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"Let That be Your Last Battlefield" Full Reaction! - Star Trek: TOS Season 3 (Patreon)

Published:
2024-11-08 19:21:40
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

Sorry for the late upload! I lost track of time! As always you'll need your own copy of the episode to follow along!

Files

"Let That be Your Last Battlefield" Full Reaction! - Star Trek: TOS Season 3

Comments

Greg

First off, Bunny, that uniform looks great! I agree it does look very orange....I believe that's the 'correct' color though. Although a big deal was made out of Star Trek being shot in color, the cameras were still primitive compared to today's tech, and the uniforms were very bright colors so they would stand out more, even though they look more dulled and normal on the show. It was great seeing your reaction to this episode for the first time, cause as you noted in Discord this episode is VERY diverse. You either love it or hate it, and all of the reviews I've seen of this episode are the same way. I did not expect you to get emotional at the end but that was a very heartfelt and welcome message that you indicated at the end, one which I totally agree with. It also feels very fitting that the timing of the release of this was during Election week when a lot has been going on. As for me -- I've always liked this episode, problems aside. Star Trek, as I said before, has NEVER been shy about delivering a message, and it's something they continued to do on later shows. Some hit harder then others, some are better handled then others, and some are no longer the same issue that they were when the episode was made, but one of the things I've always loved about Star Trek, and a reason fans enjoy it a lot also, is that they are NOT afraid to tackle controversial issues head on. I fully understand and welcome the message they are trying to send in THIS episode, but the major weakness of this episode to me and my biggest issue with it is that they present it in SUCH a heavy handed manner. Perhaps they felt they had to, to get the point across, during the very chaotic 60's when so much was going on in the United States and the world. But Star Trek always had a very educated and 'smart' fan base, and often they more subtle with their messages. THIS one, though, smacks you across the face with it and beats you up with it. Despite that, though, there's a lot to like in this episode. Great guest acting from Lou Antonio and Frank Gorshin. Nice camera angles used, such as in the self destruct sequence. Very effective use of makeup for the aliens, which could also be done on the cheap (the original script for this was actually presented and rejected for a Season one episode but they decided since it could be done cheaply, in part, to revise it and use it here). We learn more about how the Federation operates. And the first use of the self destruct sequence in Star Trek -- not an original idea, as the movie Forbidden Planet used it. The messages this episode is conveying are still very true today. I share your fear and worry about the future, Bunny, but I also believe in the brighter future that Star Trek was set in and advocated for, and that as a race we can rise about the challenges. A couple of trivia notes to finish this off: The look of the aliens Bele and Lokai was decided only a week before filming began, based on an offhand comment by director Jud Taylor. This was Gene Coon's final episode.

Skyman's Follies

Very, very dark episode. Perhaps the most of the entire original series. Because, it's one of the truest episodes. Really hits hard. Nod to "Lee Cronin". In this episode, we have one of the best edited scenes of TOS: the "destruct sequence". Simply belongs in the top 20 of dramatic scenes. Bunny, I had never thought of this as a cousin to the Alternative Factor, but you're right, they are a pair (and I think, too, it should be considered better than it is, but I understand that's not the common view). As to the camerawork in the "destruct sequence", yes, it's outstanding. Most notably is the series of hard cuts to eyes and lips and it's extremely well done (and perhaps borrowed a bit from 1966's "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" finale showdown. And it also includes, in the final 10 seconds, a "dolly-in" (you can see it really well on Chekov ) where the camera is pushed slowly toward him. (Apologies if you already knew that!) It’s super subtle but very effective at emphasizing the dramatic importance and weight of this scene (changing the perspective within the shot). Greg's got some good words on this episode too. My perspective on the heavy handedness is that THAT is the point. I don't think they were being didactic. I think this is late 60s TV at its finest (in the vein of the Twilight Zone) and that this episode resonates with you Bunny, 50+ years later, is evidence of that. May we continue to strive for better.

dave zink

Your star trek outfit looks awesome - never seen that color before * really cheerful - "orange humorette"- (used to be a "Good Humor ice cream bar" way back in the day) - this episode shows the dark side of racism , **MLK was shot dead in 1968 on a motel balcony - -- anyway not to bring up depressing things - - don't worry I nap all the time ** Thanks again 🙂 🍒🩷

Tony S in Phoenix

Sorry Greg and Buns, but I have to disagree about the uniform with the color being off and it is definitely too baggy on our favorite Bunny. So sorry to you both.

