not come up?

Regardless of this giant plothole, I still really like this episode. It's very Spock-focused which is always a plus in my book. I also like how Kirk accepted the dual before learning all the rules. That's a classic headstrong Kirk move. I enjoyed seeing the old sage, TPau. We haven't seen her in over 100 years but she is still a very big deal in the Vulcan community. That's great!

Star Trek: The Original Series - Amok Time

[Scarecrow-88 · 10/10 · 19 September 2016]

While "Spock's Brain" might be a rotgut to the third season in regards to its storytelling, "Amok Time" more than makes up for it. Getting the chance to explore the Vulcan mating rituals, visit Spock's home planet, and see Kirk forced to combat his friend "to the death" are all surefire reasons this is a classic episode for the Enterprise's Chief Science Officer. Spock going through a peculiar type of puberty, his blood "burning", his emotional and biological state infuriated by Vulcan physiology and the ritual resulting in his chosen mate deciding she wants him to "fight for her"; there are fascinating developments shown to Star Trek fans for the first time. It is clear his chosen mate, T'Pring (Arlene Martel), has eyes and heart for Vulcan, Stonn (Lawrence Montaigne). So T'Pring goes the "logical" route and chooses Kirk as the other participant to vie for her hand in marriage. T'Pau (Celia Lovsky) as the marriage "moderator" with the authority most respected by not just Vulcan but the Federation. Spock's value and recognition has brought great fame, but T'Pring has a desire for a Vulcan at home with her. Meanwhile poor Kirk, who had accepted the challenge because of respect for T'Pau, wanting to represent the Federation and his species well, didn't realize the combat would be to the death, unable to back out! That alone brings plenty of suspense to the ongoing plot. While Spock fights the "blood fever" and, this drive that is more primal instinct than logic, Kirk is pretty much completely on the defensive, not only combating a stronger and superior fighter but the thin atmospheric air deteriorating his strength and conditioning. Even before arriving on Vulcan, there is the development of Spock's health, the warfare inside him raging, with Nurse Chapel, long established as the woman who loves him, making some soup for him that is tossed at her when his temper was uncontrollable! Kirk appealing to Spock to share what is burdening him and why he so badly needs to go on shore leave to Vulcan, while Starfleet Command orders the captain to instead travel on a diplomatic mission to Altair IV provide other unique developments serving as proper connective tissue to the final act. Bones' clever answer as to how to get Kirk out of such a hot mess and how Spock realizes "Jim" isn't dead, his face and voice so overjoyed just bookend this great episode nicely. The show always found ways to innovatively "kill" and "resurrect" James T Kirk.

Birth of one of the most famous musical TV themes ever!!!!

[woljm45 · 22 March 2006]

They goofed about in "The Cable Guy" when Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick fought each other at the Medieval Times restaurant. Wow!!! What a way to kick off the second season. Spock is in heat because he is in the midst of the Vulcan mating period and must return to his planet. Once there, Kirk and Spock are forced to battle to the death for the hand of Spock's chosen mate. The music that goes along with the fighting will be used in other episodes as well be recognized throughout TV history. Nimoy did a great job of playing a sexually frustrated Spock that allowed his human side to really show up.

Until Death Do Us Part...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 16 February 2022]

Mr. Spock is overcome with desire, his emotions are raging on fire, must return to Vulcan, the flames he must fan, if he can't the prognosis is dire.

The curious mating ritual and biology of the Vulcan causes problems for the captain of the Enterprise.

The 7 year itch

[SusanJL · 10/10 · 10 March 2019]

Great episode! Even stoic Vulcans have a primal urge to mate, who knew?? Loved the interplay between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Kirk seemed to be taking the wedding proceedings with a relaxed, even bemused attitude. Until he is suddenly in a match to the death, that is!! Especially loved the end when Spock, seeing Kirk is alive, grins and says "Jim" with genuine joy. Well, Spock is half human after all!

Time to die

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 2 August 2017]

It's because of "Star Trek III" that I knew about Pon Farr at a young age (long before fandom had taken over) but 'Amok Time' is a far better into to the Vulcan ritual. The genius of this episode is how it uses Spock as a device to witness first-hand the physical effects. Insubordination and mood swings aren't applicable to our favorite Vulcan at all, but here he is completely out of his mind.It's a great way to build drama and flesh out the character.

And then there's the back half, full of drum beats and swirling camera moves; it doesn't really devolve into a fight scene between friends so much as speaks to Spock's frenzy (and integrity in the aftermath). It's as deep as it is dramatic.

