The Klingons came by a few times more, we even get to meet Kang (Michael Ansara) in episode 7, “The Day of the Dove”, but the episode itself was not that strong in my humble opinion. It was mainly about discrimination what was addressed back then, yet today it is still valid, perhaps not so bad as then but still valid. I didn’t like the negativity all through the episode. There are two more episodes where the Klingons play a part, first one “Elaan of Troyius”, the Klingon character play was minimal, battle scenes where the most interesting of the episode for me. Klingon commander wasn’t that interesting unfortunately. And in “The Savage Curtain”, we get to see a version of Kahless, but this character also didn’t make any impression on me. I believe this was the first time we learn about “Kahless”? Same for the Vulcan Surak I believe.

I only was able to grade four episodes an 8/10 or higher! That is way too low in my opinion, well the first one was of course “The Enterprise Incident” with the Romulans. My favorite thing of this episode I have to say was the storyline of Spock and the commander, after Spock “betrayed” Kirk. What began as subterfuge from Spock’s side, in the final moments of the episode it does become clear that Spock at least is intrigued by the commander. The 2^nd one is “Is There in Truth No Beauty?” I thought the episode was quite intriguing where Diana Muldaur as Miranda, being blind, till that moment we as a viewer weren’t aware, but there was at least one moment where you could deduce this, at the beginning of the episode. This is the 2^nd episode Diana Muldaur had a guest role, I have to say, she really looks fantastic in both episodes. In the last scene, Spock places the visor over his eyes to protect himself from the Ambassador when initiating transport. Kirk should have vacated the room. However, he is still in the room, thus risking himself to insanity (as shown by him walking out after the transport is complete). There is no need for Spock to put on the visor at this point. It was obviously done to allow a reversed re-use of the shot of Miranda and Kollos beaming aboard, saving the cost of a second special effects shot.

The third episode I graded an 8/10 or higher was “The Tholian Web”, the Spock / McCoy relationship is really under pressure here, you only see it like this a few times but there was some heavy tension and disagreements. So, there was some  internal conflict here and there between Starfleet personnel. And in the final moment Spock actually lies to his captain about not seeing the captain’s last orders! One of the best episodes of the season! “All Our Yesterdays” is the last one, best episode since episode 9, Spock who returns to his barbaric nature, he has to leave this woman he is infatuated with, behind, because she cannot leave this place. It breaks Spock and McCoy can only go back when they both go back through the portal simultaneously, so, he has no choice but to leave her behind.

These were my 4 favorite episodes this season, it is not all bad, 11 episode I graded a 7-7.5/10, but five episodes I graded a 5/10 or lower! Of course “Spock’s Brain” is one of them, really silly episode, but when you compare it other low scoring episodes, "And the Children Shall Lead", "Plato’s Stepchildren", "The Empath" and "The Way to Eden", I much rather rewatch “Spock’s Brain” because at least it is engaging enough. “And the Children Shall Lead” was really hard to sit through for me, I usually don’t like children on TV shows and in TOS it is times 10. The scenes with the children I fast forwarded it because…well, you know why. When the children changed the heading to the planet they wanted to go to, going into warp, I would assume Kirk, McCoy, Spock should ‘feel’ this course correction?

“Plato’s Stepchildren” was also a tough watch, really annoyed the hell out of me. I guess even the actors weren’t really happy in doing this. The restraint one must have at the end of the episode not to at least smack in their faces really, REALLY hard! Only moment I did enjoy I guess, was the Kirk / Alexander moment where Alexander is astonished that for the first time someone was first thinking about him instead of oneself. The first interracial kiss wasn’t a kiss at all, not by a long shot, just look at Kirk during the moment. I understand in some way that this means the creators have done their job but I just can’t ever enjoy this episode.

Still, the bulk of the episodes where okay to watch, nothing stellar, not that brilliant but still engaging enough. But as a viewer you want as little as possible “okay” episodes and as many as possible “Great” episodes. Season three did not do this for me unfortunately. A reason can of course be that Gene Roddenberry was less involved in season three and another reason can also be the reduced budget. What I also noticed that Kirk (William Shatner) had a bit of a different look as in the first two seasons, saw something different about him in season 3, his hair looked different but I also thought I saw him looking more tired, exhausted even.

Quotes:

I also wanted to mention a few quotes that stuck with me. In the episode 17 “That Which Survives”, not a really strong episode but some strong quotes nonetheless:

Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott: What you're saying is that the planet didn't blow up and the Captain and the others, they're still alive? Mr. Spock: Please, Mr. Scott, restrain your leaps of illogic. I have said nothing. I was merely speculating.

Mr. Spock: Mr. Scott, since the Enterprise is obviously functional, I suggest we return to our starting place at top warp speed. Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott: Aye, sir, but even at that it'll take us a while to get there. Mr. Spock: In that case, Mr. Scott, I suggest we start at once. Can you give me warp 8? Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott: Aye, sir. And maybe a wee bit more. I'll sit on the warp engines myself and nurse them. Mr. Spock: That position, Mr. Scott, would not only be unavailing, but also... undignified.

Mr. Spock: Spock to Sickbay. Have you completed the autopsy on Watkins, Doctor. Dr. M'Benga: Yes, we have, Mr. Spock. Mr. Spock: Was the cause of his death the same as that which killed the transporter officer? Dr. M'Benga: Well, the pattern of cellular disruption was the same, but as to the cause, well, your guess is as good as mine. Mr. Spock: My guess, Doctor, would be valueless. I suggest we refrain from guessing and find some facts.

Quotes from “The Savage Curtain”

Abraham Lincoln: [interrupting] What a charming negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know that in my time some use that term as a description of property. Uhura: But why should I object to that term, sir? You see, in our century, we've learned not to fear words. Note -  Found this a good one, in current times we aren’t so enlightened as Uhura is.

Captain James T. Kirk: Your Surak is a brave man. Mr. Spock: Men of peace usually are, Captain. Note - World leaders, please pay attention! We need more men of peace!

As I said, these quotes stuck with me, there were more but then it would take up too much space in this blog. It is because Star Trek TOS had such good stories, yes serious science fiction but also with loads of humor, all 80 episodes are loaded with strong quotes because of it.

Final Word:

All in all I really enjoyed rewatching Star Trek: TOS again, it had been too long and these characters: Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Chekov and Sulu are such wonderful characters, especially played by these actors, I really don’t care for these characters played by other actors. These are the real deal and yes, perhaps it looks dated, but it still is fun to rewatch this every number of years. It still has loads of rewatch value, I cannot imagine that Star Trek: Strange New Words will have this rewatch value 50 or 60 years in the future. It more likely will be forgotten by then, probably way earlier. Star Trek: TOS, recommended? Hell yes!

I've added the word document with the episode ratings with descriptions and comments for the ones who are interested in this. Just be aware, it is a draft document, sometimes also can be confusing because of grammar errors and some sloppiness.