Happy Anniversary…..KHHHHAAAAANNNNN!!!!!!!!

I can’t believe it.

Can it REALLY be 30 YEARS since the release of the ‘real’ re-boot of the STAR TREK franchise, with the original cast, with STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (1982)? I say ‘real’ re-boot, as most fans tend to ignore the first film, STAR TREK, THE MOTION PICTURE (1977), going so far as to call it STAR TREK, THE MOTION SICKNESS (myself, included).

We witnessed the return of the return of the ruthless Khan Noonian Singh (reprised by the late Ricardo Montalban), the villain from the TV series episode, SPACE SEED. We also had the new design of the Star Fleet uniforms, which were MUCH improved over the ‘pajamas’ worn in STTMP. We were also introduced to new catch phrases, forever burned into the lexicon of popular culture, especially, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…or the one.”

The most shocking part of this film was of course, the death of Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), which NOBODY saw coming, because – let’s face it, we had NOTHING like the internet back then to spread the word. It was one of the most poignant death scenes in film history and has been referred to (as well as parodied) to no end. Also among the constantly parodied parts of this film has been the scene of Kirk (William Shatner) screaming Khan’s name at the top of his lungs, echoing out as the camera pulls out, even past the planet.

I actually saw this the summer it came out, in the theatre. I was even able to buy a PROGRAM for it, which is pretty much unheard of these days. I still have it, to this day.