It would be interesting to hypothesize what would happen if a "Hitler" or a "Alexander" were able to escape and be awoken 200 years later. I think this was one of the ideas of the story, and it works extremely well.
Ricardo Montalban steals this episode with his charismatic Khan, who is a master manipulator and knows how to get what he wants. Of course, those familiar with Star Trek will also take note that, arguably its greatest villain, would reappear in one of the best Star Trek movies ever made. In fact, many people consider it the best.
While Khan's arrogance cannot be understated, Kirk's own arrogance is also part of the problem in this episode. He gives Khan access to the Enterprise's technical manuals, obviously believing that Khan would never comprehend them enough to do any damage. Ironically, it's only Spock who is very suspicious of Khan and the danger he poses.
Kirk also underestimates Khan's abilities as far as his intelligence and tactician prowess goes. Again, being from 200 years ago, Kirk mistakenly believes that one man from such a long time ago, can pose no real threat.
This is one of those rare moments when Kirk is simply out-maneuvered by someone who's actually on his level as far as tactical abilities go. And that is what makes this episode, and consequently, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" so appealing! It's like watching two grandmaster chess players going at it.
The Enterprise really needs to rethink how things are done on a starship. First, allowing a stranger access to technical manuals (which would be akin to giving someone the layouts of a Naval vessel) and also broadcasting on an open channel what you're doing. Spock giving Khan a "heads up" by speaking on an open channel at the end of the episode was another blunder.
Kirk vs. Khan is still one of the best matchups in the Star Trek universe, and it started with this classic episode!
Ricardo Montalban steals this episode with his charismatic Khan, who is a master manipulator and knows how to get what he wants. Of course, those familiar with Star Trek will also take note that, arguably its greatest villain, would reappear in one of the best Star Trek movies ever made. In fact, many people consider it the best.
While Khan's arrogance cannot be understated, Kirk's own arrogance is also part of the problem in this episode. He gives Khan access to the Enterprise's technical manuals, obviously believing that Khan would never comprehend them enough to do any damage. Ironically, it's only Spock who is very suspicious of Khan and the danger he poses.
Kirk also underestimates Khan's abilities as far as his intelligence and tactician prowess goes. Again, being from 200 years ago, Kirk mistakenly believes that one man from such a long time ago, can pose no real threat.
This is one of those rare moments when Kirk is simply out-maneuvered by someone who's actually on his level as far as tactical abilities go. And that is what makes this episode, and consequently, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" so appealing! It's like watching two grandmaster chess players going at it.
The Enterprise really needs to rethink how things are done on a starship. First, allowing a stranger access to technical manuals (which would be akin to giving someone the layouts of a Naval vessel) and also broadcasting on an open channel what you're doing. Spock giving Khan a "heads up" by speaking on an open channel at the end of the episode was another blunder.
Kirk vs. Khan is still one of the best matchups in the Star Trek universe, and it started with this classic episode!