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Wolf in the Fold is a memorable episode from the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series that stands out for its unique blend of science fiction and mystery. Set against the familiar backdrop of the USS Enterprise, the episode explores dark themes as Captain Kirk and his crew investigate a series of murders on the planet Argelius II. Featuring an intriguing cast including Charles Macaulay, John Fiedler, and guest star Tanya Lemani as the mesmerizing belly dancer, Wolf in the Fold delves into the concept of evil in the universe. This article examines the episode’s plot, characters, thematic depth, and its place among other classic Star Trek stories.
Star Trek Tos Wolf In The Fold
“Wolf in the Fold” is a memorable episode from Star Trek: The Original Series that blends mystery with supernatural horror. The story kicks off when Scotty is accused of murdering several women on the planet Argelius II, but Captain Kirk refuses to believe his friend is guilty. As the investigation unfolds, Kirk and Spock uncover that the true culprit is an incorporeal, energy-based entity known as Redjac, who feeds on terror and has been responsible for similar murders across different worlds, including the infamous Jack the Ripper killings.
The episode stands out for its eerie atmosphere and the chilling concept of an immortal killer possessing various bodies, sometimes even dead ones. The tension escalates when Redjac takes control of the Enterprise’s computer, terrorizing the crew. Kirk and Spock cleverly counter this by tranquilizing the crew to remove fear and overloading the computer with calculations, forcing the entity to retreat. Despite some outdated sexist attitudes in the script, the episode remains a classic example of Star Trek’s ability to mix science fiction with horror and psychological suspense.
Star Trek Tos Wolf In The Fold Season 2
“Wolf in the Fold,” from Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2, is a unique blend of sci-fi and horror with a campy twist. The episode centers on Scotty, who is accused of a series of brutal murders after a head injury leaves him with a strange resentment toward women. Captain Kirk, refusing to believe Scotty is guilty, dives into a mystery that reveals an incorporeal, malevolent entity feeding on fear and terror, linked to infamous killers like Jack the Ripper. The story takes place on Argelius II, a planet known for its pacifism and free love, which contrasts sharply with the dark events unfolding.
What makes this episode memorable is its mix of suspense and humor. Kirk and Spock use some wild logic and futuristic computer analysis to uncover the truth, while the crew is tranquilized to prevent the entity from feeding on their fear. The episode’s tone swings between eerie and campy, with William Shatner embracing the heightened drama and a bit of absurdity. Despite some dated elements and uneven character behavior, “Wolf in the Fold” stands out for its creative premise and the way it showcases Kirk’s loyalty and Spock’s intellect.
Star Trek Tos Wolf In The Fold Episodes
“Wolf in the Fold” is a memorable episode from the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series that blends sci-fi with a dark, almost horror-like mystery. The story kicks off when Scotty is accused of murdering several women on the planet Argelius II, a place known for its pacifism and free love. Naturally, Captain Kirk refuses to believe Scotty is guilty and sets out to uncover the truth. The episode takes an intriguing turn when Kirk and Spock deduce that an incorporeal, energy-based entity—an ancient mass murderer responsible for killings across planets, including the infamous Jack the Ripper—is behind the crimes.
One of the standout moments is when Spock commands the Enterprise’s computer to analyze their conversation and hypothesize about this being, showcasing an impressive early sci-fi vision of artificial intelligence. To stop the entity, the crew is tranquilized to suppress fear, while Spock keeps the computer busy by calculating digits of pi, forcing the creature to flee back into its dead host. The episode mixes suspense, camp, and dark humor, especially in its unusual resolution, making it a unique and sometimes controversial installment in the series.
Star Trek Tos Wolf In The Fold Cast
The cast of Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Wolf in the Fold” features the classic main crew alongside some notable guest stars. William Shatner stars as Captain James T. Kirk, leading the story with his usual charisma. Leonard Nimoy appears as Spock, though his role is more limited in this episode, while DeForest Kelley plays Dr. Leonard McCoy. James Doohan is featured as Scotty, the episode’s central character who faces a serious accusation. George Takei appears as Lt. Sulu, and John Winston plays Lt. Kyle, the transporter chief.
Among the guest cast, John Fiedler stands out as Administrator Hengist, and Charles Macaulay plays Prefect Jaris. Pilar Seurat is Sybo, and Charles Dierkop appears as Morla. Tanya Lemani and Judith McConnell also contribute as Kara and Yeoman Tankris, respectively. The episode’s supporting cast adds depth to the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere of the story, which is a blend of sci-fi and horror elements. Majel Barrett provides the voice of the Enterprise computer, uncredited, as usual. This ensemble helps bring to life the chilling mystery that challenges Scotty’s innocence in a Jack the Ripper-style plot.
Star Trek Wolf In The Fold Belly Dancer
In the Star Trek episode “Wolf in the Fold,” Chief Engineer Scotty finds himself in a troubling situation when he is accused of murdering an exotic belly dancer named Kara on the pleasure planet Argelius II. Scotty has no memory of the event but is discovered standing over her body with a bloody knife in hand, which immediately casts suspicion on him. The episode unfolds as Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy try to clear Scotty’s name, uncovering a deeper mystery involving an ancient, malevolent entity known as Redjack, who has been responsible for a series of brutal murders across different planets, including Earth’s infamous Jack the Ripper killings.
