A Taste of Armageddon (1967) User Reviews (33)

They Fight Their War with Computers, Captain

[Bogmeister · 8/10 · 17 July 2006]

A clever sf concept on how a different society may wage their wars: totally by computers. In their supposed enlightened method, the buildings and their culture continue - the populace obediently reports to disintegration chambers to fulfill an agreement with the enemy planet after each computerized attack. It all sounds very clinical, very clean, if not a bit on the 'patriotism gone mad' spectrum - but it's probably the clinical aspect which outrages Kirk the most; that and the fact that his beloved starship is declared a target almost immediately. I don't think he even remembers, at this point, that another Federation ship was lost 50 years earlier in this manner - it's his ship what counts. To be fair to this society on Eminiar, they did warn the Enterprise to stay away from their system; but the problem here again is an annoying Federation bureaucrat, ambassador Fox (see also the previous "The Galileo 7" for another such representative). Fox places more value on a successful diplomatic mission than on the lives of all the crew and the ship. This does not endear him to Kirk, Scotty, or the audience, for that matter.

Speaking of Scotty, he had some of his best scenes of the first season here. Placed in command of the Enterprise for most of the episode, he gets to shine in his confrontations with Fox and the 'mealy-mouthed' Anan-7 down on the planet. My favorite scene is when he informs Anan-7 that the Enterprise will destroy the surface of the planet in less than two hours. It sounds horrible when described this way, but it's almost a validation of a starship's power and, by extension, Starfleet, and actor Doohan learned by this point how to infuse as much melodramatic impact on such pronouncements as possible. We secretly thrill to this opportunity Scotty has in throwing his starship's weight around - following Kirk's orders, of course. For Kirk, it's his chance to play God once more (see the previous "Return of the Archons"), literally transforming an entire culture overnight - not in theory, but in practice! To be fair to the captain, one can argue his hand was forced after his ship was targeted but...I, for one, get the sense he's really enjoying himself - give him any excuse; he'll change the way a planet does things soon enough, maybe even as retribution for daring to threaten his ship.

Still, the society of Eminiar poses many questions and problems, despite the outward appearance of prosperity and technological comfort (another nice matte painting here, though not as successful as previous ones for Starbase 11 in "The Menagerie" and "Court Martial"). Anan-7 (Opatoshu in a nicely-layered performance) himself inadvertently suggests where the priorities of this so-called culture lie when he tells Kirk that he'll try to spare his starship but the human beings inside it are definitely goners. Things - material things - definitely take precedence over humanity here. There's something inherently repulsive about living thinking beings marching into oblivion at the 'suggestion' of computer results - another aspect making this similar to "Return of the Archons" - like so much programmed ants. I could understand Kirk's disgust and I noticed Spock was on his side all the way without even a word of debate about something called The Prime Directive.

Another cracking episode from Season 1

[csm-78119 · 8/10 · 23 August 2020]

This is an intelligent and philosophical musing on warfare and on how human beings seek to sanitise horror and of the need for peace. It's also Scotty's finest hour as he is left in command of the Enterprise whilst Kirk and Spock fall into difficulties on the planets surface.

"We can admit that we're killers, but we're not going to kill today".

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 28 October 2010]

Way to go Scotty! Left in charge of the Enterprise while Kirk and Spock are detained on Eminiar VII, the chief engineer engages and wins in a battle of wills with a witless Federation Ambassador Fox (Gene Lyons). Most definitely Scotty's finest hour so far in the first season.

What's intriguing to me about this episode is it's resemblance to a Twilight Zone episode that aired only four years earlier called 'Valley of the Shadow'. In that story, a traveler wanders into a peaceful, idyllic town, where there is no crime, violence, greed or illness. He's held there against his will when he discovers the technological secrets that create this utopia. The dilemma posed for the viewer is whether all this serenity is worth trading for one's personal freedom.

Taking a slightly different tack, 'A Taste of Armageddon' offers a clinical approach to conducting wars in the future, whereby a computer 'game' analyzes opponents' strategies and weapons, and engineers an outcome that the enemies must adhere to, or face the prospect of total annihilation. It's a different spin on still another earlier ST episode, 'Arena', one in which warring parties put up their own champion to represent their side.

What it boils down to is Roddenberry presenting a chilling commentary on what's at stake when people and nations surrender their identity to an ephemeral 'greater good'. With mathematically launched attacks and carefully calculated casualties, the 'elitist' class gets to preside over the little people who have to take the hit for the benefit of their superiors. The references are subtle, but creator Roddenberry takes a big swing at the agenda of all statists, that is, to keep the masses afraid, and under their thumb.

