“Space Seed” benefits from its story being used as source material for the second Star Trek motion picture. But even before the film was made, this episode could be considered a classic, thanks to one of the most compelling villains ever conceived for the small screen: Khan. More than just about any other Star Trek episode to date, this one hardly feels overly long. Indeed, its pace is so naturally swift that by the time that the episode ends, viewers are left gasping for breath as much as the Enterprise bridge crew. That isn’t to say that this is a perfect episode. There are a few issues with characterization and motivations, and the climactic confrontation between Kirk and Khan is just a bit too anti-climactic. But otherwise, this is one of the finest episodes of not just Season One, but also the entire series.

The episode begins with the Enterprise finding a two-century old spaceship from Earth, called the S.S. Botany Bay adrift in space. We learn that the ship was launched sometime in the mid-1990s during the so-called Eugenics Wars – a global war that erupted as a result of genetically engineered “supermen” who wanted to take over the world. This relic happens to carry several dozen of these refugee supermen (and superwomen), led by the incomparable Khan (Ricardo Montalban). As the episode unfolds, the surface story becomes about Khan’s attempt to commandeer the Enterprise for his own imperialistic purposes.

As far as this surface narrative is concerned, the episode is mostly a success. Khan is one diabolical bastard, willing to use every one of his improved faculties from physical strength, intelligence and charisma to get what he wants. His seduction of Lt. Marla McGivers (Madlyn Rhue), while a bit too quick, also underscores how dangerous he can be. But what is most enjoyable about Khan is that he proves to be a very effective foil for Kirk – challenging his wits, his determination, and his strength. And in this way, the episode is very compelling.

Along the way, there are a number of very memorable scenes – from McCoy telling Khan to either choke him or cut him, to the dinner scene in which Kirk wins the battle of wits, to Khan’s attempt to coerce the Enterprise crew by way of suffocating Kirk. Added together, they create an episode that is gripping in its tensions, and entertaining in its pacing. About the only scene which feels like a letdown is the final confrontation between Kirk and Khan in which Kirk somehow manages to win a fist fight (by using a “tool” in the Engine Room). I like the fact that Kirk’s use of what amounts to a club represents a slightly more ingenious way of winning a physical fight. But the scene itself is a bit anti-climactic. Otherwise, the episode is nearly flawless.

And what would a Star Trek episode be without some sort of commentary on the human condition? In this case, the Eugenics Wars provide for some interesting questions about genetic engineering, the “savage” nature of humanity, and what it means for there to be an evolution of human nature. Khan seems to think that Kirk and his crew aren’t a whole lot better than the humans he encountered in the late 20th century. But then again, Khan’s attempts to take over a single ship are foiled … so perhaps Khan underestimated Kirk and his crew. Also, the connection of increased strength and intelligence to increased arrogance and ambition is a commentary in and of itself. Perhaps humanity’s “evolution” needs to proceed at a pace sufficient enough to keep our arrogance and ambition in check. Kirk’s final verdict, to give Khan a fair chance at survival on a remote, and wild, planet seems particularly civilized given his other alternative to simply incarcerate Khan and his minions. Even McGivers is given the chance to start over again on this new world – a kind planetary Botany Bay.

“Space Seed” is a wonderfully enjoyable episode. There are a few minor issues of acting and writing, but on the whole, this is well-constructed installment of the series. And, too, the fact that Star Trek II picks up Spock’s final comment, about finding out what kind of “crop” will be reaped from the seeds Kirk has just sown, makes this episode vital to anyone who is a fan of Star Trek.

Filed under: Original Series