7/10

A Mockery of The Original Series Canon

[mbrahms26 · 1/10 · 14 March 2021]

I know this is among the most popular of TOS episodes, but to me it ranks with "Spock's Brain" for idiocy. We are asked to believe that the Vulcans, who are humanoids who can mate with Earthlings, are like the cicadas that need to mate every seventeen years. In the case of Vulcans, it's every seven years. This is not cultural, but biological! Even though TOS series established that Spock was not the only Vulcan in Star Fleet, we are asked to believe that somehow this urgent mating need requiring a return to Vulcan to mate is a closely kept secret. Even if Spock were in fact the sole Vulcan in Star Fleet, would he not inform Kirk well in advance of his "Seven Year Itch" that he may have an urgent need to return to Vulcan, and not remain silent until the last minute? And wouldn't the huge age gap among Vulcans be rather conspicuous, with every generation seven years apart? Then worst of all, we are asked to accept that the super rational Vulcans have an idiotic mating ceremony in which the female could choose "a champion" to fight on her behalf "to the death." We are asked to believe that the High Priestess, speaking in bad King James English instead of Vulcan, neglects to inform Kirk that if he accepted Spock's fiance's challenge, either he or Spock, or possibly both, would be killed? In any scenario, Star Fleet would lose two highly valued officers, either both dead in combat or one dead and the winner facing court martial and a ruined career, as Spock ruefully noted after he believed he killed Kirk. Finally, once Kirk realized he was faced with the Hobson's Choice of either killing Spock or being killed, why wouldn't he have just beamed up with McCoy at once? And if not, when McCoy was tending to a badly mangled Kirk, he also could have signaled the Enterprise to beam them up instead of giving Kirk that shot that simulated death, which was idiotic to do since it would not take effect right away, but only when Kirk was confronting a deranged Spock and likely resulting in Kirk's literal death! "Amok Time" is an insult to the intelligence of every fan of TOS.

Funny, This Never Came Up Before

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 28 April 2014]

This is a good episode. The series was renewed for another year and began with a very original tale. Spock's physiology demands that every seven years he must mate. This requires a trip to Vulcan. When Spock and his crew mates arrive, it becomes obvious that Spock must be a very important figure because he is in the presence of the matriarch ruler, T'Pau. Unfortunately, his trip proves a difficult one in that his betrothed has decided, according to Vulcan law, to choose a different mate. She also has the privilege of choosing someone to fight for her. Instead of choosing a Vulcan hero, she picks Kirk. It is required that he fight to the death, which proves to be a no-win situation. Kirk is doomed to failure because he has no experience in this type of fighting. The interesting things about this episode are, first of all, the lack of knowledge of Vulcans and their habits. Since Spock is a major figure in Starfleet, why isn't this known. The other is the utter unfairness of the situation. As we learn more about Vulcans, we come to realize that many of their traditions are grounded in a time before they became the stoic people we are used to. The other thing has to do with the conclusion, which I will withhold. It concludes with one of McCoy's best responses to Spock. Watch this episode just for this.

A Star Trek fan's deep-thinking paradise...

[dsgraham212002 · 10/10 · 16 April 2016]

This is a rewarding and thought-provoking episode, especially if you can look deeply into the relationships of the main characters, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Also, Nurse Chapel's unrequited love for Spock is handled succinctly, yet beautifully. Watch the associated- scenes and see the actual humanity Spock exhibit towards Christine in them, affirming some feelings of his own towards her. No protracted Kirk love interest (Lust in Space) in this one, perhaps producing alien- hybrid progeny throughout the galaxy!

"Amok Time" is a treat for all those that love this show. Sure, there's the usual plot contrivance where the prerequisite fight must occur (the fight theme music is now so humorously-recognized) just like other television programs of the era did, but it is handled in the Trekkian context we have grown to appreciate, as fans. This is an episode I have learned to really enjoy more, over time. Watch it carefully as a fan, and you just might, as well.

In a pig's eye!

[mark-1206 · 10/10 · 3 August 2021]

Perfect showcase of the relationships between the 3 leads.

Shame about Checkov's wig but his joke about the course was great.

Brilliant stuff, that's all I wanted to say.

Guilty pleasure

[mhubbard-54657 · 9/10 · 8 March 2017]

Love this episode. The Mr Spock we have come to know and sort of understand is really not himself. He is apparently too embarrassed to tell the Captain that he is undergoing a sex- drive induced behavioral aberration, something the average male human has every time he consumes more than one beer. We soon learn, for the Vulcan, it only happens every 7 years. Apparently that fact cannot simply be pulled up on the ship's computers, as mystery shrouds the ancient mating ritual. The Captain cannot grasp why Spock would suddenly demand to use his leave credits in an illogical manner, and confronts his beloved First Officer.Upon learning the truth, Kirk disobeys Starfleet orders out of friendship.Mr Spock has saved his life countless times and it is worth losing his career. Thus the ship is diverted to Vulcan to save Mr Spock's life. Soon Kirk and McCoy beam down to Vulcan with Spock, thinking they are about to be be his "best men" at the wedding ceremony. We see Vulcan culture for the first time, and a dramatic fight between Spock and Kirk ensues. Kirk almost dies but McCoy cleverly saves the day.

