Enterprise encounters a planet that is a duplicate of Earth and populated by children.
I enjoyed the themes explored in this episode and think it works pretty well as a medical drama with some impressive performances.
I appreciate ticking clock drama and even though you know they will be okay in the end I felt the pressure along with the characters to find a resolution. As it unfolds we have some good Kirk, Spock and Bones interaction which for me this is the best aspect of the episode. There is also a good scene with Kirk and Yeoman Rand which works not just for the suspense, but also as character development for her and the young girl Miri.
The use of a disease as metaphor for all the negativity associated with adulthood is an interesting concept. Particularly the scenes of jealousy from Miri and violence from the other children. Although some of the scenes between Kirk and the children cross the line of annoying, I have two children and know from experience that they can be just as difficult as portrayed here, just without the violence.
I also like the scene where the diseased adult attacks a member of the landing party and behaves aggressively whilst obsessing over a child's bike. I'm guessing this adult was desperate to get back to a simpler, more innocent and distinctly less diseased period of his life.
Miri is a good character and is portrayed well by Kim Darby. She is approaching adulthood and her scenes with Kirk are good. In fact it's too good, as I felt sympathy not just for her medical condition, but in the way Kirk interacts with her. Kirk comes across as creepy due to his manipulation tactics. I'll be kind to William Shatner and put it down to the cheesy lines he's given and the old-fashioned Star Trek tendency to have male characters flirt in a rather patronising way. DeForest Kelley, Leonard Nimoy and Grace Lee Whitney are all excellent.
Visually it is pretty good with the colourful Enterprise interiors as striking as ever. On the ground my favourite image is of a hand wiping some mud off a glass door to reveal Spock in the distance before he approaches and peers through. Also the dusty laboratory set is pretty effective.
There are a few things that require suspension of disbelief. Particularly the duplicate Earth. I'm not really sure what it's all about other than the makers not being bothered with too much set design. Also, how the children have been surviving for such as long time and some of their behaviour is a bit silly.
I think overall it is an enjoyable entry from the first series.
