Ep 8. For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky

"For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky" is the eighth episode of the third season of the original Star Trek series. It first aired on November 8, 1968.

In this episode, the U.S.S. Enterprise comes across a planet that is actually an artificial construct hurtling through space. The inhabitants of this planet are unaware of their situation, living under the belief that they are a part of an idyllic world. However, they are actually in grave danger, as their planet is on a collision course with another planet.

The Enterprise team, led by Captain Kirk, beams down to the planet in order to prevent its destruction. There, they encounter a woman named Natira, who is the leader of the planet's ruling council and the high priestess of their religion. She is also suffering from a terminal illness and believes that she has been chosen by the planet's god, Yonada, to leave and journey to the "promised land" before it's too late.

As Kirk and his team try to convince Natira and her council of the reality of their situation and the need to evacuate the planet, they find themselves at odds with the religious beliefs of the inhabitants. Spock, meanwhile, is affected by the planet's radiation, which causes him to experience emotions for the first time in his life.

While attempting to find a way to save the planet's inhabitants, Kirk and his team discover the true nature of Yonada and its builders, leading to a final confrontation that will determine the fate of the planet and its inhabitants.

"For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky" explores themes of faith and scientific knowledge, as well as the consequences of blindly following religious beliefs. It is also notable for its depiction of Spock's rare emotional outbursts and his struggle to reconcile them with his Vulcan heritage.