As the Enterprise crosses a 'space desert' the crew are surprised to come across an uncharted planet
but not half as surprised as when Kirk and Sulu suddenly vanish from the bridge. Scans suggest the planet has a hostile environment but there is one spot that likes more hospitable so an away party is sent down; here they are surprised to find a castle occupied by a man in nineteenth century attire who identifies himself as Trelane; The Squire Of Gothos. They also find Sulu and Kirk, frozen like statues till Trelane unfreezes them. It emerges that he is fascinated by Earth having studied it from afar but due to the distances involved he believes Earth and its people to be like those at the time of Napoleon. In some ways Trelane seems superior but at times he is merely petulant; getting upset any time anybody challenges his authority. Kirk manages to get the better of him and they escape but as the Enterprise flees they find the planet in front of them again; they will have to face Trelane again and ultimately learn his true nature.
This is an enjoyable episode thanks to William Campbell's performance as Trelane; he nicely captures the characters immaturity without overdoing it at least until his final scene and that was down to the writers. The way his interpretation of Earth is wrong is rather fun he has observed Earth but his recreation is flawed; food has no flavour and the fire gives off no heat. His encounters with the Enterprise's crew provide some nice moments such as a duel with Kirk and later a more deadly fight. The conclusion manages to be classic Star Trek but also a bit disappointing as Trelane isn't quite what he appeared to be. Still this is an episode that fans of the series will remember.
This is an enjoyable episode thanks to William Campbell's performance as Trelane; he nicely captures the characters immaturity without overdoing it at least until his final scene and that was down to the writers. The way his interpretation of Earth is wrong is rather fun he has observed Earth but his recreation is flawed; food has no flavour and the fire gives off no heat. His encounters with the Enterprise's crew provide some nice moments such as a duel with Kirk and later a more deadly fight. The conclusion manages to be classic Star Trek but also a bit disappointing as Trelane isn't quite what he appeared to be. Still this is an episode that fans of the series will remember.