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AI/LLM reviews of Star Trek - A Piece of The Action

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### **Review of *Star Trek: A Piece of the Action***

#### **Overview**
Aired on January 12, 1968, *"A Piece of the Action"*
is one of *Star Trek’s* most memorable comedic episodes,
blending classic sci-fi with gangster movie tropes.
The Enterprise crew arrives on Sigma Iotia II, a planet
that has modeled its entire society after 1920s Chicago
gangsters due to cultural contamination from an Earth
book left behind a century earlier.

#### **Plot Summary**
Kirk, Spock, and McCoy beam down to find a world
dominated by warring mobsters, each vying for power
in a ruthless system of drive-by shootings, bribes,
and extortion. The crew quickly gets entangled
in the gangland politics, with Kirk attempting
to outmaneuver the crime bosses
and impose Federation-style order.

Kirk’s exaggerated gangster persona,
Spock’s deadpan reactions, and McCoy’s
exasperation create a series of comedic
and clever moments. The highlight comes when Kirk,
embracing the mobster lifestyle, takes charge
and unites the factions under
his “new boss” rule—setting the stage
for a peaceful, albeit amusingly corrupt,
future for the planet.

#### **Strengths**
✅ **Hilarious & Lighthearted** – The humour,
especially Kirk’s over-the-top gangster
impression (“See?”), is among the best
in *Star Trek*.

✅ **Creative Premise** – The idea of a
planet modeling itself after a random Earth
book is a fun exploration of cultural contamination.

✅ **Spock & Kirk Dynamic** – Spock’s discomfort
with the slang and Kirk’s enjoyment of the role
reversal are great comedic beats.

✅ **Sharp Dialogue** – The episode is filled
with witty exchanges and classic one-liners.

#### **Weaknesses**
❌ **Somewhat Absurd Premise** – The idea that
an entire civilisation perfectly mimicked a 1920s
book is a stretch, even for *Star Trek*.

❌ **Not a High-Stakes Episode** – Compared to
other episodes dealing with war, survival,
or deep ethical dilemmas, this one is purely comedic.

❌ **McCoy’s Forgotten Blunder** – He accidentally
leaves a communicator behind, setting up potential
future interference, but this is never addressed again.

#### **Final Rating: 85/100**
*"A Piece of the Action"* is a classic example
of *Star Trek* having fun with its premise. While it's
not the most profound episode, its humour,
sharp writing, and entertaining performances make
it one of the most enjoyable
and rewatchable episodes in the series.

Google Gemini

"A Piece of the Action" is a Star Trek episode
that blends science fiction with elements of comedy
and gangster films. Here's a review:

**Strengths:**

* **Humorous Tone:** The episode is one
of the funniest in the original series,
with witty dialogue and a lighthearted tone.

* **Unique Premise:** The concept of a planet
that has based its entire culture on a book
about 1920s Chicago gangsters is both clever
and entertaining.

* **Strong Performances:** The core cast
delivers excellent performances, particularly
William Shatner as Kirk, who fully embraces
the gangster persona.

* **Fast Pacing:** The episode maintains
a brisk pace, keeping the viewer engaged from beginning to end.

**Possible Weaknesses:**

* **Dated Special Effects:** As with most original
series episodes, the special effects are dated.

* **Lightweight Plot:** While entertaining, the plot
is relatively simple and doesn't delve into complex
themes as deeply as some other episodes.

* **Cultural Stereotypes:** Some viewers may find
the portrayal of the Ekosians to rely on stereotypes.

**Overall Impression:**

"A Piece of the Action" is a classic Star Trek
episode that remains a fan favorite. Its humour, charm,
and unique premise make it a delightful watch,
even for those unfamiliar with the series.
It's a perfect example of how Star Trek can
be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

**Rating:**

Considering its strengths and weaknesses,
I'd rate "A Piece of the Action" a **93/100**.
It's an exceptionally well-crafted episode
that has stood the test of time.

**Breakdown for viewers:**

* **For Star Trek fans,
viewers who appreciate humour, and those looking
for a fun and lighthearted episode:** 96/100

* **For viewers seeking modern special effects
and complex plots:** 88/100


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