Getting back to that Twilight Zone episode, guess who's the leader of the town fathers who preside over Peaceful Valley. It's none other than David Opatoshu! He brings the same sense of austere and clinical discipline to his role as Anan 7 here, as he did to the character of Dorn in the TZ story. But wait, there's more! There's a little girl in that story that inadvertently reveals the town's technology to the unwitting traveler who's detained. The father of the girl was Scotty! - James Doohan in a strangely prophetic first meeting on Earth with Opatoshu, before coming together in outer space.

Often wrongfully dismissed.

[Blueghost · 4 May 2009]

The few reviews of this episode have given it a dismissive treatment, and for some very superficial reasons.

Consider; the "aliens" are ostensibly Anglo North Americans who speak perfect North American English, the computers are from the age of vacuum tubes, there's little in the way of cultural adornment, and the production values, even for a classic Trek episode, seem to be a little on the low side.

But, if one merely looks at it for its gloss, then the viewer is missing the larger theme of this very profound episode (as many classic Trek episodes tend to be).

In years past when two factions contended over resources, they fought man to man. There was a sense of personal jeopardy when engaging in combat. There was a stake involved on all levels; national, communal, and personal.

In "A Taste of Armageddon", we're shown the pitfalls of automating international conflict; i.e. warfare. Or, in this case, interplanetary warfare. We're shown a society that's become heartless by trying to preserve it's social life at all costs. And this is where the episode should hit the most astute of viewers.

Today, in the United States, we live in a push button society. At the click of a mouse we can call up any fantasy we want via the computer. In the real world this kind of mechanical symbiosis is taken to the next level by calling up death with the click of a mouse by a seaman in a submarine or a remote control pilot firing a hellfire missile from a predator drone. We now pick and choose our targets, almost seemingly on a whim.

The idea is to minimize death and destruction. A kind of jujitsu approach to warfare via defanging the opposition. Anon 7 states the reasons for this approach to warfare, but Kirk reminds of what it is he and the rest of his people are afraid of.

The speech delivered at the end by Captain James T. Kirk is typical Shatner-esquire drama. The words he delivers should strike home for anyone who's ever thought of organized warfare on any level. This is the heart of the story. This is the message, and a warning for future generations.

Awfully static, but the message is so good that this is indeed a standout episode

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 6 December 2006]

Okay, almost the entire show takes place in a sterile-looking compound, so this is guaranteed to be a rather bland-looking episode. But, despite this and the lack of a lot of action in the show, it stands out as one of the best episodes because it is so well-written and has an intriguing message. It seems that the Enterprise visits a new planet while they are being attacked by their enemies on a nearby planet. However, despite the landing party hearing the warnings, the see, hear and feel no evidence of attack. It turns out that the attack is a computer simulation and the ship (but not the landing party) are determined by the computer to be casualties in this bizarre game. However, despite not being real, this really is no game. You see, the two planets completely hate each other and would have completely annihilated each other with their high-tech weapons countless decades before had both sides not agreed to stop fighting a conventional war and begin fighting a computerized one. The logic was that BOTH societies could be preserved and the "victims" could be humanely euthanized to make the war more tolerable!!! This sick arrangement seems natural to the planet's inhabitants and they cannot understand why the crew of the ship refuse to report to the disintegration chambers in order to preserve the precarious balance and avoid a real all-out war!!!! The episode is exciting, thought-provoking and features an excellent performance by guest-star David Opatoshu--an exceptional character actor who was a frequent guest on TV (such as his great role in one of the hour-long TWILIGHT ZONE episodes).

A solid episode dealing with computer war

[Guerticus_Maximus · 8/10 · 15 December 2007]

Ambassador Fox wins my award for the stupidest, most belligerent Federation representative ever to come aboard the Enterprise. This guy is so full of himself, he's willing to ignore Code 710 and risk the Enterprise (and perhaps interstellar war) simply because he's convinced his diplomatic capabilities can overcome any obstacles. Despite the high probability that Kirk and the landing party have been taken hostage, and despite an obvious attack against the Enterprise from Eminiar VII, Fox ignores the sound advice of Scotty and the rest of the bridge crew and storms ahead with his ill-fated attempt at negotiating a treaty to secure a spaceport.

All in all, I find this episode very entertaining. Anan 7 seems pretty ruthless, Ambassador Fox has you throwing tomatoes at the screen whenever he's visible, and I always like it when Kirk and company are stealthily sneaking around blasting everything in sight. And the idea of a war fought totally by computers gets you thinking. We're really not that far away from that type of reality, where the ease of waging war makes it easy to forget the horrors behind it. I'm giving "A Taste of Armageddon" a B+ grade and setting up my own disintegration machine to help motivate my kids to get their homework done.

