"The Conscience of the King" is one of Star Trek's first glimpses of James T. Kirk's life before he was Captain of the Enterprise. In 2246, a teenage Kirk survived a purge on Tarsus IV where Governor Kodos put half its population to death to conserve resources for the remaining half. Twenty years later, Captain Kirk learns someone is murdering Tarsus IV survivors who can identify Kodos. During his investigation, Captain Kirk romances Anton's comely daughter, Lenore Karidian (Barbara Anderson), before learning Lenore is both the murderer and a mad woman.
Captain Kirk’s Behavior Is Disturbing In Star Trek's “The Conscience Of The King”
Even Spock Grows Concerned About Kirk
"The Conscience of the King" shows different and darker shades of Captain Kirk's personality. Jim is hellbent on proving Anton Karidian is Kodos the Executioner, but he is also distracted by his attraction to Lenore. Kirk grows cold and cruel as he forces answers from Anton, but it's Jim and Lenore's mutual seduction aboard the Starship Enterprise that raises red flags. Lenore may be charming and attractive, but she is only 19 at this point in Star Trek's timeline, while Kirk is in his early 30s.
Why “The Conscience Of The King” Is An Underrated Star Trek Episode
Madness, Murder, And Shakespeare - Oh My!
Star Trek: The Original Series' "The Conscience of the King" is a compelling psychological thriller and murder mystery full of scintillating performances. Captain Kirk's pursuit of Kodos the Executioner uncovers secrets and lies, and it's a provocative cavalcade of murder and madness. At its heart is the tragedy of a daughter killing to protect her father in a twisted display of devotion. Kirk himself is equally obsessed with the truth about Anton Karidian, and he all but crosses the line with the twisted teenager Lenore.