BT 16: Arena vs. Arena

BackTrekking returns again to look back at the real-world inspirations of classic Trek episodes!

Quick, what am I describing? Giant lizard, arrow-shaped rock formations, slow-motion choreography, white powder on the ground? Okay, "last year's Burning Man" was a pretty good guess, but we're talking about the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Arena"! For the uneducated, "Arena" IS Trek: rubber-masked aliens, bare desert sets, two-fisted Canadians . . . its indelible visuals have made it shorthand for "Star Trek-type show", even 50 years and 5 additional series later. But under the rubber mask, "Arena" is more than just a bout of reptilian pugilism. It holds the same themes of war, wonder, revenge, and forgiveness that you can find in any era of Trek.

So, too, is Fredrick Brown's short story, "Arena". Released at the climax of WWII, it presents a similar situation; a human and an alien enter champion combat for the fate of their races while a god-like alien looks on. But, in a reflection of its times, "Arena" the story is more concerned with humanity's triumph and ingenuity than peace or understanding between races. And the alien, though no less abhorrent, is merely a relentless, remorseless opponent, with no excuse for its brutality. Likewise, our hero Carson sets about his task of eliminating the other with all the vigor you'd expect from a white, male American spaceman. God-like aliens, place your bets!

We go mano y Gorno this week on two all-time classic examples of their respective media, talking about an episode of Trek firsts, memetic story elements, writing your story and getting the rights later, TV scenes with good level design, making your deathmatch fair, justifiable genocide, chatty blue lizards, and Kal and Gooey discuss their respective creative processes. We also discuss inspirational bus trips, thinking your enemy to death, how much "The Lighthouse" cost, watching Star Trek characters watch "Star Trek", "Oops! I genocided!", keeping a "great table" thanks to your dealer, gun nut Kirk, #twilightzone, Gooey's blastin' Baja, and Kal may never see his favorite movies again!

Kill. Hurt. Come.

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