Fascinating? - A Star Trek Podcast

Let That Be Your Last Battlefield was the fifteenth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with two intractable foes bringing their millenia old dispute to the Enterprise. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

After identifying a missing Starfleet shuttle, seemingly disabled and leaking oxygen, Kirk brings it aboard along with its enigmatic occupant, Lokai (Lou Antonio) of the planet Charon. Resolving to take him to Starbase 4 to face charges once their urgent humanitarian mission is complete, Kirk seems unamused by his visitor.

Matters are complicated when a similar, but violently opposed, character named Bele (Frank Gorshin) joins them on the ship. He demands Lokai be handed over to him for punishment, but with his other guest seeking sanctuary, Kirk faces a tough decision.

Let That Be Your Last Battlefield was directed by Jud Taylor, the third of his five stints in the chair. The teleplay was by Oliver Crawford, the second of his three scripts for the show coming some time after his first (for The Galileo Seven).

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered how on the nose an analogy needs to be before it stops being an analogy.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Let That Be Your Last Battlefield was released in 1969. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Whom Gods Destroy was the fourteenth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with an asylum inmate causing problems for Kirk and Spock. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the key elements of a good impersonation.

When Kirk and Spock visit the insane asylum on Elba 2 to deliver medicine that will eliminate mental health problems forever. Greeted by Director Cody (Keye Luke), they soon find themselves captured by renowned Starfleet captain and the most recent inmate to arrive, Garth of Izar (Steve Ihnat).

After Garth brutally murders his companion, Marta (Yvonne Craig), his efforts to take over the Enterprise grow increasingly desperate, leading to showdown where Spock must find his captain from two identical combatants.

Whom Gods Destroy was written by Lee Erwin - his only episode for the show - and Jerry Sohl - the third of his four episodes. It was directed by Herb Wallerstein, the second of his four stints in the chair.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered whether there's a time and a place for a good lobotomy.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Whom Gods Destroy was released in 1969. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Elaan of Troyius was the thirteenth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with a special guest making life difficult on board the Enterprise. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss good manners and how to learn them.

When the Enterprise picks up Elaan, the Dohlman of Elas (France Nuyen), who is to be wed to the ruler of Troyius in an effort to end a war between the two planets, conflict erupts almost immediately with the Troyian ambassador Petri (Jay Robinson, in a role that you know Jeffrey Combs would play were it the 90s).

When a Klingon ship approaches it becomes apparent that the Enterprise has been sabotaged by Kryton (Tony Young), one of the Elasian guards. Kirk must overcome a powerful intoxication to steer the ship safely to its destination.

Elaan of Troyius was written and directed by John Meredyth Lucas. This is the only episode in the series to be directed by the writer.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered house guests and why we aren't in favour.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Elaan of Troyius was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

The Empath was the twelfth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with Kirk, Spock and McCoy made unwilling participants in a test of character. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss judgment and who gets to set the tests.

Attending the planet Minara II to recover a research team before the local star goes nova, the Enterprise is shocked to discover no signs of life. Kirk, Spock and McCoy investigate further and find themselves co-opted into a test set by the Vians, Lal (Alan Bergmann) and Thann (Willard Sage).

The subject of the test is Gem (Kathryn Hays), an Empath from one of the other planets due to face annihilation in the nova. She is being assessed by the Vians to see whether her species is worthy enough to be saved from their imminent firey extinction.

The Empath was directed by John Erman, his only Star Trek episode. The writer was Joyce Muskat, a freelance writer whose submission was purchased for the show. This was her only Star Trek episode.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered distance and perspective without points of reference.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

The Empath was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Wink of an Eye was the eleventh episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with Kirk accelerated beyond human perception by an alien queen anxious to breed. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss fast love and fast times.

Responding to a distress call, Kirk, McCoy, Spock and a redshirt visit the planet Scalos. When the redshirt vanishes after drinking local water, the team retreats to the Enterprise, but with a few surprise guests.

The Scalosian queen, Deela (Kathie Browne), has identified Kirk as the man to help her extend the lifespan of her species, despite the jealousy of her compatriot Rael (Jason Evers). Kirk, meanwhile, looks for a way to slow things down a bit.

Wink of an Eye was directed by Jud Taylor, the second of his five Star Trek episodes. The writer was Arthur Heinemann, the first of his three third season episodes.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered the value of more speed and less haste.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Wink of an Eye was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Plato's Stepchildren was the tenth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with Kirk and Spock forced to endure a series of humiliations as an alien race try to persuade McCoy to join them. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the morality of telekinesis.

