Other mistake: Kirk's voice-over log entry says he's been "placed on the surface of an asteroid." The Metrons earlier referred to it as a planet prepared for them with a suitable atmosphere. How and why does Kirk suddenly assume that it's an asteroid rather than a full sized planet? As an experienced space veteran, Kirk, who has already been told that it's a planet, would never make such a mistake. (00:23:45)
Tomorrow is Yesterday - S1-E20
Other mistake: In the end credits the character of Captain Christopher is credited as Major Christopher.
Tomorrow is Yesterday - S1-E20
Other mistake: The Air Force police officer (played by Hal Lynch) was beamed up from inside the records room (after finding Kirk exiting the dark-room) but was returned outside the room... so he was physically transported INTO himself (as opposed to replacing the beamed-up future version at the exact moment and place he was removed as they did the pilot, Christopher).
Other mistake: Ben Finney's rank is stated as Lt. Commander. His rank insignia on his uniform shirt is that of Commander (The same as Mr. Spock whose rank is Commander).
The Return of the Archons - S1-E22
Other mistake: After Sulu is "absorbed", he is beamed up to the ship. After materializing, his demeanor could be described as calm, gentle, meek and euphoric. After that scene, the captain's log quotes Kirk as saying "Mr. Sulu has returned, but in a highly agitated mental state." Was Kirk looking at a different Sulu than we were? A gentle, meek and euphoric condition incorrectly being touted as "highly agitated"? Time for Shore Leave. (00:01:28 - 00:03:53)
The Return of the Archons - S1-E22
Other mistake: On the bridge, as the camera looks at the view screen, there is a flashing blue light reflecting on the console in front of Sulu, but there is no light other than scanner under the viewer flashing and it's too far away to project light that far, and it's amber colored.
Space Seed - S1-E23
Other mistake: Spock calls for McGivers and Scotty to the transporter room. In the Transporter Room, Scotty is at the controls, then after he went to the Transporter pad, they used a stock shot of his hands working the controls.
This Side of Paradise - S1-E25
Other mistake: After Spock is hit with the spores, he goes down on all fours in pain. As he writhes around, the skin tone of his ears is vastly different to his other makeup.
This Side of Paradise - S1-E25
Other mistake: As Spock and Kirk are fighting, Spock bends a steel bar with one of his blows. When he hits Kirk, though, it simply makes Kirk a little sore. A blow strong enough to bend a steel bar would shatter human bones.
Other mistake: Kirk and Spock stun two Klingon guards, yet despite being unconscious, the guard on the left jumps from the balcony and lands feet first on the ground. If he were really unconscious he would have simply tumbled down. (00:36:20)
Other mistake: When Kirk is lecturing Ayelborne in the council chamber, the actor behind him is mouthing Kirk's dialogue.
The Alternative Factor - S1-E28
Other mistake: When Spock calls Kirk to the bridge after he discovers the Lazarus energy source, he and Lazarus head to the bridge. There is a shot of McCoy standing in the corridor, and one of the red alert panels is burned out while the other is still flashing.
The City on the Edge of Forever - S1-E29
Other mistake: When talking to Edith Keeler one evening, Kirk refers to a star in Orion's belt, pointing it out. The shot then cuts to a scene of the horizon. The sky is quite cloudy and the light from the sun is still lighting the horizon. The stars would not be visible.
Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).
Captain Defenestrator
Thank you for the info.
Movie Nut