Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

The second Star Trek film both surpassed its predecessor in terms of quality and ensured the Trek franchise would endure.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture, despite its flaws, made enough money to get a sequel green lit. But, the budget this time was smaller as Paramount was unhappy with how Gene Roddenberry ended up going overbudget. As a result, he was billed simply as a creative consultant while producing duties were given to Harve Bennett, a TV producer who had a good reputation for keeping things within their budget. As he was unfamiliar with Trek, Bennett first decided to binge watch the entire original series. Doing so, he realized that the 1st season episode "Space Seed," had great potential for a follow up, given the great work Ricardo Montalban gave as Khan. Bennett then was able to hire on Nicholas Meyer to direct the film. Like Bennett, Meyer, who had previously directed the classic Time After Time (1979) had to familiarize himself with the series, but doing so allowed him to pen a great script which saw Khan return as well as Spock dying, as incentive to get Nimoy to return. The beginning of the film wastes no time in establishing that, moreso than the previous one, time has passed since we saw our heroes in the original series. Indeed, the person making a log entry and sitting in the captain's chair is not Kirk, but rather an officer named Saavik (Kirstie Alley), who is patroling the Neutral Zone when the Enterprise receives a distress signal from a ship called the Kobiyashi Maru.

She orders Sulu to intercept, even though doing so will take them into Klingon space. Sure enough, three Klingon cruisers appear and begin firing on the ship, causing damage and even casualities, including Sulu, Uhura, McCoy and Spock. Saavik orders the ship evacuated when Kirk appears behind the viewscreen, revealing this to be all a test Saavik is undergoing on Earth. As everyone begins to dust off, Saavik expresses that the test was too difficult to pass, which Kirk replies to by basically saying that such a scenario is possible in real life. As Kirk makes his way through the halls, he encounters Spock, who is now captain of the Enterprise. He thanks Spock for his birthday gift, a copy of A Tale of Two Cities. They shoot the breeze briefly before Spock announces that he plans to return to the ship to prepare for Kirk's upcoming inspection. In his apartment, Kirk is visited by McCoy, whose birthday gift to him is a bottle of Romulan ale and a pair of glasses. But Bones notes Kirk's less-than-enthusiatic tone, leading to Kirk all but admitting that he thinks that his best days are behind him, as he's now an admiral and no longer commanding a starship. The doctor tells him to get back into the swing of things before he truly is too old to do so.

In another part of the galaxy, the starship Reliant is approaching a planet. Chekov, the ship's first officer, states in his log that said planet is Ceti Alpha VI, which they are approaching to see if it could be a test site for a project called Genesis. He informs the ship's captain, Terrell (Paul Winfield), that there is a small reading of possible life on the planet. With that, they contact Dr. Carol Marcus (Bibi Besch), the creator of Genesis, at her station Regula I. Marcus reminds them that any potential test site for Genesis should have no life whatsoever. Terrell and Chekov tell her that they plan to beam down to the surface to see that if this is something that could be removed. Afterward, Marcus's son and fellow scientist David (Merritt Butrick) confides in her that he dislikes discussing these matters with Starfleet, given the super powerful nature of Genesis.

Beaming down to a seemingly endless sandstorm, Terrell and Chekov walk for a bit until they come across what seem like cargo carriers. Going inside, they find the place empty, save for something moving under sand confined in a cage. Chekov looks at a small shelf of books, which include King Lear, Paradise Lost and Moby-Dick. He then glances at the strap he's holding to see that it says S.S. Botany Bay, which he recognizes as the ship Khan came on (I've never viewed Chekov never being seen in "Space Seed" as a nit in relation to this movie because the ship at the time carried a compliment of roughly 400; hence, he could have easily been on board). He frantically tell Terrell that they must leave immediately, much to the captain's confusion. Alas, they comes across Khan and his band, just as they step out.

