Star Trek (TV Series) Space Seed (1967) User Reviews

Khan is my Name; Conquest is my Game

[Bogmeister · 9/10 · 15 July 2006]

Here we're introduced to perhaps Kirk's greatest nemesis, the product of selective breeding - eugenics - Mr. Khan (Montalban); actually, just call him Khan. Like some malignant malady waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting universe, he sleeps, along with his followers, drifting for over two centuries in a derelict ship. The Enterprise comes along and Capt. Kirk commits, unknowingly, a grievous error. He awakens this superman and the galaxy is no longer safe. According to the historical information presented here, Earth's 3rd world war was known as the Eugenics War and was fought in the 1990's. I've always thought, since the TNG series began with its own glimpses into Earth history, that this should have been revised to coincide with the world war that took place in the 21st century (as explained in the movie "Star Trek:First Contact" for example). Well, anyway...

The actor Montalban simply dominates every scene he's in as the superior man, Khan. McCoy describes Khan's magnetic presence as 'almost electric.' Well, there's no 'almost' about it. Through a combination of charisma and sheer intensity, Montalban shows what's possible as far as overwhelming everything & everyone in sight, to the point that all things & people must cater to his will. Bred for this lofty ambition, he's more like a force of nature, unable to behave in any other way. Kirk, usually the more macho figure in a scene, comes away as a distant 2nd best when Khan's in the room or - as Khan would put it - 'obviously inferior.' As probably the most memorable single figure to grace the starship with his presence during the original series, Khan imparted to this episode a unique frisson and style; there's something special about this particular one, especially with the passage of 40 years. It's definitely a classic at this point and even legendary.

When I saw this as a kid on a small tube, I also picked the fight scene between Kirk and Khan as my favorite for the series. Kirk put on some nice moves to avoid getting bashed by Khan's far superior strength. When I got a big screen TV and played the DVD of this episode, the stuntmen became all too apparent. Oh, well, another illusion shattered. Unlike almost all other episodes where we have to guess on what happens later after Kirk and crew made their impact known, we actually find out what happens with the seed Kirk plants here (as Spock puts it). Only the answer doesn't take place a century later, as Spock hints at; no, only about 15 years later we find out how Khan and his people are doing in the sequel to this story - "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." That was when, I think, Kirk really began to regret opening that chamber where Khan was harmlessly snoozing away.

A landmark for Trekkers and Trekkies

[mstomaso · 8/10 · 18 April 2007]

Space Seed is the first season episode of TOS which gave us Khan Noonien Singh, the eugenics wars back-story, and the situation that culminated in one of the better Star Trek films - The Wrath of Khan. For fans of the franchise, this is a landmark episode which established some important aspects of the history of the star trek universe. For non-fans, it is definitely one of the better TOS episodes, but perhaps not a legend or a classic.

The Enterprise encounters a 200 year old, pre-warp drive earth vessel derelict in space and boards it. Aboard, they find dozens of people in suspended animation. As the ship begins to power up, on of the stasis compartments begins to fail and Dr. McCoy saves the man within from the brink of death. The man is Khan Noonien Singh, a product of genetic engineering. This former world leader has been engineered to be smarter, stronger, and more aggressive than normal humans. What happens is somewhat predictable (except for the excellent finish), but very satisfying because of the Coon and Wilber script, the excellent performances, and solid Marc Daniels direction.

Khan is played with the pure intensity called-for in the role by Ricardo Montalban. Montalban carries every scene away, and Shatner and Nimoy - as powerful as their personalities usually are - do a great job of portraying respectful intimidation.

Highly recommended for franchise fans, recommended for others.

Well, if you're actually giving me a choice...

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 25 April 2021]

Enterprise encounters the USS Botany Bay.

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.

one of the best episodes- at least an obvious fan favorite- Ricardo Montalban's finest hour!...

