Star Trek episode "Patterns of Force"

"Patterns of Force"

Season 2, Episode 21.

The Enterprise is sent to the planet Ekos to investigate the disappearance of Federation historian John Gill. He studies history by "causes and motivations" and not "dates and events."

This episode completely shows the danger of violating the Prime Directive.

Bones injects "subcutaneous transponders" in the event they lose their communicators. What the hell!? Where did this great invention go!?

John Gill has imposed himself as the Fuhrer of a Nazi regime he has created on this planet. Spock says to Kirk after they steal uniforms, "You should make a very convincing Nazi."

Spock and Kirk take out their transponders to create a crude lock-picking laser.

While the premise seemed cool, I think the episode quickly degenerated. Instead of just beaming McCoy down in a Nazi doctor's uniform, why didn't they beam down like 200 guys with phasers and set on stun? The planet has already been contaminated against the Prime Directive.

Then they are in a room alone with John Gill, the guy they came to get--just beam him up already! Because they don't, it does lead to his getting shot. Even though he was used by the Melakon guy, Gill still started the whole Nazi thing in the first place, thinking it would somehow help to bring the planet together. I guess he never really learned from history. This truly violated the Prime Directive, especially someone who was just supposed to be a "cultural observer." This episode truly highlights how far ahead the idea of the Prime Directive was, and indeed still is. What I want to know: what happens next on the planet?