Bread and Circuses
- Episode aired Mar 15, 1968
- TV-PG
- 50m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
3.3K
YOUR RATING
The Enterprise crew investigates the disappearance of a ship's crew on a planet that is a modern version of the Roman Empire.The Enterprise crew investigates the disappearance of a ship's crew on a planet that is a modern version of the Roman Empire.The Enterprise crew investigates the disappearance of a ship's crew on a planet that is a modern version of the Roman Empire.
Bart La Rue
- Announcer
- (as Bart Larue)
Paul Baxley
- Policeman #1
- (uncredited)
Bill Blackburn
- Lieutenant Hadley
- (uncredited)
Frank da Vinci
- Lt. Brent
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe caves where the Children of the Sun hide out are one of the most-used locations in television and movies. In addition to being the entrance to Batman (1966)'s Batcave, they are also seen in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Kung Fu (1972) and various police and western shows. They are located right below the famous Hollywood sign.
- GoofsDr. McCoy says ancient Romans were not sun worshipers. Several Roman religions included solar deities, including Apollo, Mithra, and Sol Invictus.
- Quotes
Dr. McCoy: You know why you're not afraid to die, Spock? You're more afraid of living. Each day you stay alive is just one more day you might slip, and let your Human half peek out. That's it, isn't it? Insecurity. Why, you wouldn't know what to do with a genuine, warm, decent feeling.
Spock: Really, Doctor?
Dr. McCoy: [after a pause] I know. I'm worried about Jim, too.
- Alternate versionsSpecial Enhanced version Digitally Remastered with new exterior shots and remade opening theme song
- ConnectionsFeatured in Star Trek Logs: An MTV Big Picture Special Edition (1991)
Featured review
Slavery evolving into an institution
Kirk, Spock and McCoy visit a planet mirroring the Roman Empire of Earth.
This is an enjoyable but unoriginal episode with some good character moments.
The plot is mostly uninspired as we see yet another Federation character breaking the Prime Directive in a similar way to 'Patterns of Force' and 'The Omega Glory'. I prefer this one to both of the above, but the source of the Roman cultural imitation is not explained, much like the situation on Omega IV. Though, I do like the themes regarding slavery and the role of the entertainment industry to help curtail civil unrest.
The character interactions are good, with the central three having some strong exchanges, particularly Spock and McCoy.
The guest characters are mostly solid, particularly Claudius and Flavius, played well by Logan Ramsey and Rhodes Reason respectively. I enjoyed the scene with Drusilla who suitably entertains Kirk, distracting him from the plight of his two friends.
Where it falls down cinematically is the gladiatorial fights. Not only are they cheaply staged, but poorly choreographed. It looks suspiciously like a one-take rush job. Aside from this the visuals are reasonably good.
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley are on good form. It's also nice to see Nichelle Nichols chipping in briefly towards the end, but as always she is underused.
This is an enjoyable but unoriginal episode with some good character moments.
The plot is mostly uninspired as we see yet another Federation character breaking the Prime Directive in a similar way to 'Patterns of Force' and 'The Omega Glory'. I prefer this one to both of the above, but the source of the Roman cultural imitation is not explained, much like the situation on Omega IV. Though, I do like the themes regarding slavery and the role of the entertainment industry to help curtail civil unrest.
The character interactions are good, with the central three having some strong exchanges, particularly Spock and McCoy.
The guest characters are mostly solid, particularly Claudius and Flavius, played well by Logan Ramsey and Rhodes Reason respectively. I enjoyed the scene with Drusilla who suitably entertains Kirk, distracting him from the plight of his two friends.
Where it falls down cinematically is the gladiatorial fights. Not only are they cheaply staged, but poorly choreographed. It looks suspiciously like a one-take rush job. Aside from this the visuals are reasonably good.
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley are on good form. It's also nice to see Nichelle Nichols chipping in briefly towards the end, but as always she is underused.
helpful•41
- snoozejonc
- Sep 22, 2021
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