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“Whom the Gods Destroy” stands out as a memorable episode from the original Star Trek series, blending classic science fiction with intense character drama. Airing during the show’s third season, this episode introduced viewers to the enigmatic Lord Garth, portrayed by Steve Ihnat, and the alluring yet dangerous Marta, played by Yvonne Craig. The cast delivered powerful performances that made the story unforgettable. As the crew of the USS Enterprise encounters madness and rebellion in a remote asylum, the episode explores themes of power and delusion. Its legacy intertwines with other Star Trek episodes and even inspires the band Whom Gods Destroy.
Star Trek Whom The Gods Destroy
“Whom Gods Destroy” is a memorable episode from the third season of Star Trek: The Original Series, first aired in 1969. It centers on Captain Kirk and Spock visiting a penal colony for the criminally insane on the planet Elba II to deliver a new medicine. Things quickly go awry when they encounter Fleet Captain Garth, a former starship captain who has gone mad and now rules the asylum with a dangerous desire for revenge and power. Garth, who can shape-shift, even impersonates Kirk in a bid to take over the Enterprise and ultimately the universe.
The episode is notable for its intense, sometimes campy energy and dramatic moments, especially the scenes where Kirk and Garth face off in the control room. It also features Marta, a green-skinned Orion woman, who performs a dance that was considered risqué at the time, leading to the episode being banned by the BBC in the UK until 1994. While some critics find the plot somewhat recycled and illogical, drawing on familiar Star Trek tropes like the “Federation funny farm” and evil doppelgängers, the performances and the high-stakes conflict make it engaging and entertaining. The story explores themes of ambition, madness, and how circumstances can turn a once-great leader into a tragic villain.
Star Trek Whom The Gods Destroy Cast
The cast of the Star Trek episode “Whom Gods Destroy” features some of the most iconic names from the original series. William Shatner stars as Captain James T. Kirk, leading the Enterprise crew through a tense mission to a mental asylum on the planet Elba II. Leonard Nimoy plays the ever-logical Mr. Spock, while DeForest Kelley appears as Dr. McCoy, completing the classic trio. The episode also introduces Steve Ihnat as Garth, a former Starfleet captain turned deranged shape-shifter who takes control of the asylum. Yvonne Craig, known for her role as Batgirl, guest stars as Marta, an alluring inmate with a memorable dance scene. Supporting cast members include James Doohan as Scotty, George Takei as Sulu, and Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, rounding out the familiar Enterprise crew. Other notable guest actors are Keye Luke as Governor Cory, Richard Geary as an Andorian, and Gary Downey as a Tellarite. Directed by Herb Wallerstein and written by Lee Erwin and Jerry Sohl, this episode blends suspense with classic Star Trek elements, brought to life by a strong ensemble cast.
Star Trek Whom Gods Destroy Full Episode
The Star Trek episode “Whom Gods Destroy” is a memorable and somewhat campy installment from the third season. Captain Kirk and Spock visit Elba II, a penal colony for the Federation’s criminally insane, to deliver a new drug that could cure the inmates. However, things quickly go awry when they discover that the colony’s governor has been impersonated by Garth of Izar, a once-legendary starship captain who has gone mad and taken over the asylum using his shape-shifting abilities.
Garth’s goal is to seize control of the Enterprise and escape, leading to tense and dramatic confrontations. The episode features some classic Star Trek tropes, including doppelgängers and a high-stakes battle of wits. Despite its flaws and a somewhat chaotic plot, the episode is energized by strong performances and a campy, theatrical vibe that many fans find entertaining. It also explores themes of mental illness and the fine line between greatness and madness, as Garth was once a hero before his descent into insanity. Notably, the episode was controversial enough to be banned from airing on the BBC for many years due to its darker content and provocative scenes.
Star Trek Whom The Gods Destroy Episodes
The Star Trek episode “Whom Gods Destroy,” from the third season, is a memorable and somewhat campy adventure where Captain Kirk and Spock visit Elba II, a penal colony for the Federation’s criminally insane. They bring a new drug that might cure the inmates, but things quickly go awry when they discover that the colony’s governor, Donald Cory, has been impersonated by Garth of Izar, a former starship captain turned dangerously insane. Garth uses his shape-shifting ability to take over the asylum and even tries to seize control of the Enterprise by impersonating Kirk himself.
The episode is notable for its dramatic tension and theatrical performances, especially William Shatner playing both Kirk and the deranged Garth. It also features Marta, an Orion inmate, adding to the intrigue. Despite some criticism for its somewhat patchwork plot and familiar Star Trek tropes, the episode explores themes of mental illness and the fine line between brilliance and madness. It also offers a glimpse into the darker side of the Federation’s future, showing how even heroes can fall.
Steve Ihnat
Steve Ihnat was a Slovak-born actor and director who grew up in Canada before moving to the United States in 1958. Seeking an escape from farm life, he found his passion in acting after participating in a local play. After serving two years in the Army in South Korea, where he even placed second in a poetry contest, Ihnat began landing TV roles in the early 1960s. He became known for playing complex villains and memorable characters in popular shows like Mission: Impossible, where he portrayed a brilliant Soviet intelligence agent, and Star Trek, as the intense Captain Garth of Izar.
Ihnat’s film career included roles in The Chase (1966), In Like Flint (1967), and Madigan (1968), often portraying multi-dimensional antagonists. Beyond acting, he wrote, directed, and starred in the boxing drama Do Not Throw Cushions Into the Ring and later directed the western The Honkers (1972), starring James Coburn. His talent for bringing depth to his characters made him a standout in 1960s television and film before his untimely death in 1972.