[Quinoa1984 · 10/10 · 21 October 2007]

...till the Wrath of Khan that is. In a precursor to one of the finest Stark Trek films, this is the episode that introduces the 'superman' type of villain in specially-bred Khan, who came aboard the enterprise following a sort of 'dethawing' that awoke him from sleep since the 1990s. It's a fascinating episode just on the basis of how there is almost a game made out of power, of things that aren't said but intonated about who's in charge. And the title, to be sure, isn't just something suggestive. There's a power-ideal going on there too, a Darwin thing almost. Oh sure, there's the typical facet of the villain taking over the ship and making the crew choose the captain (death) or him (subservience to an Alexander-type figure).

Sure there's the defector in McGievens, who lit by the cameramen to look like she's in an impressionist painting, and how she loses sight of her professional interest in history for the magnetism of his will when he says (paraphrasing) "stay or go, but do as you truly decide". But it's all pulled off with the utmost attention to entertainment, as well as some of the usual bright food-for-though in the Trek cannon. It's also a riot just seeing Montelban and Shatner go head to head- a kind of battle of the bulge in over-acting and machismo-steel looks- and this goes without saying that this is only the first step before things *really* went overboard on the 1982 sequel. It's wonderful pop-iconic stuff, with dashes of humor and statements on tyranny.

incredible TV

[cafescott · 10/10 · 10 October 2008]

I watched 'Space Seed' last night again; i've seen it dozens of times already. I know every line and every scene by heart. It's great fun to read reviews from 2008 of this TV show from 1967. That shows how strong the material is.

For me, the best part is Marc Daniels's direction. Visually, Daniels does such a great job here that the show serves as an example to young filmmakers. This episode serves as an excellent example of the potential for TV to be deeply compelling.

Kirk meets his match in Kahn, the thoroughly vicious, absolute ruler of 25% of 1990's Earth and product of controlled breeding who has been in suspended animation for two centuries. I can't remember when the idea of genetic superiority has been as simply and brutally told--at least on TV. I think that's why the story resonates with so many people; and why people are still writing about it today.

Many of us (guys) have had experiences with bullies on playgrounds in our youth. This episode brings the bully into the science fiction canon. Montalban's Khan is genuinely menacing; leading to a thoroughly rich climax. Naturally this involves a fight between Kirk and Khan (and the stunt men, who are pretty obvious) over control of the Enterprise. I love how Kirk wins the fight; it suggests that while Khan has the superior physique, Kirk possibly has the greater will to win.

They don't make TV anywhere close to this anymore. I'd rather watch Space Seed over and over before seeing any contemporary TV show.

Montalban steals the show

[argimlumani · 9/10 · 25 August 2020]

This episode proves why khan is the greatest villian in start trek history hes not some mindless automaton hes a charismatic leader played brilliantly by Ricardo he elevates this script with his brilliant performance and of course shatner and co are all great as usual but whoever the genius was that decided to bring back Ricardo for Twok deserves all the praise in the world because this villain lasts the test of time hes as charismatic as he is ruthless and for those who want more of khan I suggest reading the comic which ties this episode and the movie together

Iconic Episode

[csm-78119 · 9/10 · 23 August 2020]

Ricardo Montalban guest stars to superb effect in one of the most memorable episodes of Series One and which in time became the inspiration for the second Star Trek film. Great showcase for Kirk's leadership and for the battle between freedom and fascism.

Produces an Interesting Concept; Looks Ahead

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 28 April 2014]