This is a great episode. It has all the elements we have come to love in TOS, plus Mr Spock going berserk. We have Nurse Chapel, with her long and skinny legs, falling over to help Spock, and we have Mr Spock too ashamed to tell the Captain about the biologic functions of Vulcans. Somehow, the episode conveniently ends with no imperative to actually consummate a marital relationship, and Mr Spock is off the hook for another 7 years. The only downside to this episode is the ludicrously incorrect use of thee's and thou's by the female Vulcan official. Why they thought this would sound good is a great mystery.

The episode ends with a poignant affirmation of Mr Spock's love for the Captain. His joy is genuine in discovering he has not killed Kirk, after all. And all the female fans then went into hibernation, as he apparently will not be in the mood again for 7 years, which is an eternity when you are a lonely teenager.

Pon Farr - Vulcan Mating Season For Spock

[Rainey-Dawn · 8/10 · 7 January 2017]

Season 2, episode 1. The Enterprise is heading to Altair VI when Mr. Spock starts acting erratic and not wanting to explain his actions and behavior to anyone - not even to Kirk or Bones. Bones notices that Spock's vital signs are not right and he's not eating and he tells Kirk that they have to bring Spock to Vulcan or he will die. Kirk keeps prodding Spock to tell him what is going on and Spock finally opens up. Starfleet orders Kirk to head to Altair VI but he defies the orders to bring Spock to Vulcan. Pon Farr time for Mr. Spock, his Vulcan blood is burning, he is married to T'Pring and must mate with her. T'Pring chooses a challenge - her champion Kirk. Kirk has the option to say "No" but Bones feels that Spock cannot take on the other challenger and Kirk feels he might have a plan but he soon finds out that this is a fight to the death. T'Pring is wanting a divorce and to marry Stonn. Kirk and Spock must fight to the death but McCoy has something up his sleeve.

Good episode, fun to watch Kirk and Spock battle it out.

I've got to love the relationship between Kirk, Spock and Bones. There is always one of them with something up their sleeve to surprise the other two.

8.5/10

Scratching that seven-year itch...

[poe426 · 10/10 · 9 July 2012]

Yet another fine example of why the original STAR TREK is so enduring. With what appears to be an absolute minimum of means (the "planet Vulcan" consists of but a single- albeit outstanding- set), a solid script, and (as usual) topnotch performances (not to mention expert direction), AMOK TIME manages to convey the sense of oppressive heat and the lower oxygen level of an alien world; even the hue of the sky lends itself to this. Built around the ticking of Spock's biological clock, this episode offers us a tantalizing glimpse into the repressive Vulcan psyche. It's a powerful episode with an explosive climax. Talk about your Big Bang theories...

Victorian commentary.

[Blueghost · 24 June 2009]

The modern era of our sleeping in individual rooms began in medieval England. Prior to this time the common hall was the scene of all activity. Once private apartments came into being, the social network of the communal hearth that was the heart of village and castle had had a spike driven into its chest.

Social contact, already codified from the classic era, was put into an even greater diaspora than before. From this, and from the fear of spreading germs and sickness, social codes became more tight fisted. Up until the point where affection between man and woman could barely be tolerated.

"Amok Time" deals with this theme. It deals with the veils mankind has created to hide and mask, for better or ill, our more basic physical and emotional desires. The creation of a mysticism by a race driven by logic to enshroud the act and craving for simple love shows that the more a society represses said feelings, the more dangerous the contest and higher the stakes.

The episode goes even deeper than that (but only just) as it examines the estrangement of arranged marriages by a traditional society, and the lengths the parties involved will go to to alter the bargain made in which they had no say. Friend becomes foe in an emotional feast that culminates in some very gripping and dramatic television.

The episode also calls into question the sanity of repressing basic emotions, and the tragic consequences thereof. We witness the strains it puts on the crew of the Enterprise, and some unexpected repercussions, and even more repercussions beyond that.

An interesting episode that may have been done partially for sensationalism as well as social commentary. It's an interesting and entertaining watch if you're so inclined.

Pretty good, but that's about all

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 7 December 2006]

This is a good episode, but to some it is great. I guess we just have to allow that there are a lot of differing opinions and perhaps they saw something in the episode that I didn't or vice-versa.

