Star Trek: 10 Dropped Plot Threads We'll Never Get The Answer To
7. Balok's Future - The Corbomite Maneuver (Star Trek The Original Series)
OH, COME ON! Why has nobody even thought about looking up and using the First Federation as an ally or potential Star Fleet antagonist? If there has been an attempt, then its lost in some forgotten non-canonical piece somewhere, escaping the notice of mainstream Star Trek. The Enterprise is confronted by a strange device that emits deadly radiation as soon as it gets closer to the ship. Kirk orders it destroyed to protect the crew and later on, a massive starship known as the Fesarius representing the First Federation appears. Its captain - Balok - demands to know why the "Earth Ship" destroyed the boundary marker buoy it encountered. It immobilizes the Enterprise in a powerful tractor beam and Balok decides that for its intrusion, the Enterprise must be destroyed. Unable to withstand the clearly superior technology of the Fesarius, Kirk decides on a last-ditch gamble. He bluffs that the Enterprise carries a powerful explosive known as the Corbomite Device and announces that it will be detonated as a final defence against a superior enemy. Kirk gambles that his bluff will make Balok reconsider his decision. It works, but it also has the advantage of allowing Kirk to break the Enterprise free of Balok's control, allowing them the chance to meet in person. After pleasantries are exchanged, Kirk and his away party are treated to a tour of the Fesarius and an officer remains behind on board with Balok to serve as an exchange officer. This was the definitive episode that showcased and solidified Kirks legendary ability to out-bluff his opponent. Then, when we discover that Balok is no more than a pudgy little child-like alien who presents about as much danger as a budgie, Kirks rep as a tactical genius becomes even more apparent. What a right call to make. Balok initially presents himself as benevolent. His technology is obviously far superior, as Spock points out, to be able to pilot such an enormous vessel as the Fesarius without a crew. When they leave Lieutenant Bailey as a cultural liaison, representing not the best or the worst of humanity, but as they really are, then the stage is set for at least some sorts of wacky adventures. It could have been a lot of fun. Sort of like a science-fiction version of BJ and the Bear.
John Kirk is a Teacher-Librarian and currently a History/English Teacher with the Toronto District School Board.
But mostly, John teaches Geek.
Comics, Sci-Fi (Notably Star Trek), Fantasy and Role-Playing and table-top games all make up part of John’s repertoire, There is a whole generation of nerds-in-embryo who rely on him to make sense of it all, to teach that with great power comes great responsibility, that the force will be with us always and that a towel IS the most useful thing to have in one’s possession.
When John isn’t in the classroom, he can be found in his basement writing comic reviews for www.popmythology.com and features for Roddenberry Entertainment's www.1701news.com.