A sanitised but deadly war

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 10 June 2015]

The Enterprise is on a mission to open diplomatic relations between the Federation and Eminiar VII but as they approach they are ordered to stay clear of the planet. Diplomat Ambassador Robert Fox orders Kirk to continue so he can continue his mission regardless. To ensure it is safe Kirk, Spock and three red-shirts beam down to the surface. They find an advanced civilisation and receive a friendly welcome… however they soon find out that Eminiar VII is at war with a neighbouring planet and an attack occurs while they are there. This is no ordinary war though; no actual bombs are dropped so there are no injuries and no structural damage however there are real fatalities… those declared 'killed' must report to be disintegrated. Nobody refuses to comply for fear of real bombs being used again. The rules also include ships in orbit and that includes the Enterprise! Not surprisingly Kirk has no intention of sacrificing his crew and decides to end this strange war hoping real war with all the suffering it entails will lead to peace.

This episode features an interesting concept although it seems a little unlikely that any society would continue a war for five hundred years without trying to negotiate a peace even if it was highly sanitised. Still if one can suspend ones disbelief about that it is a fine story with a good mixture of action and drama. Gene Lyons puts in an enjoyable performance as Ambassador Fox; the diplomat who seems to make the wrong decision at every opportunity but eventually proves his worth. David Opatoshu is also good as Eminiar leader Anan 7 who is convinced that their way of war is more civilised. With Kirk and Spock trapped on the surface Scotty is left in charge of the Enterprise leading to some fun scenes that give James Doohan more to do than usual. Overall a pretty good episode with plenty of tension and a solid enough story.

My Motives for Liking This Episode Aren't Very Honorable

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 28 April 2014]

This has always been a favorite of mine. I think its because the arrogant get their comeuppance. It involves a diplomatic mission to quite an advanced planet, Eminiar, rich in technology. The Enterprise has been warned away, but Kirk feels he needs to check things out. What he finds is civilization that has been at war with another planet for centuries. However, they fight their war with computers. Buildings and material objects are spared, but the people voluntarily allow themselves to be disintegrated in death chambers. Enter Fox, an insufferable negotiator who thinks that he can talk his way through the barriers put up by Anan 7, the leader of the planet. Because Kirk and Spock are stuck on the planet, Scotty takes the helm. The problem is that the computer has informed Anan 7 that the entire crew of the Enterprise has been designated as war casualties, and he has told Kirk to get his crew to the surface and have them report to the death chambers. Despite the Prime Directive, Kirk isn't going to have any of this. He finds Anan 7's reasoning disgusting. War is supposed to be a dirty thing, meant to be avoided, not some sterile thing. Of course, Kirk also hooks up with Anan's daughter who is beautiful and also listed as a casualty. The sparks fly for a while and I find the conclusion really quite satisfying.

Calculated Warfare

[hellraiser7 · 9/10 · 3 August 2016]

Warning do not read unless seen episode.

This I thought was a very good episode if not quite one of my favorites. It's pretty much another dystopian story but the concept in this episode I feel is frighteningly plausible. It sort of reminds me of the kind of society in the "Colossus" book trilogy which was also about people that have given up their free will to the will of a computer consciousness.

It's an interesting concept seeing how war are conducting though playing some sort of strategy computer game, kinda like in the book "Ender's Game" where video/computer games were used for certain means.

What's disturbing is the undervalue of life of most of the populace. As each of them must comply to the computer's casualty calculation list, depending on the number most whether picked or not must march right to some sort of chamber of disintegration. It's sort of like with cultists dying for a false ideal.

Depite the fact that this type of warfare grants some sort of peace, as there is no property damage, envoirmental damage, injury, resource reduction. It's a false peace because it's evil your all the same committing murder, the technological warfare is barbarism in the guise of civility. It's true that actual warfare is messy business but at least there is still the power of choice where people can still choice to stop or find a better way.

Both Kirk and Scotty are at their best in this episode. Most notably Scotty whom kinda steels the show in the episode despite the fact throughout the episode he's on the ship.

It was just great seeing him in command of the enterprise, he's a really capable in the captain role. I really love the fact that he's not bending toward this so called diplomat whom is obviously not being very diplomatic. One moment that was great was when this diplomat is trying to order even threaten Scotty to lower the screens and comply to the wishes of the leader of the planet. But Scotty doesn't bend like any good captain his duty is to his ship and crew no matter what, Scotty calls bull crap on the leader and doesn't comply to the diplomat when he says I won't lower those screens, sort of his way of saying, "Your not the boss of me." I couldn't help but cheer a little but it's also demonstrates one of the themes of the episode on the importance of free will, Scotty exercised well as like any good person isn't going to give his trust or follow orders from anyone he doesn't know.

