Assignment: Earth (1968)

The Enterprise is in 1968 conducting historical research. Specifically to learn how the planet survived the volatile era when they cross paths with the enigmatic Gary Seven (Robert Lansing) claiming to be a guardian of the Earth. He has been sent from a secretive planet (unknown even in the 23rd century) that wishes to prevent humans from destroying themselves. When a rocket with a nuclear warhead can only be stopped by Seven, Kirk (William Shatner) isn't so sure Seven is the good guy he claims to be.  "Assignment: Earth" was a proposed TV series that never materialized though Gary Seven adventures have continued in various books which  I have heard are quite entertaining.

I've always wanted to like this episode more than I do. It's an interesting premise in Seven, his shape-shifting cat Isis, and the quirky Roberta (Terri Gar) but it all ads up to an intriguing oddity at best. Suspense is nil because of heavy stock footage usage that doesn't flow seamlessly with the actors' reaction shots. And after two episodes (Tomorrow is Yesterday/Edge of Forever) of time travel where interaction with the past is careful as not to disrupt the timeline, this episode bebops everywhere with little regard. At one point, two police officers are beamed to the Enterprise and back without concern over what ripples in the current it could cause. "Assignment:Earth" is an unfortunate misfire.

Next: the final time traveling adventure of the old series, "All Our Yesterday's."