During the first season of the original series there is no way that the producers had a thought about a movie sequel to this series. We all know how tenuous even a second season was for this expensive show. Thanks to the fans they took a chance and the rest is history. In this episode, the charismatic Ricardo Montalban plays Khan, a genetically engineered being whose purpose for existence, along with his crew, is domination. Shades of Hitler and other historical conquerers. The Enterprise and James T. Kirk always seem to err on the side of compassion, and this gets them into hot water in this episode. Upon entering Khan's ship, their suspended animation modules are opened and he fills his lungs with air and starts his conquest. His response to kindness is to manipulate it to his own purposes. His first act when he awakens in sick bay is to threaten McCoy with a knife. McCoy tells him how to sever the carotid artery and this makes Khan laugh and, hence, spare the good doctor. A beautiful young crewman, who has already started to drool over Khan (women weren't always portrayed as that evolved on this show), is enlisted by the manipulator to assist him. He is cruel and she is submissive. She will play a part later. Of course, once he has a foothold, he takes over the ship, bringing his once sleeping crew to the Enterprise, starting to dismantle the ship. The strength of performances and some very good writing help this episode becomes one of the better ones. It is a battle of wits between Kirk and Kahn that makes this work. I need to watch "The Wrath of Khan" again.

We offered the world ORDER!

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 16 March 2022]

The villainous character of Khan Noonien Singh, played so well by Ricardo Montalban ('Fantasy Island') in the 1982 feature "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan", was first introduced in this landmark episode. The Enterprise has discovered some remnants of the late 20th century: an old fossil of a starship and its crew, who are in suspended animation. As it happens, they and their leader Khan were genetically engineered "supermen" and "superwomen" whose need to dominate and control had led to war in the 1990s. The re-awakened Khan is soon back to his old tricks, and Kirk & company have to fight to regain control of the starship.

As usual, there are some provocative ideas in place, such as the idea that Khan & his people would voluntarily exile themselves in space the way they had. Spock is also quick to point out that supposedly "superior" breeding can also lead to a superior sense of ambition. But as much trouble as Khan turns out to be, he's one of the most entertaining villains one could ask for - thanks in no small part to Montalbans' charisma and screen presence. He's fun to watch, especially in the action finale where he pulverizes Kirks' phaser with his fist, and gives him a hell of a good fight. One bad bit of news is that historian crew member Marla McGivers (Madlyn Rhue, "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World") is obviously overly impressed with Khan, and is converted to his cause. Even Kirk, Scotty, and Bones express some admiration for a dictator like Khan while feeling disdain for him at the same time.

A good, solid episode in general, 'Space Seed' does allow you to see why Khan would end up wanting vengeance against Kirk, if your only frame of reference so far is the 1982 feature film.

Eight out of 10.

The Sikh Latino from Lahore...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 16 February 2022]

A vessel from earth's past is discovered, dormant crewman's awakened, recovered, he starts to recharge, then he wants to take charge, soon his past is revealed and uncovered.

A ship from the 1990s containing super humans is encountered and the captain of the Enterprise has it all to do to stop them taking over, especially Khan who, before being cast to space, lived on a fantasy island.

What a way to set things up for the future.

[GlennDavidTaylor · 10/10 · 12 May 2006]

This is another of my 3 favorite episodes of the original TV Series. Ricardo Montalban was incredible in this episode, and delivers one of the best performances of his life. Shatner and Nimoy are also excellent in this episode.

This is another one of those episodes that showed the TV audience that Kirk was more than just a Captain of a ship, and even more than just a regular Starship Commander.

Still, as we will find out in years to come, the "Space Seed" was truly planted, although it was probably not known at the time.

I give this excellent episode 10 out of 10, AWESOME!! Desert-Buddha

Falling for a womaniser

[exuberantloquacity · 6/10 · 15 January 2021]

Overall, the episode is great, like all Star Trek episodes. Obviously some things made nearly 60 years ago date badly; some of the sexist attitudes of the time are less common now. However, in 1967, feminism was apparently alive and well, Star Trek portrayed a future with some gender equality, which makes it all the stranger seeing McGyvers falling for Khan and being smitten by him, even when he grabs her forcefully, interrupts her and tells her she's not wearing her hair attractively. What's fair and accurate about this is there have always been women who fall for men who treat them like this. What stinks about it is it's such a weak role for a member of the Enterprise crew. Why, as an intelligent, space-faring historian with self-respect, living in a time in which we imagine genders and races are equal and we're all 'people of Earth', would she be such a sucker for a womaniser? For such a great, forward-thinking show, this is really sad to watch. Khan gives the impression he's about to assault her when he grabs McGyvers by the arm and says he takes what he wants. Why any human would fall for another human that grabs them forcefully and talks to them that way is beyond me. Surely it's a bad sign of things to come. if you got involved with someone like this and this is how aggressive they are when you meet them, imagine ten years later. I shudder to think. Also, Khan is supposed to be Indian. His accent sounded Mediterranean to me.