Kirk was also great as he is finding a way to survive but also put an end to the society if possible. I really like these conversations he has with the leader of the planet where he is constantly accusing Kirk of being a barbarian. However the difference between both him and Kirk is Kirk can openly admit it making him a truthful person; where the Leader denys it making him a complete hypocrite. And despite the fact Kirk is barbaric that doesn't mean he'll decide to kill today or do anything destructive because he has the power of choice. Where the leader and his people inadvertently kill just about every day and don't stop because they've given up the power of choice.

In a way the episode is a lesson on the danger of giving up complete control to technology, importance of free will, but also how war is easy it's peace that is hard.

Rating: 3 and a half stars

Incredible creativity !

[nicofreezer · 9/10 · 30 April 2021]

A beautifully writting episode of TV, where did they get all those ideas ? Here we are two races fighting via computers like in a video games, but with Real people that must sacrifice themself Everything is doing well in this episode, one of the best of Season 1 9.25/10.

Plot Possibly Borrowed from Herman Wouk Story

[dcjimd · 7/10 · 6 September 2012]

I've never heard anyone else make the connection, but the plot for this episode may have been "borrowed" from a novelette called "The Lomokome Papers" by Herman Wouk, the author of such best-sellers as "The Caine Mutiny" and "The Winds of War." Very obscure, it was only published first in Collier's magazine in the 1950s and the only book publication was a paperback original in the 1960s (available for a couple of bucks on abebooks if anyone is interested). Wouk's book is the journal of the first man to visit the moon where he discovers that two human-like civilizations live underground there and have been at perpetual war for thousands of years. However, long ago, it was decided that while war is a normal human activity, it was foolish to let it wreck your civilizations, so wars are now fought in the abstract by having each side demonstrate their potential to defeat the other and then having a neutral panel of judges decide the victor and then assess the amount of property and lives each side must voluntarily sacrifice to reflect the outcome. Sound familiar?

A Deadly Game of Computer Chess

[Samuel-Shovel · 8/10 · 25 April 2018]

Never find out why peace is impossible

Look same as humans

How kirk takes over room

Like concept that dehumanizing war unfortunately causes it to be more palatable and acceptable

In "A Taste of Armageddon", the crew of the Enterprise (along with a Federation ambassador) attempt to make contact and open diplomatic channels with a previously isolated race known as the Eminiar. But the Enterprise soon finds themselves in the middle of a 500 year old war that has "advanced" to the point where all warfare is done via computers and members of each society die painless deaths based upon the strategic algorithms of the online chess match being waged. When the crew is asked to sacrifice their lives in the name of the war, Captain Kirk must figure out how to escape from their grasp and put a stop to this madness.

I love the concept of this episode: that at some point, we get so technologically advanced and war becomes so dehumanized that it becomes almost palatable and more acceptable to allow it to go on since the main detriment of war (the sufferings of humanity) is no longer involved in the war itself. With this inconvenience out of the way, war is liable to go on for centuries.

We never find out what started this war, we never meet or see the opposition, we don't even know why "peace as impossible" as Anan 7 continues to tell us. All we know is that this civilization has reached a point where they've dehumanized their wars and disagreements so much they have almost dehumanized themselves. The writers purposefully place all the emphasis on this notion because they do not want to distract us with trifling details. On this planet, war is now the norm and it is structured and orderly. This is a scary thought. As technology improves here on earth with drones and satellites and missiles, we have gotten to the point where we can destroy cities, kill people, wreak havoc without even endangering anyone from whatever side we are on. With the risk of loss of life minimal, the judgments we make relating to military decisions maybe altered. This episode really hits on a nerve here regarding this.

The one thing I will quibble with on this episode is the look and speech of the Eminiar. There is nothing differentiating them from your standard North American earthlings. This might be initial on the writers part, forcing us to look into a mirror at our potential selves as a race but I think they should have done something to show the differences between the two species. Anything would have done; a few strange bumps or lines, a weird speech pattern. Oh well... I suppose we are meant to focus on the plot line so it is effective in that regard.

I think this is a bit of an overlooked episode that any fan of Star Trek needs to see.

War Games...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 16 February 2022]

A mission to Eminiar VII, as the Enterprise makes a transgression, all the crew dies, in the simulation's eyes, now they must be culled without question.

