STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES
Season 3, Episode 14

Whom Gods Destroy

Series: Original Series - (1966-1969)
Season: 3
Episode #: 14
Production #: 60043-71
Original Airdate: 01/03/1969

Writer(s): Lee Erwin and Jerry Sohl
Director(s): Herb Wallerstein

Guest Stars
Steve Ihnat as Garth of Izar
Yvonne Craig as Marta
Richard Geary as the Andorian
Gary Downey as the Tellarite
Keye Luke as Dr. Donald Cory

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

Stardate: 5718.3

Synopsis

Elba II, a planet with a poisonous atmosphere, also has a facility beneath its surface for the incurably, criminally insane. The U.S.S. Enterprise is bringing a new medicine with which they hope to eliminate mental illness forever.

[ Complete Screencap Index ]

When Kirk and Spock beam down to the facility of 15 inmates, they find that the asylum has been taken over by Garth of Izar, who was once a famous starship captain. He was driven insane by the terrible injuries he received while rescuing others. Garth convinces them that he is the head of the facility, in an attempt to gain control of the U.S.S. Enterprise and conquer the galaxy. He crowns himself, "Master of the Universe," and, when the officers won't be tricked into beaming him aboard the starship, he tortures Elba II's governor and then Kirk. He then sends his Orion mistress, Marta, out to the deadly surface above, only to "mercifully" spare her by blowing her to bits.

Spock, who had become separated from Kirk, returns to help the captain but finds two James Kirks. Garth learned the power of shape-shifting from a gentle race of beings that were unaware of his madness. When one of the Kirks offers to sacrifice himself to stop Garth, Spock realizes that this is the real Captain Kirk and subdues Garth. Garth is given the healing medication brought by the Enterprise crew and begins the long road to recovery.

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