AllMovie

While the Enterprise is stopped at a space station to provide security for a valuable shipment of grain, Lt. Uhura purchases a new pet from ethically questionable station trader Cyrano Jones: a "tribble," which is basically a lovable, cooing ball of fur. The animals have some unexpected drawbacks, however; they have a ravenous appetite, and whenever they eat, they multiply themselves. Soon enough, the crew of the Enterprise finds themselves up to their necks in the furry creatures. This comes at about the worst possible time for the Enterprise, since a Klingon vessel has also arrived at the station, and the enemy crews are soon getting into barroom brawls. The tribble problem doesn't help the Enterprise's diplomatic effort much either, especially since the creatures don't like Klingons very much, and emit a high-pitched squawk whenever one comes near. This episode of the original Star Trek television series is particularly beloved for its charming humor; the tribbles themselves are so popular amongst Trek fans that they have reappeared in episodes of the animated series and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.