William Terry

LTBYLB is an excellent episode. It's underrated! Riff Trax made a joke about the makeup in a post-apocyptic biker movie reminded them of "that bad Star Trek TOS episode", but I love the acting- despite the makeup- and the visuals of the Enterprise and the decks. Bunny is quite moved by the script and the performances. The Sharonians are almost literally mirror images, rather than absolute good and absolute evil. I find Alternative Factor different from LTBYLB because both Lazarus and crazy Lazarus looked and acted like they're going to get everyone killed until Kirk got them into the event horizon and locked them there forever. Lokai and Bele act the same, "disgusting" but neither of them gives a flip about the crew, I like how just their fighting could meltdown the Enterprise, whereas Lazarus willingly sacrificed himself to keep the universe from cancelling out. So overall great script, and the story is based on a great book, Les Miserables, with Javert pursuing Jean Valjean for years for the crime of stealing a loaf of bread (and running away after busting out of the chaingang). Bunny gives a great reacts and and I love the bridge officer shirt, though I agree it would go better with a belt.

Tony S in Phoenix

Another thought provoking episode for sure. Sadly my memory fails me as to what I thought upon originally seeing this as a young teenager. I think that I found their differences to be as stupid as you do Bunny, but they may be colored by growing older and rewatching it many times. I also can't remember if I noticed the hot "red dress" (Connie Ducharme?) guarding Bele during his talk with Kirk and Spock. I sure noticed her now 😁😁 Speaking of uniforms, sort of, I can't understand why no one seems capable of making a woman's uniform that duplicates the original. The cut always seems to be way off. When I received the notification that it was on your Throne I was going to ask you if you thought it was going to be correct and fit, but life got in the way again. And finally, I find it hard to believe that Frank Gorshin played the Riddler on Batman after seeing the intensity he brought to Bele. He really was an accomplished actor and a great impersonater. Great reaction Buns as usual! See you in the next one!

Edward M. Crowe

Bunny, P-L-E-A-S-E don't tell me you don't know how to sew! I'm a GUY and "I" know how to sew, and I even own my own sewing machine! I always use it to take in my own clothes.😌 It looks better, and saves money in the long run!

Carlos Stevens

As I just start watching this reaction...Something tells me that this will be one of your favorite Season 3 episodes.... That said... Why does your command uniform look orange? (must be a lighting thing)

Carlos Stevens

heh, ok... I literally wrote this before you said, "It's a little bit more orange than I expected." A fine effort nonetheless.

Carlos Stevens

Oh Wow...Look At The Brain On Bunny! You picked up on the black/white thing being on opposite sides as soon as you saw Bele.

Carlos Stevens

So Bunny, let me add a little context to this episode. This episode was aired in 1969. 4 years after John F. Kennedy was assassinated. 4 years after The Watts Riots. 3 years after Malcolm X was assassinated. 1 year after Robert Kennedy was assassinated. Needless to say, it was a very tumultuous time in America back then. This episode is kind of a reflection of the spirit of those days.

timothy w moyer

Well, I apolgize to no one in how much I like the Orange Uniform ( Perhaps call it StarBase Operations Duty Uniform). I haven't watched this one in many years,because I like the other ones better. Watching along, I remember the self-destruct and all that. I have never understood until I got out of my Teens and also into US Navy (Subs). which is the closest thing to a spaceship you ever get here. I saw blatant race problems OUTSIDE the Military at the time. I can only speak to my own experiences. I have always remembered this episode when faced with race problems . Most of the time it works. I do feel sadness , like Kirk, at the endless pursuit and loss of everything. Maybe it seems so heavy handed is because of the tight TV schedule and time allotted for the story to advance. It had to move things along quickly before time ended. Also , Audience draw was a factor as well. No Cable, No Streaming, No VCR, You saw it or you missed it. Gorgeous, great reaction, Bunny, Thank you for reminding me how much some of these episodes are just dang fun to re watch. Please allow for further Orange Trek uniform anytime you want. 😊

bunnytails

I suppose that what struck me the most was that one might expect the two would see how nonsensical their actions and ideals had been, and being the last two remaining of their species, would want to finally set aside their differences. Instead, they double down on their own hate and despair.

bunnytails

I've never heard of a dolly-in before, so thanks for that!

bunnytails

School never taught sewing and no one in my family did it, so no, I have not the knowledge or the means to do so currently. I have always wanted to learn, though.

bunnytails

It's a bit more orange on camera than in person, but still very orange both ways.

bunnytails

Thanks! It's always a gamble when ordering clothing online, especially for me. It's difficult to find things that fit the hourglass figure properly. Like Edward mentioned, it would be useful if I learned to sew so I can adjust things like this.

bunnytails

Thanks! The uniform that I ordered is called simply "command uniform" but I had a feeling their was a better term to use for it.

