There is a well-known notion that Roddenberry is responsible for the entire Star Trek universe pre-1991 (the year of his death), and that what arises after that time, in some sense, doesn't count. People will use such a view to explain why the series Enterprise sucks and doesn't deserve to be watched, or why Deep Space Nine or Voyager quickly become problematic. Here's the thing, I disagree. I'm willing to claim that Roddenberry's actual influence over the franchise is not as strong as all that. Roddenberry certainly generated the idea that led to the creation of the Star Trek universe, but NBC didn't even allow him the influential power of determining the opening episodes. Not only was his originally planned pilot denied by corporate agents, he rarely serves as anything more than Executive Producer of most. As we know, Executive Producers don't even have to be present on set.
Episode Quick Summary
The Enterprise crew beams down to the Cestus III colony expecting immense hospitality. At the urging of messages apparently received from the colony itself Kirk, Spock, and a complete away team arrive on the surface only to discover Cestus III completely destroyed and the messages faked. The away team comes under attack from an unidentified alien ship. The Enterprise escapes, is able to rescue the away team, and sets out in pursuit of the now-enemy vessel determined to destroy it. Spock indicates his skepticism of the decision.
Within pursuit of the alien vessel, the Enterprise and the alien vessel are both suddenly stopped in the middle of empty space. A flashing light alien power beyond the Enterprise or the vessel it was pursuing speak to Kirk, informing him that he and the Captain of the alien vessel will both be beamed to the planet below for hand to hand combat. At the end of the all powerful FLASHING LIGHTS ALIEN message, Kirk disappears and discovers himself beamed down to the surface of an asteroid sharing the appearance of New Mexico. There Kirk discovers "a dangerously clever" opponent with the appearance of a walking crocodile. Kirk must struggle against his "inherent aversion to reptiles" in order to fight the alien captain for the sake of his entire crew.
Kirk battling the reptilian alien of "Arena"Episode Tidbits
I'm going to admit to something. We know Roddenberry's genius--his magic channels through his dedication to take up complex ethical-psychological situations through the drama of outer space wagon train style travel. However, much of The Original Series isn't actually determined by Roddenberry's interests and turn into simple crime dramas, or enemy chase manuevers. My confession is that episodes such as these are rather boring.
On the upside, this episode shows the upper speed limits of our Enterprise--all the way up to warp factor 8!
Also, Spock gets to act as the moral highground to Kirk's semi-erratic behavior. Anytime Spock reveals honestly more than mere logic, and uses his ability to reason for the sake of virtue is a positive Star Trek moment.
Still, assuming we've already granted the total awesomeness of all things Star Trek, and so understand that all things Star Trek come recommended, I'm going to plainly say there isn't much to recommend "Arena" on its own terms. That is, beyond the fact that this is an episode within the Star Trek universe, there isn't much reason to watch "Arena." Spock, I love you. Forgive me.
There is a rather nice full set-collapse in which all of the actors have to throw themselves forward against the consols to indicate sudden stop at 18:48. We can always appreciate the fine special effects of that.
Early Star Trek Original Series compulsively explores encounters with alien forces more powerful than humans--forces that initially at least appear all powerful. We still have not genuinely stepped into sci-fi territory in the first season. More references to sci-fi elements have begun to appear--quasarlike anomolies, conversion of matter to energy, new alien encounters--but the show is still not actually about exploring the demands of such elements.
If you want to see what a walking, growling crocodile can do with a giant rock and Kirk's agility, then check this episode out. If Kirk's ability to fight against his own reptilion aversion does not draw your interest, move on.
