Star Trek Original Series reviews - The Man Trap
The Man Trap (First aired: September 8th, 1966)
The one that started it all. (Of course, The Cage is the one that started it all, but this is the one that NBC viewers saw first.) The Enterprise stops at M-113 on a routine visit, but quickly discover that something has gone horribly wrong. The episode quickly establishes the characters, particularly Kirk and McCoy. The latter especially, as it is revealed that the Doctor had been romantically involved with Nancy some time in the past. (Before she met Robert.) It is still a senstive area, as he is offended by Darnell's remark about her being identical to someone he had met on Wrigley's Pleasure Planet.
Kirk is established as a capable leader, who looks out for his crew. (Not that it does Darnell, Sturgeon and Green any good.) Spock's nature as a logical Vulcan is also established. Uhura's playful teasing doesn't faze him. (Still, I wonder if their relationship in the Kelvin Timeline was inspired by this moment?) And she's aghast at his unemotional response to the report that a member of the landing party had died. Various crewmembers aboard ship are also established (and are certainly put off by the 'Salt vampire's' imitation of Green. Particularly Rand.)
Part of the role of the Enterprise is established. (Checking up on various Federation outposts.) The suspense as the characters investigate what is happening, is very well realised. The initial reluctance of Crater to cooperate leads well into the later situation. The confrontation on the planet between the Starfleet officers and Crater (after the creature had infiltrated the Enterprise) was well done. Overall, it is an excellent introduction to the series, and the overall setting.
Rating: 8.5/19.
Stardate: 1513.1 - 1513.8
Introductions: Overall setting; USS Enterprise NCC 1701; Kirk, James T.; Spock; McCoy, Leonard H; Uhura, Nyota; Sulu, Hikaru; Rand, Janice; Crater, Robert; M-113;
Deaths: 5 (Nancy Crater, Darnell, Sturgeon, Green and the Creature/'Salt Vampire')