Greg

I know, right? And when you consider the fact that one had been chasing the other for 50,000 YEARS, it just drives home how for them it's just life now.

Bret Kay

Love the uniform, it looks good! Loved watching this, your reaction was very insightful! I never considered the parallel between this and The Alternative Factor. I've always enjoyed that episode too. The story here is similar, but I think it's probably more straightforward without the parallel universe angle. Also this touches more directly where this kind of hatred will lead. It's a very powerful message and hopefully one we'll learn as a society and turn the corner. This episode hits pretty hard. *hugs*

Mark Gosine

Well, this episode irks me. One of my bottom ranked. Or I should say 'it tasks me, it tasks me'. Directing. Like the goofy zooming of the red alert, or the hallway jogging. Camera angles were jarring. I'm not a makeup artist, but I have plenty of ideas on making it look way better. I would've dyed the hair down the middle to match color and blended the edges on the style (actors may have not been so keen on that idea). Actual makeup application toning down the starkness of the black vs white; more natural. Before colored contacts, but that would've been the bomb, The Charonites all wear ill-fitting gray leotards? A bit heavy ham-fisted on the plot; even for today; not as nuanced nor sophisticated. Nobody watching the transporter; was the person on bathroom break? Beal dragged them at warp 10 to Charon, and heading back to help the emergency decontamination, Kirks says Warp factor 2!? I do appreciate the self-destruct scene. It was awesome in more ways than one. I never really paid attention to the codes before. That was the cool part. I appreciate your highlighting the message of hate. It seems we as a society are consistently herded into it by pols and media even though I observe folks at the day-to-day level are quite amicable to each other.

MntrTodd

Gene Coon was being credited as "Lee Cronin" for the third season because by this time he had left STAR TREK in an official capacity and was working for another network. So he could not legally use his own name on the show. "Battlefield" was developed from a story outline he had submitted as early as the first season. Spock says that Charon is in the Southern part of the galaxy. This is a sly dig at the American South with its issues with racial conflicts. Actually there is no such thing as North and South in space.

Matthew Graves (Graviton)

Ah, Bunny! This is one that reminds me of why I love your reactions. This episode is, as you noticed, so very “on the nose” with its message. It’s not subtle by any means. On the other hand it’s a VERY good message and only more needed today. And it’s beautiful to see it clearly hit home with you in such a visceral way. It gives me new appreciation for the episode and sorely needed hope for the future right about now. The self destruction countdown is a classic scene. Bele is the late great Frank Gorshin, better known (among other things) as the Riddler from the 60s Batman show. Truly a master scenery chewer. Hope you are enjoying I, Robot. If you have gotten to “Liar!” you no doubt noticed how influential it is on several classic Kirk moments. I won’t spoil anything but there are still some major influences on Trek that will become apparent if you watch further (those of you who know both Trek and Asimov obviously know who/what I refer to… shhhhh, let her experience it fresh 😊)

Trilogian

Didn’t expect the tonnage of responses to this one (tho I always liked it). Very gratified you liked it and saw the intent, Bunny. Also I like the warmer Starfleet uniform. Odd they went with a more mustard color for Command when Science and Support were much more primary blue and red. When I was 5 or 6, I had a Command Captain’s shirt I wore for my school pictures. My mom was less than pleased, but no regrets! You are still in for some awesome episodes from Season 3. Also, I would totally recommend 1960s Batman. It’s full of hot girl costumes and OT performances from everyone!

ded cowbowee

I remember having a nightmare after this episode when I was about 5 years old. A man with the half and half face looking in my bedroom window! My only memory of this episode is really just that dream, lol.

ded cowbowee

Frank Gorshin, he played what villain on the original batman series. "The Riddler", right?

ded cowbowee

This episode encapsulates the worries of the 1960's. This is the essence of Star Trek T.O.S.

kenneth brown

Yep. He won a couple of Ennys for that. He had the most maniacal laugh ever.

Mark Chrisco

Showrunner Fred Freiberger did not get along with the established directors and brought his friends aboard.

bunnytails

Agreed, loved the self destruct scene!

bunnytails

I did read "Liar!" just last night actually. I've been sick so I've read about half the book in the last 24 hours or so. I am REALLY enjoying it.

Jeremy Montanez

😢😢😢😢😢 Everytime you. Mention the state of how humanity and the world is it rips me apart because once again this was all before he blantly destroyed everything civil about our own civilization in this country with nothing but HATE. Anyway, Id say this had been my favorite episode this far. I enjoyed the reaction immensely.