Search - Star Trek - The Original Series, Vol. 30, Episodes 59 and 60: The Enterprise Incident/ And the Children Shall Lead on DVD

Aimee M. (AimeeM)
Reviewed on 2/21/2010...

THE ENTERPISE INCIDENT
If you've ever wondered what Shatner would've looked like as a Vulcan... this episode will show you. :) Has a sort of "James Bond" feel in this episode. Pretty good plot and developed the Romulans a bit more.
Yes... this the the one where Spock kissed the Female Romulan Commander... no comment.
Worth watching as it is one of the Classics.

AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD
Someone obviously wanted to write another episode with kids in it. There was one before called "Miri" that was pretty popular and hey! Kids are cute right? People will like it.
Well... yes... the kids are cute.

But oh my gosh! This episode give me the creeps!

The storyline basically shows how the kids have been brainwashed by this evil-alien-ghost-bad-thing that they chant about. Yes... chant. It is the CREEPIEST thing I have ever heard. They sit there and link arms and chant about their "friendly angel" that killed their parents. Ick.

BUT aside from that, the kids are cute. And at least in the end the bad-guy is killed or dissolves or whatever you want to call it.

Also has a good Kirk and Spock moment where Kirk must face his fear of being alone and losing command... Spock is a good friend and helps bring him back to reality.

So not it isn't "Throw this episode out" since it has that one good scene, but definitely not high on my list.

ONE OF THE BEST AND THE WORST STAR TREK EPISODE EVER!!!

Jared Insell | Canada | 12/24/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 30 of the Star Trek DVD series will draw the buyer because of the classic ENTERPRISE INCIDENT episode. However it will also repel many because the episode has had the ill luck of being coupled with the worst episode that came out of the original series; AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD.Those who say the entire third season of Star Trek is bad obviously didn't see THE ENTERPRISE INCIDENT. The episode finds the Enterprise crew venturing into Romulan territory under a secret mission. The episode is well written and well acted. Joan Linville makes a fine appearance as the Romulan Commander. Her scenes with Spock are very memorable. A great action packed story with some great moments make THE ENTERPRISE INCIDENT a classic definetly worth seeing. Especially when Kirk is disguised as a Romulan.There is no doubt in my mind that AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD is the worst Star Trek episode of the entire series. The plot tries to take a sort of 'Children Of The Damned' status but comes out as a joke. The casting is terrible as several bad child actors were hired as well as lawyer Melvin Belli (of The Rolling Stone's Gimme Shelter fame) who was cast as the evil spirit whom controls the children. The entire episode is totally unconvincing but particularily because Belli looks more like a Christmas tree than a threatening entity. This is best viewed as a joke but watch it at your own risk. Overall the DVD is worth getting for the classic ENTERPRISE INCIDENT and perhaps if you are bored you should watch AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD but it is the worst episode of the bunch. Recommended but don't get mad at me if your disappointed I warned you about AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD : )"

Without Followers, Evil Cannot Prevail

Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 08/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 30 of Paramount's complete reissue of Classic Trek contains two contrasting episodes from Season Three. The Enterprise Incident is a successful and riveting story, even though its plot--full of Nixonian plotting and plausible deniability--runs counter to Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek philosophy. What makes this episode work is the taut writing, tight editing, powerful scoring, and excellent performances from all involved. The scenes between Leonard Nimoy and guest star Joanne Linville--as the Romulan Commander smolder with erotic tension. The visuals are also superior to most of the series. However, some of the Romulan makeup looks rushed, with some clumsy ear appliances. Despite an interesting concept, And The Children Shall Lead is not a success. The episode, essentially an allegory about religious cults, is undone by tortured dialogue, weak plotting, and the most egregious incident of "stunt" casting in Trek history: Lawyer Melvin Belli portrays the evil Gorgon. Dressed in a silver gown with a floral patterned collar, Belli looks like a second-rate televangelist in drag. Most of this episode is so laughably ridiculous that it's best ignored or viewed as a party gag. What a wasted opportunity. No complaints about the picture and sound restoration. However, Al Francis' lighting and camerawork lacks the beauty and subtlety of Jerry Finnerman's, who resigned after the second season."

Spock can lie

D. Nishimoto | USA | 11/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Romulan commander is lead too believe that Spock being a Vulcan can not lie. Spock in the "Undiscovered Country" will lie and surprise his student calling it an "exaggeration". Spock tells the Romulan commander, it is true that he can not lie. After applying the Vulcan death grip on Kirk; Kirk is thought to be dead and beamed over to the Enterprise, but not before he can steal the Romulan Stealth technology that will be used far into the future, in "Next Generation" by a futuristic Riker. Spock is attracted by the Romulan commander, demonstrating Spock inability to complete supress his human feelings; his statements suggest cooperation and consent towards the Romulan commanders enticements; Spock wants too bridge the chasm that exists between the Romulans and Vulcans; the Romulan commander could have provided the perfect mate and opportunity for form peaceful relations between Vulcan and Romula; Roman commander offers Spock companionship, prestige in the Romulan empire, and command (enticement to his ego); it seems far into the future, Spock will as an ambassador attempt to bring the two peoples together by exchanging history, culture, and customs with an underground Romulan movement. After Spocks betrayal becomes known too the Roman commander, he claims the right of explanation. Spock defense for lying is loyality to the Federation, "the means are justified by the ends" argument. The Romulan commander may have discovered a flaw in Vulcan discipline and that is "Vulcans have an ego"; the Romulan commander was very effective in exploiting that flaw. Even after Spock is freed and the Romulan commander is being set to the brid, Spock still yearns for her and she perceives his desire and tells him, "You had your chance". The Romulan commander exploits a second weakness in Spock and that is "Vulcans are warlike"; Sarek wanted Spock to follow the family path of peace without force, Spock chose to the Federation in pursuit of science, an event that drove Father and Son apart for eighteen years; Sarek was probably right, the Federation military capability appeal too his Vulcan Warlike instincts. The Romulan commander recognized this propensities and offer military command comparable too a general with all the power, rights, and privileges; she could see in Spock the potential for him to become a powerful warlord in the Romulan empire."