The Gorn's brutality makes it harder and more necessary to believe they deserved Kirk's mercy.

This was originally published in May, but I thought it was worth sharing now that SNW is back on the air. I really like this take - I personally think a lot of people’s perceptions of the message of “Arena” don’t line up with the text of the episode, but I hadn’t considered the argument presented here.

  • Value Subtracted@startrek.websiteOPM
    3·
    2 years ago

    My recollection of my schoolchild’s reaction to the captain fighting the monster but choosing to be magnanimous and merciful in victory was that Kirk had burnt out his anger, and was ready to hold to his values.

    I think that’s fair. To be clear, the interpretation that I disagree with is that the Gorn in “Arena” are somehow misunderstood.