"The Return of the Archons" sets the tone for Kirk vs. Computer episodes, this the first of a handful yet to come. Enterprise visits Beta III for information regarding the century-lost starship U.S.S. Archon (a loss inexcusably ignored during the fifth series). During a scouting mission Sulu beams up after a harrowing mob chase, popped into babbling bliss by robed figures holding hollow tubes. Kirk and Spock investigate this "paradise" and discover its caretaker, Landru, eventually uncovered as a computer running a "soulless" society. Of course then Kirk talks it into pulling its own plug, leaving the inhabitants with unprecedented anarchy and a careless sociologist. See you in another hundred.

The origins of Landru are shrouded by millennia of myth, and what facts remains besides projections are as few as the high tech reminders of Beta III's past that supply a bit a mystery to their society (including Lawgiver Tubes and those ingenious light panels that look good even in today's CGI world). Their world was destroying itself through war and one man set his engrams into a machine designed to run their society for them. The "ancient" evils allegedly eliminated millennia ago have been channeled into the brutal Festival (though the Red Hour makes good entertainment!), the purpose for which is sadly not explained. Maybe a subconscious source of guilt to further reinforce (compel) the will of Landru?

Charles Macauley provides a subtle performance for Landru that oozes confidence and power. (His classical costume complements the simple clothes the Body wears.) Supporting actors handle the challenging material well particularly Harry Townes as Reger, the fantastic Torin Thatcher as Marplon, and Brioni Farrell as Tula. Many guest stars in this episode besides Macauley make repeat TOS appearances including Jon Lormer as the tube-zapped Tamar, Ralph Maurer as the creepy rapist Bilar, Morgan Farley as the righteously indignant Hacom, and good old Bobby Clark (in his only speaking role!).

There's more than a few plot holes, like the triad members' immunity to absorption or how word of the original Archons yet remains. (Though an event of the magnitude of starship absorption may not be easily lost to cultural memory.) But the lesson delivered in the Hall of Audiences is classic Trek. Thankfully at least some lip service is paid to the contrast between the Directives of the Body and the more familiar Prime Directive. Though some semblance of paradise might be gifted to you (or perhaps forced on you at bit-point), freedom is never a gift. It has to be earned.