The belly dancer scene is memorable not only because it triggers the plot but also because it reflects the episode’s darker themes about human nature and evil. The nightclub setting, with its exotic dancers and relaxed atmosphere, contrasts sharply with the sinister events that follow. While the episode acknowledges that the true enemy is a lurking evil feeding on fear and violence, it also subtly critiques human flaws that persist even in the 23rd century. Scotty’s ordeal highlights his importance to the Enterprise crew and adds a layer of suspense and emotional depth to the story.
Wolf In The Fold Charles Macaulay
Charles Macaulay appears in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Wolf in the Fold,” where he plays the character Jaris, the Prefect of the planet Argelius II. This episode originally aired on December 22, 1967, and is notable for its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful plot. The story revolves around Chief Engineer Scotty, who becomes the prime suspect in a series of mysterious murders on a planet where such crimes are unheard of. Macaulay’s role as Jaris places him in a position of authority, overseeing the investigation alongside other officials. His performance adds to the tense and dark mood of the episode, which was written by Robert Bloch, famous for his work on Psycho. The episode is remembered for its chilling scenes, including the presence of a malevolent entity called Redjack, which feeds on fear and death. Macaulay’s portrayal contributes to the episode’s exploration of justice, suspicion, and supernatural horror within the Star Trek universe.
John Fiedler
John Fiedler was an American actor known for his distinctive, gentle voice and his talent for playing meek, nervous, or mild-mannered characters. Born in 1925 in Platteville, Wisconsin, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before pursuing acting in New York. Over a career spanning more than 55 years, Fiedler appeared in stage, film, television, and radio, becoming a familiar face and voice to many.
One of his most memorable roles was Juror No. 2, the quiet bank clerk in the classic film 12 Angry Men (1957). He also played Vinnie in The Odd Couple and was the only non-African American cast member in the original Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, a role he reprised in various adaptations. Beyond live-action, Fiedler is beloved for voicing Piglet in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh series, bringing warmth and charm to the character.
Despite often being typecast as a mild or nerdy character, Fiedler’s performances were nuanced and memorable, making him a cherished character actor in American entertainment. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a rich legacy of diverse roles and a voice that remains iconic.
Tanya Lemani
Tanya Lemani is an Iranian-born actress and dancer whose career has spanned over thirty years, beginning with her move to the United States as a young woman. She initially started as a ballet student but soon transitioned into belly dancing, which led her to perform in Las Vegas before making her way into Hollywood. Tanya is perhaps best known for her guest appearances on iconic TV shows like Star Trek (1966), where she played the belly dancer Kara, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964), and Get Smart (1965). Her unique blend of acting and dancing helped her carve out a distinctive niche in the entertainment world during the 1960s and beyond.
Beyond performing, Tanya has also worked behind the scenes in location management and production roles. She has chronicled her fascinating life and career in her autobiography, Have Belly, Will Travel, sharing stories of her journey from Iran to Hollywood and the challenges she faced along the way. Today, she continues to write screenplays and adapt books for film and television, maintaining a creative presence in the industry while also offering memorabilia and signed items to fans.
Wolf In The Fold Meaning
The phrase “Wolf in the Fold” generally means a dangerous or harmful person hidden within a group that is otherwise trusted or safe. It’s like having a predator disguised among the flock, someone who doesn’t belong but blends in, posing a threat from within. This idea plays on the classic metaphor of a wolf sneaking into a sheepfold, where the sheep are vulnerable and unaware of the danger lurking among them.
This phrase was notably used as the title of a Star Trek episode, where a series of mysterious murders on a peaceful planet points suspicion toward a trusted crew member. The episode explores themes of hidden evil and suspicion within a close-knit group, reflecting the phrase’s meaning quite literally. It also ties into classic horror and mystery tropes, blending sci-fi with the idea of an unseen menace among friends.
So, when you hear “wolf in the fold,” think of someone who appears harmless but secretly threatens the safety or trust of the group they’re part of. It’s a vivid way to describe betrayal or danger that comes from inside rather than outside.
The Gamesters
“The Gamesters of Triskelion” is a memorable episode from the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series, first aired in 1968. In this story, Captain Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov are mysteriously abducted from their ship during a routine mission and find themselves on a strange planet. There, they are forced into gladiatorial combat as slaves for the entertainment of three powerful, disembodied beings who gamble on the fights. The episode explores themes of freedom, control, and survival as the crew members struggle to resist their captors and find a way back to the Enterprise.
What makes this episode stand out is its mix of action and philosophical questions about autonomy and exploitation. The characters’ resourcefulness and teamwork shine as they face physical and mental challenges in the arena. Meanwhile, the Enterprise crew works to track them down, following subtle clues in space. The episode is a classic example of Star Trek’s blend of sci-fi adventure with deeper social commentary, making it a favorite among fans who appreciate both thrilling plots and thoughtful storytelling.
In conclusion, “Wolf in the Fold” stands as a compelling exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, cleverly woven into the fabric of the Star Trek universe. Through its intriguing plot that intertwines crime, deception, and the complexities of the psyche, the episode invites viewers to ponder the true nature of evil and the fine line between predator and prey. The stellar performances and thought-provoking themes highlight the potential for redemption and understanding, reinforcing Star Trek’s legacy as a series that not only entertains but also challenges its audience to reflect on societal and moral dilemmas.
