This is another Gene L. Coon episode, albeit written under a pseudonym and is so far frankly the best episode of Season 3 that I've seen so far.
So, my thoughts:
- When an alien telepath tells you to turn around, it's probably a good idea. Especially as you people have encountered plenty of such situations before.
- The half-built town, which is obviously something done for budgetary reasons (it's also all in studio), is cleverly explained.
- The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which didn't actually take place there, also formed the basis of an entire story of Doctor Who in the Hartnell era, "The Gunfighters". It would be one of the last 'pure historical' stories i.e. a story set in the past with no science fiction episodes and isn't considered a classic.
- Chekov really does not cover himself in glory during this - spending far too much time flirting with a vapid young woman who also does nothing for female writing in this tale.
- There's certainly a particularly good concept here and it's well handled, with a keen sense of inevitability as the characters try to avoid the gunfight. This would have made a good plot for Legends of Tomorrow, sadly cancelled on a cliffhanger.
- Spock is well done, proving his worth as the science officer and figuring out the situation in time to save everyone's lives. The others also do well, except for Chekov as mentioned above.
- Clearly the budget wasn't there for the Melkotians, of which we get one entirely static creature and a voiceover.
- Sadly, humans have not overcome their predilection for violence, as current events continue to demonstrate.
Conclusion
I don't think we get many great episodes in this run, but this is one of them, despite some flaws.
8/10
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