Exploring the Fear of Overpopulation in the Original Star Trek Episode “The Mark of Gideon”

Third in a Series Exploring the Classic Science Fiction Show Through a Faith-based Lens

Inspired by a misguided dread of overpopulation back here on Earth, “The Mark of Gideon” aired in Star Trek: The Original Series’ third season. The episode was written by George F. Slavin and Stanley Adams, who is best known to Star Trek fans as Cyrano Jones from the "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode. This concern for overpopulation reached a pinnacle…