Arena

[Esteban]

All the above story points are good ones, but let's not forget the production values of this episode. Going outdoors to Vazquez Rocks (the first time, BTW) added tremendously to the look of the episode. And I always loved, absolutely loved, the redressed fort for Cestus III. Until I later learned how they did that, I always marveled at its look.

The production is only marred, for me, by the really awful ship's phasers effect--totally rushed--and the absence of beeps and boops on Sulu's console, which made it sound like he was whacking a plywood board. Which he was.

Back on story, I also think Arena's teaser is one of the best of the series.

 

[Bad Atom]

The first couple of acts are fantastic. It's only when they get to the planet that the episode starts to fizzle out dramatically. Ironic since the lame Kirk vs. Gorn fight is one of the iconic images of TOS.

 

[Chrisisall]

The production is only marred, for me, by the really awful ship's phasers effect--totally rushed

But fixed in the remastered version.

 

[tomalak301]

I've not seen Arena in a long time, but I really enjoyed this one. Liked seeing the strategy of the weapon Kirk made, as well as the entire first half. The end with the Metrons was ok, but felt a bit too easy. Other than that, I liked it.

 

[Warped9]

The ending would have been better with the couple of extra lines that were in the James Blish adaptation, where the Metron reveals that they really intended to destroy the winner because they would pose a greater threat, but they change their minds because Kirk demonstrated compassion and chose not to kill his opponent even though he was helpless.