As the men on the Reliant decide to give Terrell and Chekov more time when they are unable to contact them, Khan slowly removes his PPE to reveal himself. He recognizes Chekov and fills Terrell in on the events of "Space Seed." Chekov then states that Khan and his crew were exiled to Ceti Alpha V. Khan forcefully states that Ceti Alpha VI exploded six months after their arrival. As a result, Ceti Alpha V's orbit shifted, leading to the 24/7 sandstorms. He adds that Kirk never bothered to see how they were doing during those years. That's when he realizes that Chekov and Terrell thought this was Ceti Alpha VI. After briefly lifting Chekov in the air when they refuse to say why they are there, Khan shows them what's in that cage. It turns out to be a nasty looking scorpion-esque creature, which Khan explains killed several of his party, including Marla McGivers, the officer he met in "Space Seed" and would later marry. Khan quickly subdues in order to retrieve two of its young, which are on its back. He explains to the duo that the creatures can enter through one's ears and subsequently make the unfortunate soul on the receiving end more obiedient before eventually driving them with madness and eventually death. Despite Chekov's pleas that Kirk is not to blame, Khan puts a creature in each helmet, which are placed on Chekov and Terrell, where the creatures, in the film's most horrific moment, go into their ears. After a moment, Khan then calmly asks them their mission and the whereabouts of Kirk.

Speaking of Kirk, he's on a shuttle with McCoy, Sulu and Uhura heading to the Enterprise for that inspection. Spock and Saavik greet the party at the airlock and, after briefly catching up with Scotty, inspect Engineering before heading to the Bridge. Kirk and McCoy are a bit nervous as Spock allows Saavik to sit in the chair to take the ship out of drydock (why I'm not sure as Sulu is one at the controls). At Regula I, the Marcuses get a call from the Reliant. Chekov says that their new orders are to take Genesis to Ceti Alpha VI for testing, which Marcus, her son, and her staff greatly oppose. When pressed further, Chekov states that Kirk issued these orders and that Genesis should be prepared for transfer upon their arrival. As Chekov ends the transmission, though, we see that Khan is nearby, revealing that he now has control of the Reliant. When Chekov states that Marcus will call Kirk about this, Khan calmly nods.

On the Enterprise, Kirk is sharing a turbolift with Saavik, who wants to chat more about the Kobiyashi Maru. He attempts to playfully sidestep her inquiry about how he passed the test as the door opens and she departs while an impatient McCoy steps inside. That's when Uhura messages Kirk that Marcus is calling him. Exchanging looks of seriousness, Kirk takes the message in her quarters. Marcus angrily asks why Kirk is taking Genesis but the transmission of getting jammed. When it gives out, he asks Uhura to get him in touch with Starfleet.

On Regula I, Marcus, David and their staff are discussing what the do as the Reliant is on the way. Kirk goes to Spock's quarters and informs him of the trouble at Regula I, which Starfleet wants them to check on. He asks Spock if his crew can handle this, given that they are all rookies. Spock assures him that they can do the job and relinquishes command to Kirk. While Kirk says doing so is unnecessary, Spock, like McCoy earlier, states that commanding a starship has always been a part of who Kirk himself is and that not taking advantage of that is wasteful. With that blessing, Kirk goes to the bridge, announces that he's now in command and orders Sulu to head to Regula I. On the Reliant, Joachim (Judson Scott), Khan's right hand, takes a moment to praise their leader for ending their exile but adds that, as they now have a starship at their disposal, it may be more beneficial to simply find a new planet to conquer and thrive on now, as opposed to spending time and resources tracking down Kirk. But Khan, quoting Moby-Dick, is adamant that he must see Kirk suffer for those years they were all forced to spend in what was basically a living hell.

As the Enterprise heads to Regula I, Uhura attempts to contact the station without success. Spock speculates Marcus is either unwilling or unable to reply. Kirk then orders Spock and McCoy to his quarters were he brings them up to speed on Genesis, by showing them a presentation from Marcus. It states that the device is meant to go into a dead world which would then instantly begin to change by introducing plant life as well as water, becoming a habitable world. McCoy asks what would happen if the device was used on a world that was already inhabited. Spock replies that Genesis would destroy that life in order to create new life. This leads to another amusing argument between the two before Saavik calls informing them that the Reliant is closing in. Returning to the bridge, Kirk is informed that the Reliant is ignoring hails. At the same time, Khan is relishing the moment as the revenge he has wanted for years is now approaching. Saavik reminds Kirk that, according to regulations, shields should be raised if communications have not been established with an approaching vessel. Kirk eventually does that when Spock informs him that the Reliant's shields are up and is targeting the Enterprise, but it is too late as the Reliant blasts the ship, causing major damage in Engineering.

