Star Date: 1513.1 - Location: The planet Cestus III.

The USS Enterprise crew is dispatched to the planet Cestus III to investigate the destruction of an outpost. Upon entering the atmosphere, they are attacked by an unknown alien vessel. The Enterprise is able to escape, but the ship is severely damaged, and the crew is forced to make an emergency landing on the planet.

The crew discovers a race of aliens known as the Gorn who have been at war with the Federation outpost. The Gorn challenges the crew to a duel known as the “Arena.” The contest will determine which race will be allowed to remain on the planet.

Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) bravely face off against the Gorn captain (Bobby Clark). Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Scott (James Doohan) works to repair the ship and restore power. Finally, Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) tends to the wounded crew members in Sickbay.

The female actresses in this episode included Sally Kellerman as Nancy Crater and Helen Noel as Lt. Kelowitz. Nancy Crater is a Starfleet officer sent to assist the Enterprise crew in their mission. Lt. Kelowitz is a specialist in alien psychology and is assigned to help the crew negotiate with the Gorn.

The Gorn are a formidable opponent for Captain Kirk and Spock, but eventually, the crew succeeds in their mission, and the Gorn are defeated. Then, with the help of Lt. Kelowitz, the crew can negotiate a peace treaty between the Gorn and the Federation.

Sally Kellerman later starred in The Big Bus (1976) and Lost and Found (1979). She also appeared in the television series M*A*S*H (1972). Helen Noel appeared in the film The Towering Inferno (1974) and the television series The Streets of San Francisco (1973).

The filming of ‘Arena’ took place on location in the deserts of southern California. The episode is remembered for its iconic fight scene between Kirk and the Gorn captain, filmed in a spectacular sandstone arena. Interesting facts about the episode include that the Gorn costume was made from a gorilla suit and that the episode was the first time a female officer was seen in the original series.