2.44 : Journey To Babel.

[Dave]

The one with Sarek.

On route to an important conference on a planet named Babel, with Spock's parents along for the ride, a delegate is murdered. Spock and Sarek have not spoken for 20 years, but Sarek needs Spock's blood for a transfusion. Kirk also gets stabbed (Sickbay is kept busy in this episode!)

Features the first look at the Andorians, and those 'pig-masked' Tellerites.

When Uhura discovers that the assassin is receiving communications to the Brig, Kirk calls for "Security to the Brig!". Where was security then? Having a day off? Shouldn't they be there already?

 

[Extollager]

The senior Andorian, Shras, is a pretty creepy-looking guy. Reggie Nalder, who played this part, was in Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much and the movie of The Manchurian Candidate.

 

[Extollager]

This one seems to me to be, like "Mirror, Mirror," one of the better-written episodes, with good pacing and some interesting conflicts, e.g. between the philosophical commitments of the Vulcanian ambassador who represents his people, and the aggressiveness of Ambassador Gav. Not great, but pretty good.