With the Enterprise crippled, Kirk is shocked to see Khan when contact is established. Kirk agrees to surrender himself if Khan spares his crew. Khan agrees if Kirk also gives up any info he has on Genesis. Kirk says he needs time to retrieve it, and Khan gives him one minute. The admiral and Spock then clandestinely obtain the prefix code of the Reliant in order to lower its shields. Joachim informs Khan that their shields are now down just as Kirk orders a counter attack, which forces Reliant to withdraw. As the Enterprise is licking its wounds, Kirk goes to Sickbay and sees the many engineers wounded. One of them, who turns out to be Scotty's nephew, eventually dies from his injuries. Spock calls to inform Kirk that the ship has its engines restored and continues to Regula I. Upon arriving, there is still no answer to hails. Spock states that, as sensors are still being fixed, there is no way to know if Khan is in the area. Nonetheless, Kirk decides to beam to the station with McCoy and Saavik. The station seems empty for a bit, until Bones comes across a number of dead bodies, which are some of Marcus's staff. He soon informs Kirk that the bodies haven't been dead for very long. Saavik then detects something in a nearby storage until. Kirk breaks it open to reveal Chekov and Terrell inside. Chekov informs Kirk that they encountered Khan on Ceti Alpha V, where the rest of the Reliant's crew is now exiled on. Terrell states that Khan is the reason for the dead bodies that are now surrounding them, as the scientists refused to give Khan Genesis. After killing them, Khan left Chekov and Terrell behind to intercept the Enterprise. Kirk earlier noted, though, that Marcus was not among the dead and heads to the station's transporter room, which shows that some of the staff beamed down to the lifeless moon that Regula I is orbiting. He then calls Spock who informs him that it could be several days before the ship is back in order or can even beam them back. Unbeknownst to everyone, this transmission is being listened to by Khan. Kirk then decides to beam down to the planet, with Terrell and Chekov agreeing to go along. They arrive in a cave and see device in a nearby metal case, which Bones correctly deduces is Genesis. That's when everyone is startled by David jumping Kirk, with another scientist keeping everyone else at bay with his phaser. Kirk overpowers David quickly before a shocked Carol appears. This leads Kirk to deduce that he is fighting David, their son. That's when Terrell and Chekov pull their own phasers on everyone. Terrell contacts Khan who says the duo has done well. David attempts to jump them before Terrell fires, killing the other scientist. Khan then orders Terrell to kill Kirk, but as Kirk is the main hero, Terrell is having difficulty following this order which leads to the eel torturing him. This agony leads to Terrell committing suicide while Chekov, going through the same agony collapses to the ground. McCoy quickly examines him, only to see the eel bloodily exit Chekov's ear. After Kirk kills it, he angrily confronts a shocked Khan over the communicator. Khan then quickly orders Genesis beamed onto the Reliant. He then tells Kirk that he's now exiled on that planet, the way he himself was exiled on Ceti Alpha V and that he will now use that opportunity to destroy the Enterprise. This leads to the classic and much imitated moment where Kirk shouts "KKKKHHHHAAAANNNN!!!!"