The abusive husband.

[Blueghost · 17 February 2011]

Trek fans, recall how the cute girls went for the abusive jocks? Here we have the egotistical brute incarnated. Believing himself to be superior to any common man, he is beyond simple pride. He exercises his desires via physical force coupled with vicious cunning. He knows only warfare and military conflict as a means to an end. He takes what he wants.

Remember that guy? Remember how the cute cheerleader always went for him? Well, so it is with the Enterprise's ship's historian Lieutenant McGivers, who gives in to her romanticism with a historic figure brought to life before her. Her inner passions form a symbiosis with some inner instinct to find a successful male, and she betrays both her higher intellect and oath to Star Fleet because of it. McGivers is cute, alluring, attractive, but her inner desire to see a child with the successful code of the antagonist is her own down bringing. She succumbs to his interpersonal tyranny, mistaking his anger-filled desire for power respected by other males. So it is in the real world.

Ah, but the "superior man", adeptly played by the late Ricardo Montablan, with all of his intellect and physical prowess, is no match for knowledge and wisdom, tempered by Star Fleet training. The former "Napoleon" of the past and would be tyrant of the future is confronted with a kind of understanding beyond his ken. It is in fact why he failed on Earth centuries before, and perhaps why the many McGivers and Kahns in the contemporary western world divorce.

Can we blame McGivers for her weakness in not following her intellect, by letting her baser instincts dictate her actions? No more than that cute cheerleader falling for the egotistical jock that plays brutal and mean spirited pranks on those whose brain and brawn are more balanced.

Again, Trek shows us that not just brute strength, not just pure intellect, but a melding of those elements interwoven with wisdom and caring brings forth the best in men. One without the other is a weakness, and when that is energized with an innate superiority complex, only disaster can follow; the bully; the abusive husband, the tyrant.

On a more Trek oriented vein, as other have mentioned, this is indeed the "Space Speed" not just in the name of the title, but in fact the genesis for one of the most popular of the Star Trek films. I speak of none other than Star Trek 2, the Wrath of Kahn, where emotional, physical and space ship battles run paramount. It is a memorable film tying old Trek with then state of the art effects, and updating characters and story line.

As Trekker and Trekkies we watch and are reminded of the parable presented by this episode, and appreciate not just the thesping from the usual gang of suspects, but Ricardo Montablan who himself keenly observed that villains do not know that they are villains. It is a lesson for many a cute girl who fell for the brute. Too bad they're not Star Trek fans.

Watch and enjoy.

Overrated

[asroma-94240 · 4/10 · 6 March 2021]

For obvious reasons, as time passes, the fact that Montalbon is playing a Sikh is preposterous. And while Henry James demands the writer be given his "donee" it's asking a bit considering the numerous head-shaking decisions Kirk makes, not to mention the behavior of another frustratingly weak female character, something later trek's would thankfully avoid. I skip it.

Get It On, Bang a Khan, Get It On

[Samuel-Shovel · 8/10 · 27 April 2018]

In "Space Seed", the Enterprise discovers an old Earth ship transporting a group of genetically superior humans who have been in a deep sleep since the Eugenics War era. After waking their leader, Khan, Kirk must figure out what to do with these Augments. Khan's natural instincts are to conquer and he does just this as him and his cohorts take over control of the Enterprise. After Kirk is somehow able to outwit and outbrawn him, he decides to leave the last of the Augments on an unconquered, savage planet to see if their society will truly flourish.

