“The Night of the Sudden Plague” ends both the first season and the black and white era on a high note. At first glance, one would suspect the similarity in plot to the previous episode would be terribly conspicuous, but they both stand well on their own merit.Towns all over a remote southwestern territory are facing outbreaks of illness which causes paralysis for 48 hours. Within that time, a gang of outlaws loots the town. Jim and Artie are sent it to investigate, but find themselves hamstrung by the arrogant governor who thinks he has been punished by being placed in charge of such a barren desert.
On their own, the two agents discover the outlaws are using an old fort as a hideout. (The fort, by the way, is the Federation settlement from TOS’ “Arena.” Humorously enough, Jim concocts a makeshift explosive in order to escape at one point. He does not build a cannon., however. Missed opportunity, that.) The fort is also the base of operations for a disgraced doctor who failed to save a Japanese ruler’s daughter from plague and had his wife killed as punishment. He lost his mind over her murder and created the plague as revenge.
The episode is quite good. There is plenty of action and gadgetry as well as a some unusual twists. For one, Jim comes to the rescue of Artie for once when he has been captured by the outlaws. Of course, that means no Artie I disguise this time around, but you surprisingly will not miss it. There is more than enough goig on otherwise to hold your attention.
Some interesting casting notes: H. M. Wynant, who plays the head outlaw Rodman, makes his second of four appearances as a henchman. He isstill acting tody at age 82. His most famous recent role has been Sen. Starkey on The West Wing. Theo Marcuse, who plays the doctor, will return as the commandant of Devil’s Island in “The Night of the Bottomless Pit” coming up in the middle of September. He also played Kolob in TOS’ ‘Catspaw” a month before he tragically died in a car accident. Nobu McCarthy, the doctor’s daughter, won the Mis Tokyo pageant in 1953.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