Star Trek Lord Garth Cast
Steve Ihnat is best remembered by Star Trek fans for his compelling role as Lord Garth of Izar in the 1969 episode “Whom Gods Destroy.” In this episode, he plays a brilliant but psychotic former Starfleet captain who has been confined to a mental institution, showcasing Ihnat’s ability to portray complex, intense characters with depth and nuance. His performance stands out as one of the memorable guest appearances in the original series, highlighting his talent in science fiction television. Beyond Star Trek, Ihnat had a prolific career with over 70 guest roles in popular TV shows of the 1960s and early 1970s, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Mission: Impossible. Born in 1934 in Czechoslovakia, he brought a distinctive presence to his roles until his untimely death in 1972. His portrayal of Garth remains a fan favorite, embodying a mix of charm, menace, and tragedy that made the character unforgettable in the Star Trek universe.
Yvonne Craig
Yvonne Craig was a talented American actress and ballet dancer, best remembered for her iconic role as Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl, in the 1960s Batman TV series. Born in 1937 in Taylorville, Illinois, she brought a unique charm and energy to the superhero world, becoming a pioneer for female superheroes on television. Beyond Batman, she appeared in films like It Happened at the World’s Fair and Kissin’ Cousins, and even guest-starred in Star Trek as the green-skinned Orion Marta.
Craig’s background in ballet influenced her graceful and rhythmic presence on screen, making her performances stand out. She was also known for her bright smile and distinctive breathy voice, which became her trademarks. Off-screen, she was a passionate advocate for workers’ rights, equal pay for women, and health causes like free mammograms. Despite her fame, she remained grounded and committed to philanthropy.
Yvonne Craig passed away in 2015 from breast cancer, but her legacy as a trailblazer for women in superhero roles and her contributions to entertainment continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.
Star Trek Whom Gods Destroy Marta
In the Star Trek episode “Whom Gods Destroy,” Captain Kirk and Spock visit Elba II, a remote asylum for the Federation’s criminally insane, to deliver a new drug that could cure the inmates. The story takes a wild turn when they discover that the colony’s governor, Donald Cory, is actually Garth of Izar, a former starship captain turned shape-shifting lunatic who has taken over the asylum by impersonating Cory. Garth frees the inmates and plots to seize the Enterprise to exact revenge on his former crew and dominate the universe.
One of the standout characters is Marta, a green-skinned Orion woman and inmate who is delightfully camp and unpredictable. She flirts with Kirk and adds a quirky energy to the episode, even reciting a poem she claims to have rewritten despite it being Shakespeare’s work originally. Marta’s volatile relationship with Garth adds tension, culminating in a grim moment when Garth kills her in a fit of rage to prove his ruthlessness.
The episode blends high camp with a darker tone, showcasing Steve Ihnat’s chilling portrayal of Garth and the dynamic between the characters as they navigate madness and power struggles. Despite some criticism for its over-the-top style, “Whom Gods Destroy” remains memorable for its unique mix of drama and eccentricity.
Plato’s Stepchildren
“Plato’s Stepchildren” is a classic episode from Star Trek: The Original Series where Captain Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy visit a planet inhabited by a small group called the Platonians. These beings are descendants of ancient Earth settlers from Plato’s time, who gained powerful psychokinetic abilities after consuming a native fruit rich in a substance called kironide. Despite their intellectual powers, the Platonians are far from noble; their leader, Parmen, is cruel and uses his abilities to humiliate and control Kirk and Spock, forcing them to perform degrading acts. The episode explores themes of power, cruelty, and the failure of a so-called utopia that values superiority over justice and compassion. Alexander, a Platonic dissenter, eventually sides with Kirk, and with the help of kironide injections, Kirk and Spock gain similar powers to overcome Parmen’s tyranny. The story critiques the idea of a perfect society that oppresses others, showing that true justice and humanity cannot be achieved through domination or cruelty, even if cloaked in philosophical ideals. This episode is remembered both for its bold social commentary and its challenging, sometimes uncomfortable scenes.
Whom Gods Destroy Band
Whom Gods Destroy is a progressive metal band formed by some incredibly talented musicians, including guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and keyboardist Derek Sherinian, both formerly of Sons of Apollo. The band came together during the pandemic when plans for a third Sons of Apollo album fell through, leading Derek and Ron to keep writing music that evolved into this new project. Alongside them are vocalist Dino Jelusick, bassist Yas Nomura, and drummer Bruno Valverde, each bringing their own unique energy and skill to the mix.
Their debut album, Insanium, released in 2024, showcases a blend of melody and intense heavy prog metal, reflecting the creative chemistry of the group. The songwriting process was very collaborative, with members exchanging ideas and building songs piece by piece, resulting in a dynamic and powerful sound. Fans of complex, energetic prog metal will find Whom Gods Destroy a fresh yet familiar force, combining virtuosity with passionate performances. The band’s name might even be a nod to a classic Star Trek episode, adding a bit of sci-fi flair to their identity.
In conclusion, “Whom the Gods Destroy” serves as a compelling exploration of the fine line between genius and madness, emphasizing the perils of unrestrained power and the fragility of the human psyche. Through the lens of the Star Trek universe, the episode offers thought-provoking commentary on the moral implications of technological advancement and the responsibility that comes with it. The nuanced performances, especially by guest star Yvonne Craig as the tormented D’Amato, highlight the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative. Ultimately, this episode resonates with contemporary issues, inviting viewers to reflect on their own ethical boundaries and the true meaning of sanity.