A 500 year war based on computer modelling to select who dies in reality causes the captain of the Enterprise to challenge the rules and find a way to bring about peace.

Star Trek: The Original Series - A Taste of Armageddon

[Scarecrow-88 · 5/10 · 24 September 2016]

The Prime Directive is of little importance in this episode of Star Trek, as Kirk inserts his will on the Emenians of Emeniar, debating with leader, Anon 7 (David Opatoshu) about his people voluntarily walking into "disintegration machines" because computers simulating wargames between them and another planet dictate who lives and dies, not about to allow the same to happen to his crew on the Enterprise. Yep, the computer tells Anon 7 that the Enterprise was selected as victims of war, insisting Kirk have his crew beam down and suicide themselves! Nope, not going to happen. So Kirk, Spock, and those who beamed down with him must find a way to break free from imprisonment, avoid dying also, and destroy the machines resulting in continual death after 500 years of it. So these wargames have been a part of the planet and another rival planet for 500 years, Kirk was advised to not bring his ship in contact with Emeniar but the diplomatic ambassador on board (Gene Lyons, as Ambassador Fox) insisted he do so resulting in the Enterprise becoming inadvertently involved, and Kirk and Spock destroy the disintegration machines and computers that have been integral parts of the society and their way of life. Diplomacy and rescuing his ship are on Kirk's mind. His bouts with Anon 7, who insists that this process of suicide is the only way to keep both planets safe from war, famine, and the horrors of violence that have been intercepted by the voluntary decision of those selected by the computers to offer themselves, are the episode's chief conflict, as is Scotty's direct opposition to persistent Fox who sees only the mission of peace despite all the warnings that Eminiar is untrustworthy. Scotty refusing to drop the shields as Fox demands to show Eminiar that their intentions are peaceful could have led to his trip to a penal colony, but the decision turns out to be quite the smart thing to do. Fox beams down with his attaché and is nearly introduced to the disintegration machine!

I think how Kirk defies the Prime Directive's rule that they must not interfere could be a divisive topic of debate for viewers. If he doesn't interfere millions could continue to kill themselves, but is he really permitted to do so? Ultimately, he escapes from the doldrums of his interference, as Fox gets his way, as Anon 7 folds, accepting the opportunity for peace talks with their rival planet. Fox sees the warring planets coming to peace terms as the chance for the Federation to become an ally of both parties as well. Kirk also sees his ship safe, his away team returning without death, and the planet doomed to continue offering up its own because a computer told them so is influenced by his actions…he's conveniently a steward of change, regardless if the Prime Directive allows him to be or not. To his defense, Fox doesn't exactly give Kirk much choice, demanding contact with the Emenians so the Federation can set up relations with them which puts the Enterprise in jeopardy...and the Emenians requested the Enterprise don't come to their planet! Fox would not be denied...

"Captain, you almost make me believe in luck."

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 17 April 2022]

'A Taste of Armageddon' is another intelligent, interesting 'Star Trek' episode ruminating on the whole nature of humans when they wage war. Here, the Enterprise is tasked with establishing diplomatic relations with the residents of a planet called Eminiar VII. They learn that Eminiar VII is still at war with a neighboring planet, Vendikar, after 500 years, but is going about it in a very unusual way. The war is fought by computer, and "casualties" have to submit to being eliminated in a disintegration machine. Kirk is determined to snap the people of Eminiar VII out of this endless cycle.

In general, 'A Taste of Armageddon' is indicative of how this series could be fun and intellectual at the same time. It gives us the standard plot devices of time limits and imminent destruction, as well as some amusing fight scenes with Kirk, while leaving us with the sense that humans (or humanoid beings) will always find reasons to battle each other. And yet, Kirk is willing to take the risk that these people will actually do ANYTHING to avoid a REAL war, with rampant death and destruction.

One of the things that this viewer liked best about this episode was seeing Scotty temporarily put in charge of the Enterprise while Kirk and Spock make up part of the landing party. Scotty is fully willing to defy an overly officious ambassador (Gene Lyons, 'Ironside') in the best interests of the ship and the crew. It's also just too funny when Spock manages to trick an Eminian with a warning that there's a "five legged creature" crawling on his shoulder.

If people focus only on the less than stellar production values of this particular episode, they're simply missing the bigger picture of what the writers had intended.

Directed by Joseph Pevney ("The Night of the Grizzly"), this also guest stars the excellent David Opatoshu ("Torn Curtain"), Miko Mayama ("That Man Bolt"), Sean Kenney ("Terminal Island"), Robert Sampson ("Re-Animator"), and the lovely Barbara Babcock ("Far and Away").

