'Arena' is a solid episode that combines an action-oriented narrative with provocative issues, specifically the idea that humans are an inherently violent species that, after centuries, is still not all that removed from the primitives that they once were.
Kirk and a landing party arrive at an isolated outpost, eager to take in the locals' hospitality, only to find the outpost decimated. Then they are attacked by the aggressor aliens that destroyed the place, and end up pursuing them into deep space. Then a mysterious third party - the Metrons - interfere. Disgusted by what they're seeing, they set up Kirk and the captain of the aliens (who, as we learn, are called the Gorn) to fight each other on a barren planet. Neither Kirk nor the Gorn are allowed to use things such as phasers, but are told that the elements they need for an impromptu weapon ARE available.
For this viewer, it didn't mind so much that the special effects - especially the Gorn costume - are not so special. This was just a lot of good fun, with Kirk growing more tired by the minute, yet refusing to give up. And the Gorn (voiced by an uncredited Ted "Lurch" Cassidy) is a formidable antagonist, confident in its ability to defeat its nemesis.
As the Metrons come to realize, the human species may have its flaws, but still has enough going for it to NOT write us all off. As Kirk demonstrates, we are still capable of acts of compassion and mercy. Also, 'Arena' eventually shows that it's not so clear-cut about who's "right" and who's "wrong", since people may well have been intruding into Gorn territory in the first place with that outpost.
Overall, this is a good showcase episode for Shatner, who's obliged to really get physical for once.
Written by series producer Gene L. Coon (based on a story by Fredric Brown), and directed by Joseph Pevney ("Man of a Thousand Faces"), who guided 14 episodes of the series in total.
Eight out of 10.
Kirk and a landing party arrive at an isolated outpost, eager to take in the locals' hospitality, only to find the outpost decimated. Then they are attacked by the aggressor aliens that destroyed the place, and end up pursuing them into deep space. Then a mysterious third party - the Metrons - interfere. Disgusted by what they're seeing, they set up Kirk and the captain of the aliens (who, as we learn, are called the Gorn) to fight each other on a barren planet. Neither Kirk nor the Gorn are allowed to use things such as phasers, but are told that the elements they need for an impromptu weapon ARE available.
For this viewer, it didn't mind so much that the special effects - especially the Gorn costume - are not so special. This was just a lot of good fun, with Kirk growing more tired by the minute, yet refusing to give up. And the Gorn (voiced by an uncredited Ted "Lurch" Cassidy) is a formidable antagonist, confident in its ability to defeat its nemesis.
As the Metrons come to realize, the human species may have its flaws, but still has enough going for it to NOT write us all off. As Kirk demonstrates, we are still capable of acts of compassion and mercy. Also, 'Arena' eventually shows that it's not so clear-cut about who's "right" and who's "wrong", since people may well have been intruding into Gorn territory in the first place with that outpost.
Overall, this is a good showcase episode for Shatner, who's obliged to really get physical for once.
Written by series producer Gene L. Coon (based on a story by Fredric Brown), and directed by Joseph Pevney ("Man of a Thousand Faces"), who guided 14 episodes of the series in total.
Eight out of 10.