January 19th, 1967: premiere date of Star Trek episode ‘Arena’
This is arguably my favorite Star Trek episode, ever. The opening shot right before and after the title sequence in one of the best moments of the series.
“Cestus III has been destroyed.”
A red shirt gets killed, Spock’s tricorder is destroyed, and the Gorn is introduced.
I love everything about this episode, from the Metrons to the bamboo cannon Kirk uses to defeat the Gorn captain, who I met a few years back.
This episode is so popular that it’s been referenced throughout Star Trek’s history, and on other shows like The Big Bang Theory.
More information here: The Gorn Identity @ startrek.com