10 Best Individual Performances In Star Trek
2. You Klingon Bastard
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock
William Shatner often received criticism for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in the original series. While there certainly are some moments and scenes that have aged better than others, one shouldn’t be so quick to forget performances like Balance of Terror and The City On The Edge Of Forever. In these two examples alone, Shatner more than proves he’s got what it takes to show range.
When looking at the deaths that hit Kirk the hardest, it would be easy to go with Shatner’s performance in the wake of Spock’s death. That lip wobble during the funeral scene is etched into the audience's memory like it’s carved in stone – yet it is actually a moment from the following film that ranks here.
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock is proof enough that the old statement – odd numbers bad, even numbers good – is nonsense. Admiral Kirk leads his crew to stealing the Enterprise, in easily one of the most fun scenes of the movie franchise. Their arrival at Genesis, and subsequent attack by the Klingons, turns that on its head. Kruge’s away party executes one of the science team on the planet – the scientist who created the Genesis device, with his mother. Kirk’s son, David Marcus.
‘Admiral,’ says Saavik. ‘David is dead.’
Shatner takes a moment. He steps back, where one assumes he means to sit in the captain’s chair. Instead, he stumbles and hits the deck hard. Shock radiates from him in waves, which we feel through the screen. This is Admiral Kirk – he doesn’t lose. Yet, here he is – his best friend dead, his son dead, and knowing he is facing yet another loss in the form of the Enterprise herself.
Honestly, if it’s been a while, go back and watch Star Trek III again. It alone will be proof enough to remind everyone that yes, William Shatner could act, and well.