Khan! The episode may have seen fairly typical at the time but it meant so much more for the future of the franchise and the Star Trek universe as a whole. Ricardo Montalban's performance as Khan is absolutely delectable. I completely understand why they chose to bring him back for ST2.

The entire idea of the Eugenics Wars is an interesting one and I like that they give us just enough information on it to make us intrigued without spelling it all out for us. The crew's caution of having Khan aboard is obviously justified when he attempts to take over command. This is one of the episodes where Kirk doesn't act like a bit of a naive fool for the convenience of the plot. It's nice.

The only issue I have with this episode is the portrayal of Marla McGivers. To see her character, a well educated, empowered female officer, turn into a person that swoons over this man and ceases being a human being, turning into an emotional slave for Khan, is difficult to stomach. The writers attempt to write this off as a mixture of lust and professional interest (an onboard historian? okay Star Trek...). She really just comes across as the manipulated party in a toxic relationship. I felt a bit sad for her character when she decides to follow the violent, arrogant Khan to the new planet.

Despite superior intellect and strength, Kirk is able to best Khan relatively easily. I find this hard to understand. The fight scene though is very exciting (even if you can clearly see Shatner's stunt doubles on modern HD). Kirk's decision to release Khan comes back to bite him in the ass but I'm getting ahead of myself. A solid entry into Season 1 of Star Trek. It might not be the best episode of this season, but it has turned into one of the most important.

"There's something inside this man that refuses to accept death".

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 25 October 2010]

There's an interesting aspect to this episode that no other reviewer has touched on, so I think that's where I'll start. Roddenberry and his writers, Gene Coon and Carey Wilbur, take a crack at speculating what Earth might be like in the 1990's - Earth on the verge of a Dark Age and entire populations being bombed out of existence. Although we've gotten an additional decade behind us now, there's something to be said about a Dark Age with the threat of a 'New World Order' leading to global government. The War to End Tyranny, or as Khan preferred, the War to Unify Humanity draws eerie similarities to the present state of world affairs. Political elitists look to a single unifying figure who promises to be 'The One', the one who has all the answers and whose intellect is conceivably greater than the sum of all other intellects combined. Rubbish. Spock's analysis - "Superior ability breeds super ambition" may be true, but in the last analysis, never leads to superior results.

Which is why the resolution to this episode leaves me somewhat baffled. Why didn't Captain Kirk realize that a Khan unleashed, even if exiled to a far flung planet, would ultimately lead to eventual chaos? The ending just doesn't sit right with me, especially when you consider the slap on the wrist for McGivers (Madlyn Rhue). Why just two episodes earlier, Kirk stood trial for court martial for a 'mistake', while here, McGivers actually commits treason. I mean really, where's the justice. This was a decision totally against the grain of Kirk's training, not to mention his character.

What's good about the episode is Ricardo Montalban's compelling portrayal of Khan - impassioned and ruthless. This was perhaps Star Trek's greatest villain, if not the TV series, then certainly when elevated to the status of feature film outlaw. It's been a while now since I saw "The Wrath of Khan", but I'm certainly inclined to do so again as I renew my interest in Star Trek lore. Khan - even the name invokes mystery and suspense. All the best single name villains do.

Some women can't resist a bad boy.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 24 May 2022]

Space Seed will forever be a fan favourite episode thanks to the fact that it introduced the character of Khan, the villain who would later feature in the second Star Trek movie, The Wrath of Khan.

Played by Ricardo Montalban, Khan Noonian Singh is one of a group of people found in suspended animation on the SS Botany Bay, an Earth ship from the late 1990s, a violent period when The Eugenics Wars saw an improved breed of human attempting to conquer the planet. Khan is revived and taken on board The Enterprise, where he plots to seize power of the ship, seducing sexy redhead Lt. Marla McGivers (Madlyn Rhue) and bending her to his will. Waking the rest of his people, Khan successfully overpowers Kirk and his crew, who have found out too late the type of person Khan is: a genetically superior wannabe tyrant.

