The Gamesters of Triskelion

"The Gamesters of Triskelion" is a second season episode of The Original Series, first broadcast January 5, 1968 and repeated May 3, 1968. It is episode #45, production #46, written by Margaret Armen, and directed by Gene Nelson.

Overview: Captain Kirk and his companions are sent to fight as gladiators for the gambling entertainment of three disembodied beings.

Plot

On stardate 3211.7, the Enterprise is on a routine inspection of an unmanned station at Gamma II. Captain Kirk, Lt. Uhura and Mr. Chekov step into the ship's transporter to beam down, but they vanish before the transporter can be activated. The three appear on their backs in a fenced-in arena on an unknown planet. When they come to their feet, they find they are surrounded by four humanoids of various species who attack them. The officers attempt to fight back, but their phasers are useless.

The humanoid combatants attack the Enterprise crewmembers and pin them to the ground. Then a black-cloaked man appears, ends the battle and congratulates Kirk's party on their performance. The being identifies himself as Galt, Master Thrall of Triskelion, and that he works for the "Providers", unseen masters who wager among themselves on the arena games. Galt informs the party that they will spend the rest of their lives as gladiators, having been chosen to fight for the Providers' entertainment. The crewmembers are fitted with metal collars (which deliver severe pain if they disobey instructions) and are...
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