I like this episode for two reason. The first is the action sequences. The first televised fight between Spock/McCoy and Flavius/Achilles seems to go forever, but it probably more realistic for it. The bit where the trio are conducting a last-ditch fight against the Romans, while Merik redeems himself and gets killed for his efforts, while the Trek action music kicks in, is also nicely done.
The second is Logan Ramsey as Marcus. This is a character who plays the Federation like a fiddle. There are parts that are goofy: does Marcus really expect the entire Enterprise crew to beam down? Who's going to man the ship? Did the entire Beagle crew beam down searching for the landing party? But Marcus comes out on top every step of the way, and it's the only original episode I can recall where Kirk & Co. Don't "win". They're lucky to escape. Marcus is still the top dog, the Roman Empire still continues and doesn't get overthrown in the scope of the episode. Yes, the anvil drops with some vague promise that Christianity will eventually overthrow the Romans. But not with Marcus running the show.
B&C also has one of the best burns in the history of TV. "The thoughts of one man to another can't possibly be of interest to you, Merik" (sic). Way to humiliate your supposed ally, Marcus.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
The second is Logan Ramsey as Marcus. This is a character who plays the Federation like a fiddle. There are parts that are goofy: does Marcus really expect the entire Enterprise crew to beam down? Who's going to man the ship? Did the entire Beagle crew beam down searching for the landing party? But Marcus comes out on top every step of the way, and it's the only original episode I can recall where Kirk & Co. Don't "win". They're lucky to escape. Marcus is still the top dog, the Roman Empire still continues and doesn't get overthrown in the scope of the episode. Yes, the anvil drops with some vague promise that Christianity will eventually overthrow the Romans. But not with Marcus running the show.
B&C also has one of the best burns in the history of TV. "The thoughts of one man to another can't possibly be of interest to you, Merik" (sic). Way to humiliate your supposed ally, Marcus.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?