The Empath 

Trapped in an alien laboratory, Kirk, Spock and McCoy meet an empath and are involved in a series of experiments.

Director:

John Erman

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (created by), Joyce Muskat

Stars:

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
William Shatner	...	Capt. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy	...	Mr. Spock
DeForest Kelley	...	Dr. McCoy
Kathryn Hays	...	Gem
Alan Bergmann	...	Lal
James Doohan	...	Scott
George Takei	...	Sulu
Davis Roberts	...	Dr. Ozaba
Jason Wingreen	...	Dr. Linke
Willard Sage	...	Thann

Storyline

Kirk, Spock and McCoy suddenly find themselves in an underground laboratory where they meet an attractive young woman who is not only mute but also an empath who can absorb someone else's pain. When their captors make themselves known, they refuse to explain why the three men have been taken prisoner or why they and the young woman, whom McCoy has named Gem, are there. Inexplicably, they set about torturing them for no apparent reason. Fortunately, Gem's empathic powers allow her to take away their pain, but only at great sacrifice to herself. When their captors tell Kirk that he must choose which of his men to die, their selflessness comes to the fore, leaving Dr. McCoy volunteering himself. They all soon learn that the object of the experiment is Gem herself.

---

Plot Keywords:

three member team | domed building | spiral staircase | research station | exoplanet | 

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the final scene, Scotty refers to the story of 'the pearl of great price'. This refers to a parable told by Jesus in Matthew 13:45-46.

---

Goofs

As Kirk recovers from the Vian weapon on the planet's surface, he touches a nearby rock formation to steady himself. The boulder-sized rock visibly shifts under the weight of his hand.

---

Quotes

Captain James T. Kirk: The best defense is a strong offense, and I intend to start offending right now.

---

Alternate Versions

Special Enhanced version Digitally Remastered with new exterior shots and remade opening theme song

---

Connections

Featured in Mr. Plinkett's Star Trek 2009 Review (2010)

---

Soundtracks

Theme
Music credited to Alexander Courage, although it strongly resembles the main title music for 'Hollow Triumph (1948)' by Sol Kaplan
Sung by Loulie Jean Norman

User Reviews

A Mute Empath And Lab Rats

Season 3, episode 12. The Enterprise has arrived at Minara II to save the research group there before a supernova. Kirk, Spock and McCoy beam down and find no one there, Scotty is in command of the Ship, he moves the ship to a safe distance from the oncoming solar flare. Scotty and crew will return to the planet as soon as they feel it is safe from the solar flares. Below, Kirk and crew meet a mute empath who McCoy names Gem - she has the ability to heal. Two aliens, the Vians, appear and want specimens: Kirk, Spock and McCoy. The Vians are wanting to study them, their strength, love, courage, etc. - making the trio essentially lab rats of the Vians. They are very lucky to have Gem with them, healing them and taking away their pain. What does Gem have to do with the Vians?

Interesting episode. Gem is much like a dancer and a mime in her movements - very theatrical, beautiful. She speaks volumes without saying a word. Experiments to save Gem and her planet's people.

8.5/10

Details

Official Sites:

handitv Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

Greek English

Release Date:

6 December 1968 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television, Norway Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

51 min

Sound Mix:

Mono DTS (re-mastered version) Dolby Digital (re-mastered version)

Color:

Color Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

4:3