Eight out of 10.

General Order 24 in 2 Hours!

[eti55 · 9/10 · 1 January 2013]

I love this episode because it features both Kirk and Scotty at their swaggering best.

You see the sheer contempt on the part of Kirk for a race of people who would rather prolong a "war" that has taken out millions in "casualties" (names run up on a computer after they're "attacked" by their enemy planet's computer) a year for 500 years, by marching their citizens to death chambers, which they dutifully walk into to be disintegrated, rather than see their precious buildings get damaged and their societal order be upset. The look of disgust and incredulity on Kirk's face is priceless when he asks head of the planet's high council, Anon 7, "You mean to tell me..that your people..just..walk..into a disintegration machine when they're told to?" (Shatner's penchant for talking in broken sentences really works there). And of course, later on he gets Anon to practically pee his pants when he tells him, "You heard me give General Order 24, that means that in two hours, the Enterprise will destroy Eminiar 7."

Then we have Scotty, who has to deal with the arrogant and clueless Federation Ambassador Fox, who is bound and determined to open diplomatic relations with Eminiar 7 in spite of a) first receiving a message saying under no circumstances are they to approach the planet b) receiving a fake message from Anon 7 (talking through a voice duplicator to sound like Kirk) to lure the ship's personnel ashore (the ship has been declared a "war casualty" in this computer war), and c) getting fired upon. The last part is particularly exasperating for Scotty, as the ambassador won't let him return fire, to which Scotty snorts, "Diplomats. The best diplomat I know is a fully activated phaser bank!"

Here we have yet another example of people acting like robots; obeying orders sent down by their government even when it means marching to their death, like the Jews in Nazi Germany, so many of whom dutifully marched into concentration camps (OK, to be fair, a lot of that happened before the "final solution" mass murders, but nonetheless). It's also an interesting take on how an alien society avoids some of the nasty aspects of war to maintain their "civilization," such as it is. As Kirk correctly pointed out, "Death, destruction, disease, horror..that's what war is all about, Anon. It's what makes it a thing to be avoided. But you've made it neat and painless. So neat and painless that you've found no reason to stop it. And you've had it for 500 years. Since it seems to be the only way that I can save my crew, and my ship, I'm going to end it for you, one way or the other." And that he does. Alas, he doesn't implement General Order 24.

Opatoshu

[richard.fuller1 · 10/10 · 5 June 2010]

For the longest time, this episode was one I often watched for to try to follow what exactly was taking place (much like the I Love Lucy episode with Parley Baer, when Ricky demolishes all the bric-a-brac in the apartment. As I always started out not paying attention, it took me years to figure out what Lucy's stunt was in that episode) We are given the explanation that the two planets have a computerized war. Only when Kirk and Spock teleport down are they told that the Enterprise is now victims of this war and must be vaporized (executed, cremated, take your pick) Undeniably, the brilliant performance by David Opatoshu as the leader of this world who calmly and emotionally pleads for the death of the Enterprise crew is the standout. Barbara Babcock is all but wasted in her appearance (which, truth be told, she was also unused in her other appearance on this show that I can think of, but she's lovely nonetheless) By description alone, you wouldn't think such a character could be worth watching for an hour (forty-something minutes, again, pick) But Opatoshu makes it worthwhile. As another review noted, his exchanges with Scotty are magnificent, again, mainly for Opatoshu, but Doohan holds his ground.

Added to the mix is a disagreeable, bewildered ambassador who is quite literally thrown for a loop when he teleports down (Scotty's explanation of this fellow's actions to Kirk also stand out) The ending may seem cut and dry, but Opatoshu's attempts throughout the entire episode leading up to it are fantastic.

Opatoshu would win an Emmy for Gabriel's Fire. Clearly it was more of an award to recognize his career, perhaps most for this episode here. Well worth it.

Actual War a Messy Business

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 17 August 2013]

In this Star Trek feature, the Enterprise's mission is to bring Star Fleet ambassador Gene Lyons to a planet and establish diplomatic relations. When beaming down to the planet, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and a security team discover that the planet is in a state of perpetual, but bloodless war with another planet in the system.

This planet's leader David Opatoshu explains that this has been going on for five hundred years, but instead of trying to resolve their differences, they and their opposition have arrived at a peculiar solution. War is done like a video game and incidentally just the anticipation of video games is something Gene Roddenberry could take some bows for.

