Space Seed
- Episode aired Feb 16, 1967
- TV-PG
- 50m
While on patrol in deep space, Captain Kirk and his crew find and revive a genetically-engineered world conqueror and his compatriots from Earth's Twentieth Century.While on patrol in deep space, Captain Kirk and his crew find and revive a genetically-engineered world conqueror and his compatriots from Earth's Twentieth Century.While on patrol in deep space, Captain Kirk and his crew find and revive a genetically-engineered world conqueror and his compatriots from Earth's Twentieth Century.
- Spinelli
- (as Blaisdell Makee)
- Ingenieur Fields
- (uncredited)
- Guard
- (uncredited)
- Lieutenant Hadley
- (uncredited)
- Augment
- (uncredited)
- Otto
- (uncredited)
- Lt. Brent
- (uncredited)
- Female Guard
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaGene Roddenberry questioned Carey Wilber's notion of wasting a high-tech spaceship and expensive resources on criminals - just like Kirk and Spock came up with the same question in the story itself - and came up with the concept of "a bunch of Napoleons" self-exiling in space.
- GoofsMarla, when examining a hibernating Khan prior to his revival, speculates that he is "probably a Sikh". There is nothing about Khan's appearance that would suggest that he was a Sikh. Being clean-shaven and bareheaded, he lacked the prerequisite beard and turban. Sikh is not an ethnicity but a cultural subset of India.
- Quotes
Dr. McCoy: [lying in sickbay, Khan surprises McCoy and holds a knife to his throat, then pauses] Well, either choke me or cut my throat. Make up your mind.
Khan Noonien Singh: English... I thought I dreamed hearing it. Where am I?
Dr. McCoy: You're in...
[Khan tightens his grip. McCoy continues in a lower voice]
Dr. McCoy: You're in bed, holding a knife at your doctor's throat.
Khan Noonien Singh: Answer my question.
Dr. McCoy: It would be most effective if you would cut the carotid artery, just under the left ear.
Khan Noonien Singh: [impressed, releases McCoy] I like a brave man.
Dr. McCoy: [takes the knife from Khan] I was simply trying to avoid an argument.
- Alternate versionsSpecial Enhanced version Digitally Remastered with new exterior shots and remade opening theme song. In the new version, Khan's ship from the 20th century, Botany Bay, is much more aged and weathered than in the original version.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Leonard Nimoy: Star Trek Memories (1984)
- SoundtracksTheme From Star Trek
Written by and credited to Alexander Courage
This is a classic episode that introduces one of the best villains in the Star Trek franchise and has a number of memorable scenes.
The plot is compelling and loaded with tension in the early parts as we wait for Khan to make his move. Later on as events turn nasty it is a different kind of suspense, but equally as good. The final conflict is a bit of a letdown but largely plays second fiddle to everything else.
There are plenty of interesting themes written into the script such as eugenics, evolution, conquest, power and primal attraction. Modern viewers are likely to find Marla McGivers frustrating but this is reflective of a character written in the sixties. How quickly and superficially characters fall in love in older movies and television is all part of developing a plot point for the convenience of the writer. The fact that Khan is a sexist, abusive killer goes without saying.
Space Seed is full of memorable exchanges of dialogue. Khan has such a presence, that all his scenes have an edge where you are waiting for something to happen. I love Khan v Bones, Khan v McGivers, Khan at the captain's table and Khan at the hearing.
Visuals are mostly good, as the cinematography makes great use of Khan's presence to maximise his menace. The only weakness is one fight where the stuntmen are horribly noticeable, but I guess this is part of the show's sixties charm.
All performances are perfect, with William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan and in particular DeForest Kelley on top form. Madlyn Rhue is also memorable as McGivers. However, it is Ricardo Montalbán who is the star of the show. Never has there been such a guest actor involved in Star Trek with such charisma and presence.
For me it's an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.
- snoozejonc
- Apr 25, 2021
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