Responding to a plea for help, Kirk, Spock and McCoy visit the Platonians to treat their Philosopher King, Parmen (Liam Sullivan), who has suffered a minor wound which became infected due to a lack of appropriate medical care.

Parmen and his wife, Philana (Barbara Babcock) intend to use their powers to detain McCoy permanently and dispose of the rest of the Enterprise crew, but with help from Alexander (Michael Dunn) there may be a way to turn the tables.

Plato's Stepchildren was directed by David Alexander, the first of his two Star Trek episodes. The writer was Meyer Dolinsky, his only contribution to the show.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered amateur dramatics and the potential for writer's revenge.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Plato's Stepchildren was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

The Tholian Web was the ninth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with Kirk trapped in interspace while the hostile Tholians attempt to trap the Enterprise. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss crisis leadership and the effect of poisonous space on relationships.

Responding to a distress call from the USS Defiant, Kirk and crew find that ship adrift with the crew all seeming to have killed one another. More worrying still, the vessel seems to be out of phase with the galaxy around it.

Approached by Commander Loskene (Barbara Babcock, voice) of the Tholian Assembly declares the space occupied and demands the Enterprise withdraws, but with Spock keen to determine whether Kirk has survived the slip into interspace, a standoff becomes inevitable.

The Tholian Web was directed by Herb Wallerstein, the first of his four Star Trek episodes. The writer was Judy Burns, her only contribution to the show (though she is thanked in the credits for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered whether too little Kirk could ever be a good thing.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

The Tholian Web was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky was the eighth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with a displaced civilisation unknowingly on course to destroy an inhabited world. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the difference between known unknowns and unknown unknowns.

Intercepting an asteroid bound to destroy the world of Daran V, the Enterprise crew discover it is in fact an ancient spaceship containing a population unaware that they are not in fact on a planet themselves. Led by High Priestess Natira (Katherine Woodville), they are ignorant of their world's true nature.

When Natira takes a romantic interest in the recently-diagnosed-as-terminally-ill McCoy, it seems the doctor may choose to live out his days on the asteroid-ship, but a new discovery shows him it may be possible to save the colonists as well as the people of Daran V.

For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky was directed by Tony Leader, his only Star Trek episode. The writer was Hendrik Vollaerts, the third of his four for the show.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered whether a McCoy love story was overdue or unnecessary.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Day of the Dove was the seventh episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with an alien being pushing the Enterprise into conflict with a Klingon crew for its own benefit. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the persistance of racial hatred.

Drawn to the same planet by false distress calls, Kirk and his Klingon rival Kang (Michael Ansara) commence a bloody engagement under the manipulation of a sentient but non-corporeal life form.

After the Klingon ship is destroyed, Kang and 37 of his crewmen - including his wife-cum-science-officer Mara (Susan Howard) - plot to take control of the Enterprise and take revenge for the 400 men whose deaths he blames on Kirk. Meanwhile, the captain and Spock race against time to find the cause of their uncharacteristic behaviour.

Day of the Dove was directed by Marvin Chomsky, the second of his three episodes in the chair. The writer was Jerome Bixby, the third of his four for the show.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered whether the swirly light alien in this one was related to the swirly light alien in Metamorphosis.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Day of the Dove was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Spectre of the Gun was the sixth episode of Star Trek's third season to air, with an alien race punishing the Enterprise's unwelcome visit with a theatrical form of execution. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the nature of reality.

On a mission to make contact with the reclusive Melkotian race, Kirk orders the Enterprise to ignore a warning buoy and approach the alien planet. On transporting to the surface he, Spock, McCoy, Chekov and Scotty are soon placed in a Wild West fantasy setting by an angry Melkotian (Abraham Sofaer).

Drawing on a remarkably niche level of historical knowledge, they place themselves at the OK Corral where they must face off against Wyatt (Ron Soble), Morgan (Rex Holman) and Virgil Earp (Charles Maxwell) along with Doc Holliday (Sam Gilman) to save the town and it's residents including the barman Ed (Charles Seel), Sheriff Behan (Bill Zuckert) and Chekov's sudden love interest Sylvia (Bonnie Beecher).

Spectre of the Gun was directed by Vincent McEveety, the last of his six episodes in the chair. The writer was Gene Coon under his Lee Cronin alias.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered the legacy of Wyatt Earp.

The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we're @trekpodcast.

You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.

Spectre of the Gun was released in 1968. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.