Overall a very good episode. There's a lot to like. Pivotal moments. Important recognition of what mercy means. And the beginning of the most important relationship in ST.
What I liked:
Spock acting like Spock.
A Doomsday Machine knock-off.
A coherent story.
No soap opera romance featured.
The original crew (minus a few) together.
Great forerunner interaction of cast.
Great effects, as usual.
An intriguing mystery with a tragic answer.
The design of the scavenger ship was a bit much, I mean why the jaws and teeth? Reminded me of the alien behemoths from The Avengers. Minor quibble.
Although Kirk's getting flustered and walking off the bridge was out of character, I understood what the writer was trying to create. It led to an iconic Kirk-Spock dialogue. All that was missing was Bones chipping in with snarky Vulcan insults.
There were opportunities to write that scene in ways that would accomplish the desired result, point out Kirk's need for growth, and come up with a solution, without making James T look immature. I guess we can't have it all.
The TOS reunion (pre-union?) of Chapel, Uhura, Scott, Spock and Kirk was a great idea. Scotty and Chapel discussing ways to remove Kirk seemed wrong, but Uhura showed loyalty and Spock adopted his role of Kirk's #1.
When Pelia comic relief is inserted I just roll my eyes. Neelix anyone? Ah, no big deal.
It's two better eps in a row.
