The Trouble with Tribbles

Enterprise is assigned to guard a consignment of grain on board a space station where the crew have a number of encounters furry creatures called Tribbles and also the Klingons.

This is a strong episode with great comic situations and character moments.

Although quite lighthearted the story is very good. The writers present a solid overarching narrative and include many situations that create opportunities for both physical and verbal comedy.

Scotty and Chekov are used excellently in humorous situations, whereas Kirk is an effective straight-man through most of the chaos and has some great dialogue. Kirk is also quite impatient and amusingly hostile towards one antagonistic guest character, which works well as a recurring joke. Spock, Bones and U'Hura also contribute to the fun, as do the guest characters.

The visuals in this episode are some of the best in the series. It is all very simple prop work that depicts the issues caused by the Tribbles but it is both effective and highly memorable. One fight scene is done fantastically well and reminiscent of a classic western saloon brawl. Kirk's lineup with the offenders is a classic Star Trek moment.

All stars are on top form especially William Shatner, James Doohan and Walter Koenig.

For me it is an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.