Germany boldly shows Nazi Star Trek episode 43 years after it was first filmed (but you could only watch it if you were over 16)

For Star Trek, it truly was the final frontier.

More than 40 years after it was filmed, an episode of the famous show in which Spock and Captain Kirk dress up as Nazis has been shown in Germany for the first time.

The Patterns of Force episode was never screened in 1968 because it was little more than two decades after the downfall of Hitler's regime.

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Boldly shown: The Patterns of Force episode was so controversial in Germany in 1968 that it was never screened. Here Dr Spock is dressed as a Nazi

Although broadcaster ZDF showed it for the first time, it was not on until after 10pm - and viewers were warned that no-one under the age of 16 should see it.

In the episode the Starship Enterprise visits planet Ekon where the citizens have begun behaving like Nazis. The swastika is displayed throughout the episode.



Spock and Kirk steal uniforms to infiltrate the regime. Nazi Germany is also referred to as 'the most efficient society ever created'.

The characters are surprised that such a culture could have developed on the planet.



Ironically Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner, and Spock, who is Leonard Nimoy, are both Jewish.

The episode, which is dubbed in German, was released on video in 1995 but has not been shown on free television before.



Prominent Swastika: Spock and Kirk steal uniforms to infiltrate the regime. Nazi Germany is also referred to as 'the most efficient society ever created'

Simone Emmelius, editorial director at ZDF, told the German newspaper Bild: 'By showing this episode, Star Trek fans will be able to see the complete series for the first time in its entirety.'

The people of Ekon attempt to wipe out the nearby planet Zeon - which sounds similar to Zion.

In clear similarities with Nazi Germany, brown shirts patrol the streets and there is a Fuhrer in power.

On television, newsreaders discuss a 'final solution' to destroy the Zeons while Zeons across Ekon who are 'poisoning the land' are killed.

The people of Zeon are also referred to as 'Zeonist pigs' in the controversial episode.