Originally published November 16, 2018. Updated November 22, 2018.
The six most shocking Star Trek moments…
Since the first series of Star Trek in 1966, the franchise has gone on to become one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises in history. Each series has delivered new surprises, discoveries and bold revelations, alongside its beloved characters and traits that are echoed throughout popular culture, over 50 years later. To celebrate the home entertainment release of Star Trek: Discovery season one, out on DVD & Blu-ray from 19th November, we look back at some of the most shocking moments of Star Trek throughout the years…
A Logical Mutiny – The Menagerie, The Original Series (1966)
The leading trio of The Original Series featured a perfect balance of characters, with Spock’s calculating mind on one side and McCoy’s fiery determination on the other, anchored by Kirk’s steely temper and courage. However, everyone’s favourite Vulcan shocked audiences when he sacrificed his loyalty to the crew when Christopher Pike, his former captain and mentor, was gravely injured. To save his life, Spock hijacked the Enterprise and forced Starfleet to help him, against Kirk’s orders.
What’s in a kiss? – Plato’s Stepchildren, The Original Series (1968)
At a time when the civil rights movement in America was beginning to take off, The Original Series stunned audiences and entered the national conversation. After the Enterprise crew was captured by an abusive alien overlord, Kirk was forced to kiss Uhura to entertain their new masters, one of the first and most widely televised interracial kisses in history. The episode was thought so provocative at the time that it was banned in several American states as well as in the UK and wouldn’t be seen for years. It has since become one of the most iconic moments in the franchise.
Bones, What Have I Done? – Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
Towards the climax of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, fans were left in tears when Spock sacrificed his life for his crew. In Star Trek III, Kirk rallied the troops to steal the Enterprise and retrieve Spock’s body to revive him. Unfortunately, the Klingons got in the way, hoping to steal the secrets of the Genesis planet Spock’s body was resting on. Already damaged and massively undermanned, the Enterprise was knocked out with a few surprise blasts from the Klingons. Kirk surrendered, inviting the Klingons to take his ship, but as he did so, he set the ships self-destruct. We’ve seen a few versions of the ship crushed, but the first time was the most shocking and audiences were astounded as they saw the hull explode as Kirk watched his beloved ship burn from planet side.
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