"The Corbomite Maneuver" in a way introduces the world of Star Trek known today. Deep in uncharted space Enterprise caught star-mapping encounters a mute but obstinate space buoy. As the crew tries to disengage it leaks lethal levels of radiation and must be destroyed by point-blank phaser fire. That action summons the incredibly immense Fesarius of the First Federation, faced by a sinister pseudo-Sarek full of threats and all but ignoring requests for peaceful first contact. Given only minutes before destruction Kirk bluffs about a "corbomite material and device" that will convincingly repel any attack, whereupon the giant ship launches a tiny tug-ship to tow Enterprise. En route Enterprise strains her engines until the tow is broken, ostensibly damaging the tiny tug. Reacting to its distress call they discover their antagonist actually a tiny bald-headed explorer with a taste for tranya, the entire experience a test of their real intentions.

As the first production after the pilots several characters make their debut here, including Janice Rand with her salad and coffee, a gold-wearing Uhura given little to say, and new helmsman Sulu with his annoying fascination for countdowns and timepieces. The chemistry of the crew is palpable even at this stage, with McCoy's personality quirks in delightful display. Spock is still barking on the bridge (almost in the next breath noting it "quite unnecessary to raise your voice"), dressed in ill-fitting costumes with high turtleneck collars. Undressed are extended scenes with a shirtless Shatner nailing his part from the get-go. (Except for the contextual error of promoting excitable Bailey too soon. Dumping him to the Fesarius is a typically inspired solution to this unexpected problem.) Guest performances are good, both Anthony Call as the back-talking and panicky Bailey, and megastar Clint Howard as the unforgettable Balok actual, his artificial alter ego almost equally as famous.

The musical score is one of the best, repeated often in the series. Yet as an early episode much of the show's structure is still in flux, utility belts and all. Even Spock's logic almost trips up under fierce reprimand, as the Vulcan catches himself in mid-apology instead to utter a curt response to Kirk, "I regret I can find no other logical alternative." But in philosophical terms the stamp of the show is overwhelmingly present and unmistakable. The mission of the United Earth Ship Enterprise is expressed clearly, "to seek out and contact alien life," with a cool, capable captain eager for an "opportunity to demonstrate what our high sounding words mean." No bluff!