Stardate: 2817.6
Quick Summary: While viewing a theatrical showing of Macbeth, Dr. Tom Layton recognizes one of the Shakespearean actors, Anton Karidian, as actually being "Kodos the Executioner" - a colonial governor who committed acts of genocide 20 years earlier. When the doctor is found dead, Kirk brings the entire Karidian troupe on board the Enterprise to see if there's any credence to the accusation. Karidian all but admits to being Kodos, but the story doesn't end there. Lt. Riley, whose family was murdered by Kodos, learns of his identity, forcing Kirk to prevent his assassination, and THEN it's revealed that Kodos' daughter - not Kodos himself - is responsible for the killing of all seven eyewitnesses from the genocide in an effort to protect her father. Whew!
Review: There are so many unexpected plot twists and turns that make this an excellent episode. The first half is rather slow as Kirk half-heartedly seduces Karidian's daughter, but just when you think the story is over and Kodos admits to his true identity, the fun is really just beginning.
Shakespearean references abound throughout, including the title of the episode itself and even Kirk being referred to as "The Caesar of the Stars". Kodos is clearly the analogous Hitler. Also, notably, there's some real genuine dramatic acting here - I'm loving the Kodos closeup with the mask slowly being lowered from his face during the big revelation scene.
I have no real complaints, but here's just a thought for fodder... At one point, Kodos tries to justify his genocidal actions by arguing, "some have to die so that others might live". Clearly, this is portrayed to be the logic of a madman, however, is it so different than Spock famously asserting in Wrath of Khan, "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one"? Context, of course, is key, and Spock was speaking in terms of self-sacrifice, but when Kodos is ultimately killed by his own daughter through whom he hoped to be redeemed, it should at least enliven the discussion.
Fantastic!
Review: 5 stars
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