tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post9132589639048566644..comments2024-03-27T10:27:59.266-04:00Comments on John Kenneth Muir's Reflections on Cult Movies and Classic TV: Star Trek 50th Anniversary Blogging: "Space Seed" (February 16, 1967)John Kenneth Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-76010266665379692752016-06-01T09:45:40.094-04:002016-06-01T09:45:40.094-04:00Fine review, as always.
"Space Seed" is...Fine review, as always.<br /><br />"Space Seed" is outstanding, by any measure. I won't repeat points you've covered, John, but Ricardo Montalban is impossibly magnetic and sexy (this coming from a straight guy) which only helps the viewer believe the man's influence on the narrative thrust. Many times before, in other series', we've seen similar stories. The difference being in those cases we don't buy it at all, or as much as we should.<br /><br />The script genesis (?!) of "Space Seed" is fascinating. Writer Carey Wilbur's original story outline -- he wrote two then the first two drafts of the teleplay, which was rewritten by Gene Coon and subsequently rewritten by Roddenberry -- featured a "Nordic superman", Harold Ericsson, who led a band of convicts. (The sleeper ship idea was always there.)<br /><br />Speaking of which: The motion control-like effects shots featuring the Enterprise and Botany Bay are lovely. Matt Jefferies' sleep ship interior set has some expanse -- which the director shows off at one point -- giving the episode a sheen... over and above the terrific dramatics.<br /><br />Although considered at first a "bottle show", "Space Seed" came in over-budget finishing up at $197,262. (The cost was inflated by the Botany Bay interior and the Enterprise's atmospheric pressure chamber set; and the miniature work, of course.)<br /><br />The Botany Bay was designed by Jefferies early on in the <b>Star Trek</b>'s development; he called it "antique space freighter". This episode won a Golden Reel Award for sound effects work.<br /><br />In an episode <i>loaded</i> with great lines, this is my favourite; it sums up Khan's self-confidence, and, his ultimate aim:<br /><br />"Yes, it appears we will do well in your century, Captain."Barry Smighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-76339250648312591342016-05-31T21:30:32.083-04:002016-05-31T21:30:32.083-04:00John,
In the 80's, upon the release of Star Tr...John,<br />In the 80's, upon the release of Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, there was the equivalent of our present-day nerd rage when it was pointed out by many overzealous fans that Chekov was not part of the Enterprise crew in Season One, so therefore how does Khan remember him in the film?<br />One intrepid fan took it upon himself to answer this question (in the pages of Starlog magazine, if I recall correctly).<br />In an unseen, unscripted and probably unnecessary sequence from "Space Seed," Khan finds himself on the infamous lower decks, in desperate need of having to use the lavatory. Only one bathroom was available, but it was occupied by a young Ensign Chekov, who replied to Khan's banging on the latrine doors by shouting "Go away, Cossack!"<br />Khan can no longer wait. Using his genetically-enhanced super strength, he pries open the locked doors of the space restroom, hauls the defiant young Chekov away from his "duties," and angrily stares into the young Russian's eyes.<br />Khan grits his teeth and the words slither out of his angry mouth:<br />"I never forget a face!"<br />Canon!<br />SteveAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13101722769411384962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-73477868710109300422016-05-31T13:18:57.550-04:002016-05-31T13:18:57.550-04:00Excellent Star Trek episode. A great science-ficti...Excellent Star Trek episode. A great science-fiction double feature is viewing TOS "Space Seed" and Star Trek II:Wrath Of Khan(1982). Albeit, to make it a trilogy, then view Star Trek III:Search For Spock(1984) to get resolution of Spock's fate.<br /><br />SGBSGBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07137406272001346149noreply@blogger.com