STAR TREK WEEK DAY II - THE WRATH OF KHAN

In the second Star Trek cinematic adventure, Captain James T. Kirk meets one of his oldest nemesis. A superhuman developed through genetic engineering is superior to all other humans due to his intelligence and strength. By his very existence, the Captain of the USS Enterprise evokes The Wrath of Khan.

THE WRATH OF KHAN IN BRIEF

Khan is the result of a 20th-century military gene experiment. In this experiment, so-called super-humans were once created for military purposes. And as is the case when men play God and put themselve above creation, the experiment failed.

So, the super-humans rebelled. After Kahn sought power over Earth, he and his followers were abandoned on a desolate and deserted planet. By whom? Of course, by none other than his all time nemesis Kirk. No wonder, because that’s how The Wreath of Khan grew.

We are one big, happy fleet! Kirk, my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best-served cold? It is very cold in space! Khan

Unfortunately, the path of the Federation starship Reliant leads to this very planet. Because the ship is looking for a place that is suitable for a test of the Genesis project. The 23rd century is also confronted with the problem of overpopulation due to prosperity. Therefore, the Genesis project aims to make life on dead planets possible through terraforming.

Dr. Carol Marcus and her son David lead this project. And this is where it gets complicated. Because we know that James T. Kirk is not averse to beautiful women. Thus, he also had an affair with Carol a long time ago. The result is David.

Meanwhile, on the deserted planet, the Reliant’s captain, Terrell, and his first officer, Chekov, are captured by the highly intelligent and dangerous Khan. Finally, he sees the chance to leave this bleak planet. So, Khan takes control of the Reliant. And so it soon comes to a huge showdown.

THE AUTHENTIC REFERENCE

The Wreath of Khan manages to treat an authentic problem of our everyday life in a Si-Fi story on many levels. In the 1980s there was a big controversy about genetic engineering. The Wreath of Khan takes on this topic, which is still explosive today, in a way that is now typical of Star Trek. Khan and the Genesis Project symbolize that even the best intentions can lead to disaster. From the hope of creating life, death follows.

I’ve been and always will be your friend. Live long and prosper.

Director Nicholas Meyer produced a visually stunning, deep Si-Fi action spectacle. Moreover, he created a timeless basis for debating when and where technological boundaries should be drawn.