What surprised me was they showed the puppet in the credits of almost every episode after that. For such an odd episode they were very proud of it.
Was Balok the Ultimate Master Troll?
Sent a radioactive probe to chase the Enterprise around, bathing them in gamma rays for fun.
Tractor beamed and then threatened them with a scary voice and ridiculous puppet.
Gave them 10 minutes until inevitable death, ensuring the crew will go bonkers with fear.
Enjoyed a private laugh at the amateurish Corbomite claim.
Tested the Enterprise engines 20% past their design specs to ensure lots of damage to keep Scotty busy.
Faked a distress call for shits and giggles.
Gave Kirk, McCoy and Bailey unknown alien liquid to drink, which could have been Balok’s own piss for all they knew.
Took Bailey for a year because Balok watched him on the Bridge have an epic yet entertaining freakout, that kind of B-level acting deserved a reward.
Had no intention to pay back all the damage he caused, as if Starfleet could do anything anyway.
Intended to be friends with Earth all along, but decided to have some harmless fun with the pinkskins before establishing relations.