i agree that this be one of the very best episode of the entire series my only detraction would be the somewhat jarring appearance of mark lenard a the romulan commander . my reasoning be this if you be not around for the first run of this episode and then you know mr. lenard a sarek and spock father . and for the 2nd generation trekkie ( or trekker your preference ) it take you out of the scene at first . yet he an excellent commander as well a opposite for our captain and this episode be strongly write and well act by all . there be excellent point make by both side about the cost of war vs. the price of peace and certainly do remind one of some of the best of the wwii and later era movie . those be not my favorite genre but i certainly would recommend a fan of such to view this episode through that filter . you will see it hold up . i will never understand why sci fi get so little respect the best drama come out of place ordinary people in extraordinary circumstance .