Spock is having a bad case of "Vulcan Sex Drive". It seems that Vulcan men are not so logical after all, and a woman who Spock never bothered to mention (!) is waiting for him on Vulcan for their marriage ceremony. In the meantime, Spock becomes a raving maniac who will die unless he is given shore leave for some nookie. But, the Enterprise is ordered to some other quadrant--and Kirk incorrectly assumes Spock will just get over it. Well, McCoy informs Jim that unless Spock is on Vulcan ASAP, he will die!!! So, Kirk defies direct orders and heads there (something that it seems is quite okay to do judging by the various episodes).

Once on the planet, Spock's intended turns out to be a real piece of work and initiates a fight to the death between Kirk and Spock. Kirk and Spock agree because,...well,...because it's in the script. So, it's up to the clever Dr. McCoy to save the day. In the end, everybody including Spock is happy, but he never did get any nookie.

The episode is exciting and it's nice to finally see Vulcan. I guess the only problem for me is that it just seemed a bit silly and contrived. But, despite this, it's still very watchable and fun.

After time, you may find that having, is not so pleasing a thing after all as wanting

[snoozejonc · 10/10 · 12 May 2021]

Spock behaves radically out of character, resulting in a jaunt to Vulcan.

This is a classic episode with brilliant character moments and a number of memorable scenes.

The story cleverly puts Kirk in a difficult command situation of a choice between a tick-box political mission or an important personal duty to Spock. It also gives a decent spin on sexual and emotional repression within cultures, arranged marriages and shows how primal nature breaks through social construction into outright violence, albeit in a somewhat controlled way.

There are a number of incredibly good dramatic exchanges between Spock and Enterprise crew members right from the start, especially Captain Kirk and Nurse Chapel. These scenes are loaded with tension and intrigue. What follows on Vulcan is another compelling dilemma for Kirk.

As the episode progresses it does some excellent world building within the franchise, particularly regarding Vulcan culture.

Amok Time has great visual storytelling that superbly presents what Spock is experiencing. Little touches like when he holds a blade behind his back during questioning, throws the Vulcan soup in anger and the general focus on his body language. The only minor let down in one otherwise great fight scene is the occasional visibility of the stuntmen. The classic Trek touch of giving Kirk a ripped shirt in battle is used to good effect. The soundtrack heightens the drama and now feels pretty iconic.

Importantly this episode firmly establishes the central trinity of Kirk, Spock and Bones who not only engage in some of the show's most memorable banter but they all make huge contributions to the story.

There is also some nice light hearted banter between Chekhov and Sulu.

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley are all excellent, particularly Nimoy who shows his range in a tortured performance. Majel Barrett is superb in her exchanges with Nimoy. All supporting characters, including the Vulcan characters contribute solidly.

Some aspects of the episode require some suspension of disbelief, but if you do not take certain plot points too seriously you should find it all thoroughly entertaining. For me it's a 9.5/10 but I like to round upwards.

Spock gets the urge.

[BA_Harrison · 7/10 · 29 May 2022]

Episode one of season two sees Spock more than a little agitated, much to the concern of Captain Kirk. After questioning Spock, Jim discovers that his first officer is overwrought and frustrated, it being the time for him to take a mate. Spock convinces Kirk to make a detour to Vulcan so that he can partake in a sacred marriage ritual with his betrothed, T'Pring, but an unexpected turn of events sees Spock and Jim engaging in combat to the death.

Amok Time is a reasonably entertaining season starter, giving the viewer an insight into the Vulcan race and its customs, introducing the well known phrase 'Live long and prosper' and the iconic Vulcan hand salute. But to get the most out of the episode, one has to not guess the twist. I did, so the happy ending didn't have quite the effect that was intended. Still, it's hard not to enjoy the sight of Kirk and his best pal swinging stupid looking weapons at each other while concerned McCoy watches on.

This episode was also the first to feature Walter Koenig as Ensign Pavel Chekov, the actor sporting a rather fetching Monkees-style wig.

Just Silly

[zombiemockingbird · 5/10 · 13 March 2023]

There are just too many holes in this story. Spock, being overwhelmingly logical, would have been prepared for this. Even if he thought it might not happen because of being half human, he still would have been better prepared. Also, why would he be embarrassed to tell McCoy and Kirk what his problem was? He doesn't have emotions. As for the whole ritual, it makes no sense in a society such as Vulcan, where they live and die by logic. I can't believe they would allow outsiders to participate at all, especially in the challenge, and never mention that it's a fight to the death? They all continually talk about logic throughout the episode yet nothing in it is logical. Just overall a pointless episode.