Actor William Shatner is synonymous with the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. He originated the role in the now iconic television series Star Trek: The Original Series. Among the show’s many critically acclaimed and fan-favorite episodes, Shatner’s favorite is the twenty-fifth episode of season 1, which is rooted in a personal tragedy.
The episode, titled The Devil in the Dark follows the Enterprise crew as they investigate deaths at a planetary mining facility. However, while filming the episode, Shatner learned about his father’s passing. As a result, Shatner had to work through a personal tragedy while making the episode, which remains divisive because of some aspects, and here is everything you need to know about it.
William Shatner’s Father Passed Away While He Was Filming the Star Trek Episode- The Devil in the Dark
William Shatner played the role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series, the sci-fi classic created by Gene Roddenberry. However, while filming the episode The Devil in the Dark, Shatner experienced a grave personal tragedy as his father, Joe Shatner, had passed away.
During an interview with the official Star Trek website, actor Eddie Paskey, who played Lieutenant Leslie, spoke about the difficult circumstances Shatner faced while working on the episode.
We came to find out that as he shot all day long, he was preparing to get on an airplane to go home — his father just passed away. No one knew until he was actually gone.
Paskey made the above statement, commending Shatner for working through his grief and praising the actor for his dedication.
In his memoir, Star Trek Memories, Shatner reflected on filming the episode, revealing that he was supposed to catch a flight to Miami later in the day. Although the crew planned on canceling the shoot post-lunch, Shatner noted that he still had hours before his flight and would only feel miserable waiting for it. Therefore, the actor decided to continue shooting the episode.
The Devil in the Dark is William Shatner’s Favorite Episode But it Remains Divisive
In the same excerpt from his memoir, Shatner revealed that the episode was his favorite from the original series. The actor explained that while the episode’s plot was exciting and thought-provoking, he loved it because of the behind-the-scenes experience.
Shatner revealed that while filming the episode, he experienced deep closeness with the cast and crew. The actor stated that cinematographer Jerry Finnerman and castmate Leonard Nimoy remained close to him during the filming to lend their support as he was dealing with grief.
Between Leonard and Jerry, we were able to make it through that awful afternoon, and I was able to fly out that evening to my father, warmed by their love and affection.
Shatner wrote the above in his memoir, pinpointing why the episode was his favorite.
Despite the heartwarming story behind the episode, The Devil in the Dark remains divisive, particularly because of its treatment of women. In the episode, none of the female characters have a speaking part. Moreover, the team conducting the investigation is also composed entirely of men making the episode controversial.
Star Trek: The Original Series is streaming on Paramount+.
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