STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES
Season 2, Episode 25

Bread and Circuses

Series: Original Series - (1966-1969)
Season: 2
Episode #: 25
Production #: 60343
Original Airdate: 03/15/1968

Writer(s): Gene Roddenberry & Gene L. Coon
Director(s): Ralph Senensky

Guest Stars
William Smithers as Captain R.M. Merik
Logan Ramsey as Claudius Marcus
Ian Wolfe as Septimus
William Bramley as Policeman #1
Rhodes Reason as Flavius Maximus
Bart LaRue as the TV Announcer
Jack Perkins as the Master of the Games
Max Kleven as Achilles
Lois Jewell as Drusilla

Uncredited Guest Stars
William Blackburn as Lt. Hadley
Frank da Vinci as Lt. Brent
Roger Holloway as Ensign Roger Lemli
Jeannie Malone as a Bridge Yeoman and a Slave Woman
Paul Baxley as Policeman #2
Bob Orrison as Policeman #3
Eddie Paskey as Lt. Leslie
Paul Stader as Slave #1
Tom Steele as Slave #2
Gil Perkins as Slave #3

Stardate: 4040.7

Synopsis

The U.S.S. Enterprise finds the wreckage of the S.S. Beagle, with no survivors, orbiting near the Planet 892-IV. When Kirk, Spock, and McCoy beam to the planet's surface, they find a dishelveled group of "sun worshipers" trying to escape being caught by the local authorities. They are captured, along with the landing party, and taken to the city which looks very much like Earth's ancient Rome.

They find that Captain R.M. Merrick of the Beagle has betrayed his crew, beaming them down to fight in the Roman-like gladiatorial games. Merik is First Citizen of the Empire and supposed close friend to the Proconsul, Claudius Marcus. Kirk realizes, however, that Merrick is being used as a lure to get more starship crews to 892-IV for the entertainment of its inhabitants.

[ Complete Screencap Index ]

When Kirk refuses to beam his crew down to die in the arena, Spock and McCoy are condemned to fight gladiators in the ring. The bout is being televised for the planet's enjoyment, but Scotty cuts off the planet's energy supply, spoiling their pleasure. When Kirk uses the confusion to free Spock and McCoy, Merrick sees how a true starship captain acts in the face of danger and uses his communicator to have Kirk, Spock and McCoy beamed aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. For his treachery, Merrick is killed by the Proconsul.

Uhura, who has been monitoring the radio waves of the planet, realizes that the "sun worshipers" aren't talking about the sun in the sky, but of the "Son of God."

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