Shatner and the other regulars are their usual reliable selves, and Rhue provides the eye-candy, but Montalban steals the show, putting in a truly memorable performance as the charismatic, violent, arrogant, magnetic Khan, who is stronger and more intelligent than ordinary men and uses these attributes to corrupt and control others. He's such a rat that when the inevitable fist fight with Kirk happens, you'll be cheering on Shatner with every drop kick and karate chop even though the outcome is improbable and, for the most part, it's clearly a stuntman doing all the hard work.

A standout story

[jameselliot-1 · 9/10 · 27 August 2018]

A lot of weak spots in this classic episode. How Khan could transport 72 of his superhumans to the Enterprise undetected by bridge personnel is a major flaw. The perfect actor was cast as Khan. The danger of trusting egotistical tyrants is the main point, a warning people always forget.

Introducing Khan

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 8 June 2015]

In the opening scenes of this episode the Enterprise comes across an ancient Earth ship whose crew have spent two centuries in suspending animation. As the away team explore the ship one of crew starts to wake up; he is taken to the Enterprise sickbay and quickly recovers. It turns out the ship, the Botany Bay, was launched during the Eugenics War of the 1990s when a group of genetically modified supermen ruled the world… and this survivor is Khan; one of the most infamous. It isn't long before Khan is planning to continue where he left off by seizing the Enterprise. To this end he is assisted by the ship's historian Lt. Marla McGivers; an attractive redhead who is fascinated by powerful historical figures.

This episode's claim to fame is that it introduces Khan and sets up things for the excellent 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan' feature film. Ricardo Montalban does a fine job as the genetically 'improved' Khan; a charismatic but obviously dangerous character. Madlyn Rhue does a decent job as Lt. McGivers even if it is hard to believe her character would fall for Khan and commit treason so quickly! The idea of genetic modification is interesting although it would have been more believable if it had happened much later than the 1990s… surely when this was made the creators didn't think such advances might happen in a quarter of a century! The discussion of the Eugenics Wars leads to some enjoyable conversations between McCoy and Spock. Given its connection to the later film this is a must see for 'Star Trek' fans but even without that it was a solid episode with some interesting ideas.

Sowing the seeds of one of the great villains

[Mr-Fusion · 8/10 · 5 April 2017]

I came to Star Trek largely due to "Wrath of Khan", so 'Space Seed' was just some homework I'd eventually get around to. And this is very much the Khan we all know so well; a tyrant in the classic sense, tactically gifted and genetically enhance. Basically just the sort of power-mad dictator who'd try to steal the Enterprise and engage Kirk in battles of both wits and strength (Shatner's stunt double earns his paycheck this week).

But it's also a great episode. The character interactions are just right, the musings on human barbarism feel natural and Ricardo Montalban owns all of his scenes. Just painting the walls in Latin machismo.

This character was a natural for a Trek movie sequel.

8/10

A tour de force performance by Montalban

[thevacinstaller-03350 · 9/10 · 18 December 2022]

I really enjoyed this one. The writing is tight and they plug plot holes with explaining how the escape of Khan from earth was covered up to prevent hysteria and provide a reasonable explanation why it was not tracked down later on. They also provide an explanation for how Khan would be able to take over the enterprise by having him view the training manuals. I appreciate it when writers have the foresight to add such explanations into the story.

What really sells this episode is Ricardo Montalbán's performance. He is bursting with charisma, virility and an ever present hunger for power/authority.

I find it fascinating to watch the performance of Khan projecting a cult of personality. Y'know, if he happened to be a woman I might become bewitched and go full on McGiver and join up. And even that plot element is provided an explanation ----- she's a starfleet Historian (?) spending her on duty hours painting portraits of dictators throughout time. Well, I am not one to make judgement on sexual fantasy --- It's feasible that a female devoid to history could be bewitched by meeting a charming dictator she has studied.

