|
BREAD & CIRCUS
GUEST STARS...
Rhodes Reason, Ian Wolfe, and Bartell
LaRue (voice).
PLOT SUMMARY...
The Enterprise encounters a world much like Ancient
Rome, but in a modern setting.
QUICK SCAN...
This episode features a televised gladiatorial
match, involving Spock and McCoy. This is a the only Classic "Trek"
episode to make a reference, although indirectly, to Jesus Christ. Rhodes
Reason, seen here as Flavius, also appeared on other 60's TV shows,
including "The Time Tunnel". His brother, Rex, starred in
the Sci-Fi classic "This Island Earth".
SYNOPSIS...
The Enterprise comes to the alien world 892 lV
in search of the crew of the missing spaceship, the S.S. Beagle. When
they beam down to the planet, they encounter a world not unlike ancient
Rome, but with modern technology.
After first encountering members of a freedom loving underground movement,
the Enterprise gang is captured by soldiers of the Imperial government.
Kirk, Spock, and McCoy end up taking part in gladiatorial games, fighting
for their lives and it's broadcast on television.
Scotty turns off the planet's juice, allowing Kirk, Spock and McCoy
to escape. Back on the ship, they realize that Christ has been on this
planet.
Review:
Director Ralph Senensky's, "BREAD AND CIRCUSES," is a lively
and highly entertaining Sci-Fi tale. Senensky also directed the classic
Trek episodes, "Return to Tomorrow", "Metamorphosis",
and "Obession". He also directed episodes of "Planet
of the Apes" and the TV movie, "The New Adventures of Heidi".
Rhodes Reason, brother of Rex Reason, of "This Island Earth"
fame, is okay in a prominent role as a rebellious "Sun" worshiper,
named Flavius. It's unfortunate that his voice was re-recorded in what
sounds like an echo chamber, giving it an odd, artificial sound.
My favorite scene takes place when Kirk and Spock are imprisoned by
the Roman-like rulers of the planet. Standing on Kirk's shoulders, Spock
works to convert the cell's bare light bulb into a phaser like device,
to melt the cell's lock. Kirk's comments and complaints to Spock are
comical and entertaining.
It's interesting that the starship, which originally landed on the Rome-like
planet, is called the Beagle. Charles Darwin traveled on a ship named
the S.S. Beagle during his famous cruise, where he studied flora and
fauna and developed his theory of evolution. It should also be noted
that Sci-Fi author A.E. Van Vogt wrote a novel called, "The Voyage
of the Space Beagle", about a star cruising ship and its crew,
which may have influenced Gene Roddenberry.
This is the only classic "Trek" episode in which Jesus Christ
is referred to, although indirectly. A group of defiant "Sun"
worshipers turn out to be followers of the Son of God!
"BREAD AND CIRCUSES "should be fairly watchable for most Sci-Fi
viewers. Christians may particularly appreciate this episode. "BREAD
AND CIRCUSES" is a tasty, easily digestible Sci-Fi treat.
|
