3.71 : Whom Gods Destroy. - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Dave · 27th April 2002, 12:57 PM

The one with Garth of Izar.

This episode uses three plot devices, two of which are now familiar in TOS:

(i) An important person in the Federation is introduced (Garth) and discovered to be mentally unstable.
(ii) A humanoid (Garth) gains superhuman abilities (shapechanging) as a result of the intervention of an alien influence (Antos IV.)
(iii) The insane asylum (Elba II) is taken over by its inmates (this is a well used cinematic convention.)

The Tellarite make-up (pig masks) is simplified and much improved from 'Journey to Babel'.

Keye Luke (Governor Donald Corey) was 'Master Po', Caine's all-seeing teacher in 'Kung Fu', whilst Yvonne Craig (Marta) was Batgirl in the 'Batman' TV series.

'Star Trek Lives' reveals that the fight scene was re-written because Nimoy adamantly refused to have Garth knock him out with one blow to the head. he had never been knocked unconcious before in a fight, and felt it would violate his character. Garth shoves Spock into a wall instead of hitting him on the head, but later Kirk still comments on the Vulcan being hit on the head.

27th April 2002, 12:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 13,777 Blog Entries: 1	3.71 : Whom Gods Destroy. The one with Garth of Izar. This episode uses three plot devices, two of which are now familiar in TOS: (i) An important person in the Federation is introduced (Garth) and discovered to be mentally unstable. (ii) A humanoid (Garth) gains superhuman abilities (shapechanging) as a result of the intervention of an alien influence (Antos IV.) (iii) The insane asylum (Elba II) is taken over by its inmates (this is a well used cinematic convention.) The Tellarite make-up (pig masks) is simplified and much improved from 'Journey to Babel'. Keye Luke (Governor Donald Corey) was 'Master Po', Caine's all-seeing teacher in 'Kung Fu', whilst Yvonne Craig (Marta) was Batgirl in the 'Batman' TV series. 'Star Trek Lives' reveals that the fight scene was re-written because Nimoy adamantly refused to have Garth knock him out with one blow to the head. he had never been knocked unconcious before in a fight, and felt it would violate his character. Garth shoves Spock into a wall instead of hitting him on the head, but later Kirk still comments on the Vulcan being hit on the head.