‘Star Trek’ Retro Recap: ‘Errand of Mercy’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

​When it comes to these Retro Recaps of Star Trek, I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there really is nothing quite as incredible as being able to go back and watch the origin story of a particular species or a particular character. Because seeing their arrival long after they’re established in the franchise is just a glorious experience since you can see what elements went into making them so unique and so special. And this is on my mind today, simply because the next episode of this storied saga features the introduction of a species that would go on to become a quintessential villain (and later friend) in the franchise; the warrior race known as the Klingons.
 
For ‘Errand of Mercy’ finally saw their arrival on the show and when it comes to introducing major factions in the Beta Quadrant that the Federation aren’t friends with; well they truly saved the best for last in season one. Because their introduction came about in terrifying fashion since the opening moments of this episode in essence find the United Federation of Planets at war with this mysterious species and that’s just, an incredible way to open up a tale. Because up until now, the idea that the Federation could go to war with anyone seemed impossible, especially when one considers how hard Kirk and company work to avoid it. But war was on the agenda and starting off the episode in this fashion definitely grabs your attention, and the wonder of this tale didn’t end with its powerful opening.
 
Because once the Klingons arrive on Organia alongside Kirk and Spock we are treated to something supremely special, the introduction of the legendary Commander Kor. A character that would appear in multiple iterations of the saga, even going so far as to show up on Deep Space Nine and well, the significance of this character, and actor John Colicos’ portrayal of him was not lost upon me. In fact, it’s John’s work here that matters the most since he more or less establishes the depth and cunning nature that we would come to expect from all Klingon Commanders as the series rolled on. And I love how well he and Kirk play off of one another and the sheer ruthlessness that he exhibits, and the cat and mouse game he engages in with the captain, allows for the lessons present in the episode’s finale to work in seamless fashion.
 
For the unraveling of the situation serves to remind us of how quickly things can spiral out of control when it comes to situations such as these since we’ve seen that happen on the news before. And it also serves to remind us how diplomacy and understanding can go right out the door when our way of life is threatened since Kirk gives into his fury, despite knowing full well that war would be devastating between these two civilizations. If anything, the Organians decision to step in and end this conflict before it can escalate any further is equally as brilliant, since they are in essence the adult in the room and their actions serve as a fine lesson as well, in that, perhaps sometimes the only way to properly avoid conflict is to bring a voice of reason into the mix.
 
If anything, I always enjoy it when we encounter a species that is the complete opposite of the Federation, since it challenges the characters and the audience in new ways, and this episode is definitely no exception to that unspoken rule. Because having Kirk indulge his fury in this situation, helps to reinforce the message that we always have to strive to be better and that we should never give in to anger. In the end however, this really was a true treat to watch. For the Klingons are amazing in this particular tale and it is just so cool to see their genesis on the series and it’s also quite amazing how fleshed out they were in their first appearance, and this was just another stunning episode, and I love how the quality continues to ramp up as the season comes to a close. Until next time.   

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