Errand of Mercy
- Episode aired Mar 23, 1967
- TV-PG
- 50m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
4.2K
YOUR RATING
With a war with Klingons raging, Kirk and Spock attempt to resist an occupation of a planet with incomprehensibly placid natives.With a war with Klingons raging, Kirk and Spock attempt to resist an occupation of a planet with incomprehensibly placid natives.With a war with Klingons raging, Kirk and Spock attempt to resist an occupation of a planet with incomprehensibly placid natives.
Bobby Bass
- Klingon Guard
- (uncredited)
Bill Blackburn
- Organian Villager
- (uncredited)
John Blower
- Organian Villager
- (uncredited)
Gary Combs
- Klingon Guard
- (uncredited)
Frank da Vinci
- Brent
- (uncredited)
- …
Eddie Paskey
- Lieutenant Leslie
- (uncredited)
Basil Poledouris
- Klingon Soldier
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJohn Colicos intended to reprise the role of Captain Kor in a later episode Day of the Dove (1968), but scheduling conflicts with Anne of the Thousand Days (1969) prevented this. The role of Captain Kang (Michael Ansara) was written to take the place of Kor, and the performances of both actors were so excellent that they became equally legendary.
- GoofsAlthough Spock observes that Organia is a "a primitive society" which is "totally stagnant" and making no progress toward mechanization, neither Spock nor Kirk appears to notice that the doors to the Organian council chamber open and close by themselves when someone approaches. There is no evidence of any Organian opening or closing the doors.
- Alternate versionsSpecial Enhanced version Digitally Remastered with new exterior shots and remade opening theme song
- ConnectionsEdited from This Island Earth (1955)
- SoundtracksTheme From Star Trek
Written by and credited to Alexander Courage
Featured review
An excellent script and parallels with Nazi Germany
"Errand of Mercy" is one of this reviewer's favorite. Indeed, guest star John Colicos, who plays the series' first Klingon commander, took the part because of the excellent script. The episode involves the Enterprise being sent to peaceful Organia to prevent the Klingons from using it as a strategic location in its expansion and enslaving its apparently primitive and non-violent inhabitants. However, instead of accepting Kirk's offer of help to prevent a Klingon take-over the Organians don't appear to be the least bit interested, to the consternation of Kick and Spock. Meanwhile, in space the Federation and the Klingon Empire prepare for all out war, paralleling Nazi Germany's expansion and the US being drawn into WW II. In true TOS fashion, the plot twists take you on a merry roller-coaster ride, each more fantastic than the last. Colicos' role as the Klingon Commander is superbly acted, portraying the ruthlessness and violent nature of the Klingons. Mr. Colicos was supposed to appear in that role in future episodes, but was unfortunately unable to due to other acting obligations. A tight script and surprise ending make "Errand of Mercy" one the TOS best.
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