Conscience of the King, The

Synopsis: This episode of the original Star Trek series not only takes its title from Hamlet (II.ii.606) but also incorporates plot elements from Shakespeare’s play, or rather plays: an ‘old-fashioned’ performance of Macbeth by the Karidian company of players starts off this episode and immediately identifies its ‘villains’, lead actor Karidian, previously known, it turns out, as ‘Kodos the Executioner’, and his murderously protective daughter, Lenore. Captain Kirk ‘becomes’ Hamlet, seeking justice but uncertain how to execute it. Lenore, in the end a mad mixture of variety of Shakespearean heroines, quotes snatches from Julius Caesar, The Tempest, and Hamlet over the dead body of her father during the interrupted performance of Hamlet Act 1, Scene v.
Series: Star Trek
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Notes: Available on DVD as part of the complete first season DVD set.
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Science fiction (television)