These games are for real because on this planet and the other when a hit is scored, the computer calculates the casualties and people are just shuttled to a disintegration chamber and annihilated. Nice and neat with the proper number of casualties and the buildings and culture intact. As Captain Kirk remarks real war is a very messy business.

I agree with another reviewer who says that this episode has some profound things to say about war, man's nature and the need to overcome the beast to allow us to live together. A good lesson for the leaders of all the world's nations.

I didn't start it councilman, but I'm liable to finish it

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 28 April 2021]

Enterprise visits a planet on a diplomatic mission.

This is an entertaining episode with solid character moments. It is based on a rather silly but still fairly enjoyable concept.

I found the plot to be relatively formulaic, with a similar structure to 'Return of the Archons'. The idea of what constitutes warfare is an interesting idea, but does require major suspension of disbelief. Particularly the 500 years of tradition, which is a real stretch. If you demand plausibility, you might struggle with it. However, if you go along with the plot as I did, the many decent character moments make it worthwhile.

Kirk is fairly no-nonsense and aggressive in his dealings with the people of Eminiar VII and this is entertaining to watch. Although he gains control of one situation in a ridiculous fight scene, this for me is all part of the charm of the original series.

Scotty has his first opportunity to shine in command of Enterprise and he does so with a number of memorable moments, such as standing up to the hideously annoying Ambassador Fox and admirably handing the threat from Anan 7.

Anan 7 is a credible villain and whilst part of an implausible situation he is watchable. Less can be said for Mea 3, who is poorly written and feels like a excuse to have an attractive female for Kirk to save.

There is plenty of memorable dialogue is this episode, particularly from Kirk, Scotty and Spock.

The visuals are strong, especially on Eminiar, which has some lovely cinematography with nicely lit and colourful sets. The costumes, such as the hats, worn by the guest characters are spectacularly fun.

All performances are solid as ever, with William Shatner, James Doohan, David Opatoshu and in particular Leonard Nimoy on top form. Nimoy delivers some brilliant dialogue in his typical dry humorous way.

A virtual war with real casualties.

[BA_Harrison · 9/10 · 24 May 2022]

While on a diplomatic mission to Star Cluster NGC321, Kirk and his landing party encounter a civilisation on Eminiar VII that claims to have been at war with neighbouring planet Vendikar for 500 years, although there is no sign of any conflict. It transpires that the two planets have a treaty and that the war is now controlled by computers that simulate attacks and calculate the number of human casualties, the victims of each simulation reporting to disintegration chambers; in doing so, they have made war neat and painless, clinical but also endless.

When it is reported that The Enterprise has been 'destroyed' in one such simulated attack, the Eminiar's hold Kirk and his party captive and try to trick the remaining crew into beaming down to the planet so that they can be disintegrated.

A Taste of Armageddon is a well-written, intriguing and thought-provoking episode that argues that it is the very real horrors of war -- death, pain, destruction, famine, and disease -- that often prevent it from happening. Of course, there is a much more preferable outcome that Kirk attempts to instigate -- peace -- but to do so he must kick some Eminarian ass!

8.5/10, rounded up to 9 for Scotty, who tells arrogant Earth Ambassador Fox where he can stick his diplomatic orders, and for Spock's hilarious line, 'Sir, there's a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder.'

Satisfyingly dramatic story, interesting ideas, but light on logic

[mstomaso · 7/10 · 25 April 2007]

The Enterprise is seeking information on the disappearance of the USS Valiant near a planet with advanced technology but little outside contact. The planet has been at war for several centuries and an ambassador from the federation has been charged with establishing diplomatic ties. As it turns out, the war is simulated on computers and casualties are put to death without damaging property by either side once the computer simulation has run.

This episode explores an interesting premise and a nicely thought-out cultural background, however, Kirk's persuasive sermon concerning the reason why the war has gone on for several hundred years (his belief that the participants have sterilized war and made it less fearful), really does not bear close scrutiny. Thousands are still dying - regardless of whether buildings are destroyed or not. And would two cultures conditioned to war for over five hundred years really be so concerned with how rationally and politely they made their war - or would they be utterly merciless, vicious and cold? Nevertheless, the story is good, well directed and nicely written. Stand-out performances by James Doohan and guest stars David Opatoshu and Gene Lyons.

A LESSON TO BE LEARNED

[zitacarno · 10/10 · 27 October 2018]

Unfortunately, my stupid computer wouldn't let me finish what I had started, so I'll just say that I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I will mention one highlight: Spock demonstrating "a peculiar variety of diplomacy" with a fully loaded phaser on a disintegration chamber as a stunned Ambassador Fox looks on. And Kirk forces Anan-7 to face the reality of the situation: "I've given you back the horrors of war"---not to mention that the prime directive does not apply here. Good fun, and a lesson to be learned.

