Review 45 - Episode 46The One that's a bit like Gladiators
Not very good. Kirk, Uhura and Chekov are snatched from the Enterprise to fight in gladiatorial games.
The A plot is AWFUL and if it was this alone then the dreaded 1 out of 5 mark would be getting handed out. The initial interest in this odd trio being together soon fades as we have boring acted out fights taking place and Kirk trying all his moves on Shahna (Angelique Pettyjohn) who comes across quite likeable actually and stars in one of the funniest scenes when Kirk kisses her, then punches her out. There's also a rather dark scene where Uhura is about to be raped in her cell, which comes out the left field, but I presume is to make it easier for Kirk to kill him later on. Chekov has a few funny lines, but is wasted really and the story doesn't really make the most of the trio.
The B plot is far more interesting with Spock in command trying to find the missing crew and following his hunch, even though Bones and Scotty are not backing him. They come across quite unreasonable in these scenes, but the chemistry between them makes it work. I'm not sure what's happening at the end though, with Kirk seeming to be able to talk to his bridge on some strange loudspeaker system whilst the Providers are speaking. Ah yes, the Providers. 3 brains that steal people from around the galaxy to participate in their games. No real reason why, but what the hell. Kirk fights 3 fighters to win his bet and change the culture of the planet after talking his way out of death again.
It's really a very bad episode, especially with Shatner shouting at the sky half naked, but it's strangely watchable and the detective work on board the enterprise is half decent. Don't think I'd ever watch it again though.
2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 135/225
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