Bread and Circuses (Star Trek: The Original Series)
| "Bread and Circuses" | |
|---|---|
| Star Trek: The Original Series episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 25 |
| Directed by | Ralph Senensky |
| Written by | |
| Story by | John Kneubuhl (uncredited) |
| Cinematography by | Jerry Finnerman |
| Production code | 043 |
| Original air date | March 15, 1968 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
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"Bread and Circuses" is a second season episode of the original American science fiction television series Star Trek, broadcast on March 15, 1968. It is episode #54, production #43, written by Gene Roddenberry and Gene L. Coon and directed by Ralph Senensky. Its name is a reference to the phrase "bread and circuses" taken from the Satire X written by the poet, Juvenal. In modern usage, the phrase implies a populace that no longer values civic virtues, the public life, and military (manly) service; instead, the people need only food and entertainment.
Set in the 23rd century, the series follows the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the crew of the Federation starship Enterprise. In this episode, Captain Kirk and his companions are forced to fight in gladiatorial games on a planet resembling the Roman Empire, but possessing mid-20th century Earth technology.
The Federation starship USS Enterprise is on routine patrol when it finds wreckage of the SS Beagle. The Beagle was under the command of Captain R. M. Merik (William Smithers), whom Captain Kirk (William Shatner) knew during his academy days. First Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy) traces the path of debris back to a planet in a previously unexplored system.
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