3.63 : The Empath.

[Dave]

The one with Gem, an empath who can absorb injuries and pain into her own body.

I actually haven't seen this episode many times, possibly only once. I think the BBC didn't used to show it due to the torture and violence. It is very similar to a 1963 episode of "The Outer Limits" called 'Nightmare' in which a series of senseless brutalities are carried out on Earthmen as a test, with the participation of friendly aliens called "Ebonites". As in 'The Empath' the sets in 'Nightmare' were very sparse - and both were directed by John Erman.

The episode does bring out the nobility and self-sacrifice of Kirk, Spock and McCoy as the each try to protect one another.

 

[Extollager]

This must be the most unpleasant Star Trek teleplay. Definitely not a suitable program for children.

The curious thing is that I've seen it several times including, I suppose, when it was first broadcast. But only this year, I think, did I find myself almost moved to tears -- by the actress's evocation of Gem's compassion and suffering, largely through mime. The experimenters' justification for their "tests" might not convince everyone, however. I don't know that I will watch this one again.

 

[Parson]

Strange, I think it might be the most compelling of all the TOS episodes. It's one of the few where the crew is completely over matched by the story.