Nerds That Geek Movie Review - 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

'Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold?'
- Khan

It is the past that defines us. Our memories, our experiences, both good and bad form the person that we will become and guide us throughout our lives. In some way, the past will consume us. It will drive us in a direction whether we like it or not. For there is a memory or experience that stays with us and many out there use it to better themselves and others.  

Yet there are those out there who let the past define one action, with a memory or experience that blinds them with rage, and gives them license to do anything that they must to right the wrong in their mind. Vengeance, and the past are two strong themes that guide the science fiction classic; Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Admiral James T. Kirk has settled in to his new desk job at Starfleet Command. Gone are the days of adventure out among the stars, replaced by fresh faced cadets and time for reflection upon his career. But in the void of space, one man has been unleashed from his unintended prison, Khan Noonien Singh is out there, with a Federation ship now under his control and the fire of vengeance driving him toward the Enterprise and Kirk.  

I think it goes without saying that is one of the finest Trek stories and films in the history of the franchise. The action is there, the drama is there, the list goes on and on and these are all elements that have been broken down and dissected over and over again. In fact, we won't spend much time on it other than what I have just written. Instead we are going to focus on the two central themes I brought up earlier and throw in that this is a surprisingly dark Trek film in a galaxy full of peace and harmony.

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​Let's start off with Khan. This is a man who was nearly the Emperor of Earth before his exile into space. He spent centuries in suspended animation aboard the Botany Bay and once more found himself in exile on Ceti Alpha V after awakening from his slumber. He lost his love, and with his best years behind him and wasted in his mind, the only salvation left for a man of his incredible intelligence was to stoop to revenge. Tragic to say the least.  

But for James T. Kirk, the story is equally as tragic. This is the first time we see this intrepid hero looking tired and old. We see the wear and tear on his face, and William Shatner does an excellent job portraying a man who has reached the top and relishes this honor by reflecting as often as possible. One gets the sense that there is regret, especially when Kirk learns that David Marcus is his son.  

In both instances, the past weighs heavily on this film, and while that seems so out of place for Star Trek in reality it is not. This saga is always about the human adventure and sadly we too feel that regret of our poor decisions and sometimes see our worst mistakes come back to haunt us. But we simply press on. In fact, the death of Spock in this film is perhaps the greatest way to hammer the themes home. As we continue on in life our friends will fade away, yet their memory and the ones that have made us who we are allow us to endure. 

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