Peace Keeping With Computer Wars

[Rainey-Dawn · 7/10 · 6 January 2017]

Season 1, episode 23. The Enterprise is on a mission to Star Cluster NGC321 planet Eminiar VII with the diplomat Ambassador Fox in order to learn more about the inhabitants of the planet and for peace talks. Eminiar VII has had a long standing war with their neighboring planet Vendikar. When the Enterprise nears Eminiar VII, they are sent a message from the planet to not bring the ship any closer. The high ranking Ambassador orders Kirk to approach the planet and orbit it anyway. Scotty was left in command of the Enterprise while Kirk, Spock with a small party of security beam down to the planet and are held hostage where they learn that Eminiar wants to keep peace by waging war with their computer and real people must die, that includes all members of the Enterprise. Kirk & Spock must do whatever it takes to save themselves and their ship while Mr. Scott must take care of the Enterprise while having difficulties getting the Ambassador (who has never been a soldier) to understand what is really going on.

A pretty good episode about peace keeping with computers that will annihilate all ships that approach their peaceful planet but they have never seen real war with bombs and such. Nor has this planet's inhabitants ever tried to have peace talks with Vendikar.

7/10

Moderately interesting but hardly great

[intp · 5/10 · 19 June 2014]

Kirk and company are trapped on a strange planet where war is waged "theoretically" with computers and people willingly walk into death chambers in order to avoid serious environmental damage.

This episode had a clever enough premise: wage 'theoretical' war to save physical structures and avoid even more catastrophic loss of life. But the alternative-- simple peace-- is really pretty obvious. I give the episode some credit for starting with a moderately interesting idea, but the solution is so obvious that the episode can hardly be considered to be a great one.

Indeed, another simple alternative would have been precisely what the USA and the USSR had for many years: mutually assured destruction (MAD), thereby preventing either side from ever initiating an attack. Even if negotiations were impracticable, MAD would surely be preferable to ongoing death.

Scotty got a chance to shine here, refusing to back down against the dim-witted ambassador and preserving the safety of the ship.

Where was Sulu? Yeoman Tamura seemed to be his 'sub' for the episode.

This episode featured the usual silly fight scenes with Kirk, which appeared to be thrown in purely for spectacle; they have unintended comedic camp value.

This Mickey Mouse Federation is run as badly as the UN...

[fedor8 · 31 March 2022]

A far-fetched but unique premise, the sort that writes itself. Finally an episode that is more based in real sci-fi hence is less standard BS veiled as sci-fi, as tended to happen in certain episodes. The to-and-fro game of wits between the landing party and the planet's rulers is fun. Even the generic "angry Federation diplomat" can't ruin this episode, especially since he doesn't play a major role.

There are many nice little touches that keep things entertaining: Scotty not falling into a trap, the Vulkan mind probe (through a wall), the suicide chambers, the cute Asian red-shirt girl, Scotty's refusal to lower the defense shield, the diplomat getting imprisoned, Kirk's threat to destroy the planet... Sure, Kirk gets captured twice, which is a bit much, but it's all in good fun.

The Asian red-shirt in question is Miko Mayama, who was brought to the States from Japan by Burt Reynolds who dated her for several years. She learned English through Bugs Bunny cartoons. (Not making this up. Besides, I learned English through Star Trek, so...)

The only pity is that we almost only get interior shots of the planet, i.e. Very little of those wonderful outdoors scenes that ST is famous for (whether it be location shooting or studio sets). Also, the remastered version features a planet that's too boring because it looks like Earth. Couldn't they make it a little more alien? Does half of the galaxy have to be just like Earth?

As usual, the diplomat running the Enterprise is an utter moron, with that amazingly dumb line: "Obviously, the attack on our ship was a misunderstanding." So the Federation places cretins in charge of diplomacy... It's a wonder the Klingons hadn't defeated them fifty times already.

Then he reaches another dumb conclusion: "There is no proof that they are holding the captain as a prisoner." So the fake voice isn't proof to these Federation suits, huh? The Federation must be even more shoddily run than the United Nations. The conversation between the diplomat and Anon 7 makes the former seem as naive as an SJW with an American High School diploma. (And we know how worthless those have become...)

Of course, in real life diplomats aren't nearly as dupable as this. Roddenberry probably hated them, hence projected his hatred of them this way.

Speaking of dupable, Kirk succumbs too easily to Anon 7's deception. First he turns his back to Anon, then he turns it again, then he actually believes him about where to go find his communicators.