I Khan’t Get Enough

I am not what you would call a “Trekkie.” I do enjoy Star Trek (The Original Series and The Next Generation), but I’m not a fanatic. However, there is one movie that I will always stop and watch if it is on. It was on this day in 1982 that the BEST of all of the Star Trek movies was released. That movie is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

My brother and my mother were probably the Trekkies in our house. My mom loved the original series and my brother loved the Next Generation. I remember seeing parts of the first Star Trek movie when it was on cable. My mom was watching it. To me, it felt nothing like the original, despite having the same cast. There was something missing. It really didn’t get good reviews and it wasn’t the best way to bring back the cast.

Because of the way the first movie performed, creator Gene Roddenberry was not part of the production of the second film. The executive producer for this film was Harve Bennett. Producing the next film in the franchise was a bit difficult for him, because he had never seen the original TV series. So he began to watch episodes of the show. As Bennett watched, he realized that the first film lacked was a good villian. When he cam to the episode “Space Seed” he realized that Khan (played by Ricardo Montalban) would be a perfect villian for the next film.

After a few rewrites, a script came together and the film was just about to get the “go ahead” from Paramount Pictures when Bennett realized that Ricardo Montalban was in the middle of shooting his TV series Fantasy Island. No one even thought to ask him if he’d be available to work on the film. Thanksfully, he was able to make it happen. Ricardo enjoyed making the film, so much so that he played the role for much less than was offered him, and counted the role as a career highlight. His major complaint was that he was never face-to-face with Shatner for a scene. He said, “I had to do my lines with the script girl, who, as you might imagine, sounded nothing like Bill [Shatner].”

Fun Fact: Contrary to speculation that Montalbán used a prosthetic chest, the director insisted no artificial devices were added to Montalbán’s muscular physique.

Montalban stated that he rewatched “Space Seed” in order to get back into the character of Khan, which at first he found difficult. He said that he believed all good villains do villainous things, but think that they are acting for the “right” reasons; in this way, Khan uses his anger at the death of his wife to justify his pursuit of Kirk. His performance in the film is fantastic!

I love how Khan makes sure to let Kirk know who is behind the attack on the Enterprise. As Montalban said, there is no face to face scenes, but the interactions via video and audio are priceless. As soon as Khan shows up on the monitor, Kirk recognizes him.

Kirk: Khan!

Khan: You still remember, Admiral. I cannot help but be touched. I, of course, remember you.

Then he explains just what his intension are.

Khan: Surely, I have made my meaning plain. I mean to avenge myself upon you, Admiral. I deprived your ship of power, and when I swing around, I mean to deprive you of your life.

That anger has led to the revenge.

One of my favorite scenes:

While the movie is technically a sequel, it is a perfect stand alone film. Definately one of my all time favorites.