Saavik continues to unsuccessfully contact the Enterprise and Chekov begins to slowly but surely recover. McCoy is shocked when Kirk asks if there's anything to eat, but Marcus says that there is food in a nearby cave. She then asks a reluctant David to show this to McCoy and Saavik. Once alone, Kirk reminds Marcus that she obeyed her wishes to not be a part of their son's life, although he is still saddened he did so. She counters that she didn't want him to basically become a clone of his dad, but happily admits they are similar in many ways. For Kirk, though, David is simply another reminder of a path not taken; a life that is now out of his reach because he feels he is now too old to take advantage of life the way he once did. The fact that someone he encountered 15 years earlier has now reemerged with nothing but revenge on his mind has also reinforced the idea that Kirk is now making mistakes, such as not raising shields earlier, that he cannot rectify as they have already led to several deaths. Marcus is sympathetic and offers to show him something that may make him feel better. In the meantime, Joachim informs Khan that they have engines back and they set off to intercept the Enterprise. Marcus leads Kirk to the cave mentioned earlier, which is a mini-paradise that is basically a taste of what Genesis can accomplish. As everyone takes a brief rest, Saavik again asks Kirk about the Kobiyashi Maru. Kirk admits that he passed the test because he had reprogrammed the simulator beforehead. Saavik states that this means Kirk has never faced such a drastic scenario in reality. That's when Kirk calls Spock, who says they can be beamed up now, to Saavik's surprise, as she realizes that his previous communication with Spock was in code. Upon returning with Chekov, Marcus and David, Spock reveals that the Reliant is on the opposite side of the planet and is still powerful enough to take out the Enterprise. However, there is a nearby nebula that he suggests they can take refuge in, although doing so would render shields and sensors useless. Kirk agrees to do so, just as Khan spots them. Joachim informs them that the nebula would cut off their shields and sensors as well and Khan agrees to avoid the nebula until Kirk changes his mind by basically bragging to him that he's back on the ship. With renewed anger Khan orders the Reliant into the nebula, and even angrily tosses Joachim aside when the latter objects. The nebula indeed proves difficult for both ships as they play a deadly game of tag. At one point, the Reliant is able to hit the Enterprise with another deadly hit. The Enterprise returns fire, which ends up with Joachim dying, as Khan says he will avenge him. A recovered Chekov comes to the bridge and Kirk assigns him to weapons. He and Spock briefly discuss the strategy Khan seems to be using and prepare to counter it. Eventually, the Enterprise is able to sneak up behind the Reliant and blasts it with torpedoes, taking out one of its nacelles and killing basically everyone on board. But Khan, severely injured, is able to crawl to Genesis, which is on the bridge and painfully begins to arm it, as he knows the explosion will take out both ships as the Enterprise's warp engines are damaged. Spock informs Kirk that something has been activated on the Reliant and David confirms that it is Genesis. He also states that they only have 4 minutes and the device cannot be stopped. As Kirk orders Scotty, who himself is temporarily down to to radiation from the earlier attack, to fix the warp drive, Spock quietly leaves to bridge and heads to Engineering. Once there, he attempts to go into a room with a reactor where he can potential repair the engines. McCoy stops him, reminding him of the intense radiation that would pour out of the reactor once it is open. Spock knocks him out with a nerve pinch and, after obtaining gloves from the unconscious Scotty, mind melds with McCoy simply saying "Remember."

Scotty and McCoy both regain consciousness and plead with Spock to stop just as he opens the reactor. Sure enough, the radiation engulfs Spock, but he still begins work on the engines. Khan, meanwhile, smiles as the Enterprise slowly moves away and quotes Moby-Dick again by saying that revenge is on his mind as he dies. But Spock finishing the repairs leads to a signal to the bridge, which in turn leads Kirk to tell Sulu to punch it. As he does, the Reliant explodes with remnants of both the ship and the nebula converge to form a planet. Marcus arrives on the bridge to see this spectacle while Kirk commends Scotty. But the reply is Bones telling him to come to Engineering, which Kirk frantically does after realizing that Spock is not on the bridge. He arrives horrifed to see Spock slumped to the floor of the reactor room, but is restrained by Scotty and McCoy as the radiation in the room is still too high for the door to be opened. Kirk sadly walks to the transparent wall and painfully calls Spock's name. Spock slowly gets to his feet and painfully walks over to Kirk, who assures him that the ship is safe. Spock slowly asks Kirk not to grieve as his actions were necessary to save everyone on the ship and that this is basically his answer to the Kobiyashi Maru. He gives his friend the Vulcan salute and says "Live long and prosper!" before dying.

Later Spock's body is placed in a torpedo tube, with the crew in attendance. Kirk movingly eulogizes Spock by calling him the most human soul he ever met. Spock is then launched toward the newly created Genesis planet. Afterward, Kirk is in his quarters when David comes by. He addresses that Kirk has never faced a truly difficult situation like the Kobiyashi Maru until now, which Kirk admits. David also apologizes for his earlier mistrust of him before stating that he's proud to be Kirk's son. Following a somewhat awkward hug, Kirk goes to the bridge with renewed vigor. He states in his log that they are heading to Ceti Alpha V to pick up the Reliant's crew. He reveals that recent events have now given him a new sense of purpose, a sense that he will reclaim the destiny that Spock previously told him was always his. The film concludes with Kirk saying he feels young again before we get a close up of the new Genesis planet with Spock's tomb on the surface. We then hear Spock giving the famous "Space...the final frontier" speech before the credits roll.

To say this film reinvigorated the Trek franchise would be an understatement. Not only does it cleverly reuse footage from The Motion Picture, but it had a story line that would later influce how three of the following four Trek films would turn out. By itself, though, The Wrath of Khanis truly a masterwork. It told a story that was as great as the series at its best, and yet went in a different direction by acknowledging the passage of time since the series and making the film not about exploration but humanity. Indeed, this film, while science fiction, makes wonderful use of elements in the aforementioned literary works on Khan's bookshelf. Hence, without the key insights behind the making of this film, Trek may not have lasted long beyond the 1980s.