Whom Gods Destroy - Episode 69

Whom Gods Destroy – Episode 69

Whom Gods Destroy was the fourteenth episode of Star Trek’s third season to air, with an asylum inmate causing problems for Kirk and Spock. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the key elements of a good impersonation.



When Kirk and Spock visit the insane asylum on Elba 2 to deliver medicine that will eliminate mental health problems forever. Greeted by Director Cody (Keye Luke), they soon find themselves captured by renowned Starfleet captain and the most recent inmate to arrive, Garth of Izar (Steve Ihnat).


After Garth brutally murders his companion, Marta (Yvonne Craig), his efforts to take over the Enterprise grow increasingly desperate, leading to showdown where Spock must find his captain from two identical combatants.


Whom Gods Destroy was written by Lee Erwin – his only episode for the show – and Jerry Sohl – the third of his four episodes. It was directed by Herb Wallerstein, the second of his four stints in the chair.


In this episode Gerry and Iain considered whether there’s a time and a place for a good lobotomy.


The discussion continues in the comments below and please keep in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we’re @trekpodcast.


You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.


Whom Gods Destroy was released in 1969. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on Paramount+ in the United states, Netflix in the UK and is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries, including a comprehensive remastered set of all three seasons released by Paramount Home Entertainment.