10 Most Satisfying Twists In Star Trek
Star Trek has managed to stick the landing more than once.
Twists in the narrative are an often vital part of storytelling. Too often, audiences complain, and many times rightly so, that the way a story plays out is far too predictable. Introducing an unexpected twist can elevate the tale beyond its base level. However, this can be a tricky trait to introduce.
Some filmmakers are famous for their twist endings. M. Night Shyamalan may be the best known of the modern filmmakers for this, yet that is not to say that his films are often received well. A twist for twist's sake is rarely something positive as a story unfolds.
Recent developments in Star Trek have caused an outpouring of dissatisfaction for twists that have been introduced to the narrative. Right or wrong, the main argument seems to be that twists have either been underwhelming or simply nonsensical. Whether these cries have merit or not, it invites an analysis of the franchise as a whole.
Star Trek has never been afraid to throw a curveball or twist into the story when it is the right thing for the plot. From the days of Kirk right up until the modern age of Burnham and Mariner, here are some of the best twists in Star Trek's history.
10. David, I Am Your Father
James T. Kirk had always been known as a bit of a ladies man. Though there were times in Star Trek that he certainly came across as immature in his approach to women, he rarely seemed like the type of man who would actively abandon one who he knew needed him. Therefore, the introduction of his relationship with Carol Marcus was handled beautifully.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan introduces her first as a highly competant scientific leader, before ever introducing their shared history. McCoy seems to understand that there is something more, as he watches her breakdown of the Genesis project with Kirk and Spock. However, something that only Kirk knows is how deep that connection goes.
When the crew of the Enterprise finally find the personnel from Regula 1, they are attacked at knife point by David, a young man who is clearly distraught. Though Kirk manages to overpower him and demands to know where Dr. Marcus is, the young man beligerantly replies that he is Dr. Marcus.
The penny drops, for both Kirk and the audience, that this Dr. Marcus - David Marcus - is the son of Starfleet's most famous Admiral. Many other stories have introduced a previously unknown family member late in the game, yet few manage it in such a natural manner as this twist. David Marcus, while his appearances in Star Trek were brief, would go on to become a major driving factor in Kirk's approach to his duties going forward.