I believe the writers did such a clean job of explaining the plot in the beginning so that the viewer would give them a pass with the problematic ending. The enterprise maroon's a group of super human war criminals (who attempted to kill captain kirk and take over the ship) on a planet?! I am going to give a pass on this complaint because clearly this was designed to come back to in a later season or provide the option to continue the storyline.

Wrath of Khan before it's time!

[mm-39 · 9/10 · 29 October 2017]

Wrath of Khan before it's time! There has been two Star Trek movie's based on the Khan character. Even a S N L skit based on the Khan character. Space Seed to is origin of the Khan character. Ricardo Montalban for those gen xers is the Fantasy Island guy surprisingly. The Khan character is a super genetic tyrant from the past. Khan and his crew ge discovered by the Enterprise. Will Kirk's crew find out who Khan is? Will it be too late? A few plot twists? A memorable episode. Well directed and acted! Of course there is a final fight between Kirk and Khan! I believe Kirk cheated with a foreign object, but hey that is just me! Anyways, a must watch for Star Trek's first season. A surprise twist for the ending.

I loved the movie this episode spawned, but think it's pretty ordinary otherwise

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 6 December 2006]

Wow--this episode is rated higher than 9 on IMDb!!! This actually surprises me, since while good, it is not among the better episodes. I only think the episode stands out because the main character created in the show led to the STAR TREK II: WRATH OF KHAN movie--one of the greatest Star Trek movies ever. But, apart from Khan, little of this episode makes it to the movie. Also, the biggest problem I have about the episode is the "stupid and impressionable female" cliché. In too many shows and movies, women often make incredibly stupid choices based on god knows what! This crew member joins Khan in his attack on the Enterprise and there just isn't a credible reason to think this could ever happen--unless the woman was a total idiot. And, hopefully, Star Fleet Command isn't an organization that hires idiots!!! Anyways, Richardo Montalban is magnetic and fun to watch, plus he's one of the few characters who ever out-emoted an over-acted more than Kirk!! I actually love all the cheesy over-acting--it's fun to watch these two macho guys trying to outdo each other.

The episode that started Star Trek II

[russem31 · 5 April 2006]

ST:TOS:24 - "Space Seed" (Stardate: 3141.9) - this is the 24th episode of season 1 that went into production (though it is the 22nd episode shown on TV). This is the only episode that spawned a Star Trek movie - that being Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. It starred the incredible actor Ricardo Montalban (also in the aforementioned movie as well as other films such as The Naked Gun) as the "superior" Khan Noonian Singh who is revived after 2 centuries (he is from the 1990s) in suspended animation. Though the crew of the Enterprise don't know who he is at first, it soon becomes frighteningly obvious. This is truly a classic episode that everyone should see, especially if you want to understand the events that brought on "the Wrath of Khan".

The Original Wrath of Khan

[Rainey-Dawn · 9/10 · 5 January 2017]

Season 1, episode 22. The Enterprise runs across a ship, the SS Botany Bay. The Botany Bay is a ship from 20th century (the 1990s). Kirk and a small group beam aboard to find the Botany crew in a state of suspended animation. The Enterprise's historian Lt. Marla McGivers is among the group and explains that it is customary that the leader of the Botany Bay is to awaken first to make sure it is safe to awaken the crew members... about that one of them was awakening and would die if they did not get him out of there. They beam back aboard the Enterprise with him well. When the man awakens he wants to speak to Kirk and the man introduces himself as simply as Khan. Kirk and Spock do some fast thinking and research to learn more of this man named Khan, Khan's crew and the SS Botany Bay. They learn that Khan is more than just an ordinary man - he is a genetically engineered "super human" along with the rest of Khan's crew. Khan reads through the Enterprises ship manual to learn more about how the ship operates and holds members of the Enterprise's bridge hostage. What Khan wants is the Enterprise and to conquer worlds, what Khan gets is a surprise.

One of the best episode of Star Trek ever made. Khan is the perfect nemesis for Kirk - and the most memorable one. A delight to watch again.

9.5/10