Star Trek: The Original Series the 23rd century bearing a crew dedicated to exploring the Milky Way Galaxy. Roddenberry noted a number of influences on his idea, some of which includes A. E. van Vogt's tales of the spaceship "Space Beagle", Eric Frank Russell's "Marathon" series of stories, and the film "Forbidden Planet" (1956). Some have also drawn parallels with the television series "Rocky Jones, Space Ranger" (1954), a space opera which included many of the elements that were integral to "Star Trek"—the organization, crew relationships, missions, part of the bridge layout, and some technology. Roddenberry also drew heavily from C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower
Arena (Star Trek: The Original Series) extra Bill Blackburn in close-ups. William Shatner recalls standing too close to a stage prop explosion during the filming of the episode, causing tinnitus, which became chronic. Leonard Nimoy was also afflicted. Shatner has it in his left ear and Nimoy had it in his right ear. "Arena" was the first episode of "Star Trek" to be broadcast in color in the UK (BBC, November 1969). Zack Handlen of "The A.V. Club" gave the episode an 'A-' rating, noting the episode's influence and noting the use of a theme of "Star Trek", the "uncertainty of exploration". Arena (Star Trek: The