Star Trekmovies portray Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the Klingons as bitter enemies trapped in a cycle of hatred, but Kirk and the Klingons didn’t always hate each other inStar Trek: The Original Series. Kirk’s hatred of Klingons is a key plot point inStar Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.When the Klingon moon of Praxis is destroyed, Kirk would rather “let them die” instead of Starfleet rendering aid. General Chang (Christopher Plummer) also despises the Federation, so Chang uses Kirk’s hatred to frame Kirk for the murder of Chancellor Gorkon (David Warner) and sabotage peace.
Earlier in theStar Trektimeline, Klingons are different. InStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 2, episode 26, “Errand of Mercy”, Kor (John Colicos) is a Klingon leader who openly discusses the Klingon Empire’s philosophy of conquest with Kirk, who respectfully disagrees. Later, Kang (Michael Ansara) inTOSseason 3, episode 7, “Day of the Dove”, doesn’t attack the Enterprise unprovoked, but is tricked into believing Kirk is the aggressor. InTOSseason 3, episode 13, “Elaan of Troyius”, it’s not Kirk that the Klingons are after, despite it seeming that way, but Elaan’s (France Nuyen) dilithium crystal necklace.
Captain Kirk & Klingons Didn’t Hate Each Other In Star Trek: The Original Series
Kirk & The Klingons Respect Each Other As Leaders In TOS
InStar Trek: The Original Series, Captain Kirk and the Klingons have a rivalry without the sheer hatred from theStar Trekmovies. In this era, the Klingons expand their Empire with more calculated power plays than brutal assaults. Starfleet, meanwhile, is interested in peaceful exploration instead of conquering, so Kirk’s confrontations withKlingons inTOSepisodesaren’t personal.Kirk and Kor’s bloodless discussion in “Errand of Mercy” focuses on philosophical differences.When the Enterprise takes Klingon prisoners in “Day of the Dove,” Kirk promises Kang’s people will not be harmed, and even has food synthesizers prepare Klingon food.
It’s important thatStar Trek: The Original Seriesportrays Kirk as a thoughtful, evolved leader.
Captain Kirk’s attitude towards the Klingons inStar Trek: The Original Seriesis a great example of series creatorGene Roddenberry’s visionof humanity’s future.Star Trek’s humans have moved beyond prejudice, so it’s important thatStar Trek: The Original Seriesportrays Kirk as a thoughtful, evolved leader. Because Kirk can hold civilized discussions with anyone, even his enemies,the Klingons have a certain amount of respect for Captain Kirk as a skilled strategist. According to Roddenberry’s vision, it’s supposed to be hard for Kirk to succumb to hate—but it isn’t impossible.
Star Trek Movies Changed Klingons & Kirk To Hating Each Other
Kirk Hated Klingons After Kruge Killed Kirk’s Son
TheStar Trekmovies change Kirk and the Klingons to hating each other, as Kirk’s reputation makes him a target for Klingon warriors seeking glory. InStar Trek III: The Search for Spock, Commander Kruge’s (Christopher Lloyd) landing party discovers Lt. Saavik (Robin Curtis) andKirk’s son David Marcus(Merritt Butrick) on the Genesis Planet. Kruge doesn’t care who dies, but when David sacrifices himself to protect Saavik,Kirk only sees Kruge intentionally killing David. In that moment, Kirk hates Kruge so much that Kirk destroys the Enterprise instead of surrendering his beloved starship to Kruge.
Star Trek: Captain Kirk’s 5 Greatest Klingon Enemies, Ranked
Captain James T. Kirk went up against Klingons numerous times throughout his Star Trek career, but these five were particularly formidable.
David’s death is the tipping point that makes Kirk truly hate Klingons, and the Klingons respond in kind. It’s not untilStar Trek VI: The Undiscovered Countrythat the impending Khitomer Accords push Kirk to reexamine his now-ingrained prejudices—and that’s after Kirk escapes from Rura Penthe. Although Kirk can’t easily shake his hatred of Klingons, he also knows the galaxy is better off with peace, so Kirk must adapt to changing times.The Undiscovered Countryis a nuanced exploration of Kirk as an imperfect human returning to the evolved man he was inStar Trek: The Original Series.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Cast
Star Trek follows the U.S.S. Enterprise on its five-year mission to explore the galaxy, led by Captain James T. Kirk and First Officer Mr. Spock. The crew confronts a variety of challenges, including Klingons, Romulans, and genetic supermen, as they search for new life and civilizations.
