I am convinced that Kirk is more heroic in Star Trek movies than in The Original Series

In Star Trek: The Original Series, Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) is known for his bold leadership skills. The audience often sees him conquering his personal shortcomings and making decisions that would not just help the mission but also inspire his crew. However, in Star Trek movies, Kirk takes it a notch up. He relies on showmanship accompanied by his actions, which makes him appear more heroic than ever.

From the start, Kirk has been a strategic leader who abides by the Federation. On the other hand, in the movies, he is at times reckless and stands by his belief for the greater good, even if it means that he will be reprimanded. It does help that he manages to emerge triumphant every time. Of course, he loses his Admiral title and gets demoted to Captain. But no one is complaining.

Kirk’s heroic personality shines in the Star Trek movies

In Star Trek: The Original Series, Kirk’s morality weighs above everything else. In fact, when he comes face-to-face with enemies, he often chooses compassion and mercy. In Season 1, episode 5 titled ‘The Enemy Within,’ due to a transporter malfunction, Kirk is split into two physical forms: good and evil. Kirk would share with Dr. Leonard McCoy (played by DeForest Kelley) that his evil side seems to be more courageous. McCoy rejects the notion, stating that it is in fact his good side that is braver, as he stands by his principles no matter what.

Even in Season 2, episode 13 titled ‘Obsession’, Kirk is forced to face some unresolved issues from his past. The Enterprise and the crew encounter an alien entity called Dikironium, which has the ability to extract red corpuscles from blood on contact. As a young officer, Kirk encounters the gaseous being, leading to the deaths of many. He blames himself and feels reluctant to confront the creature with which he has long been obsessed.

The moment illustrates his humane side as he exhibits signs of PTSD, a far cry from the valiant captain. With the help of his crew, he is ultimately able to overcome his trauma. The events in the episode showcase Kirk as a flawed person, like anyone else, dealing with personal demons.

But then, when the movies came around, Kirk’s imperfections were camouflaged. They depict him as a risk-taker who openly goes against Starfleet order and makes his own rules to protect his crew and the world itself.

In Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Admiral Kirk takes over the command of USS Enterprise from Captain William Decker (played by Stephen Collins) to stop the powerful alien entity V’Ger. Ironically, Decker was recommended for the role by Kirk himself, yet the Admiral decides to command the ship as he believes that only he is the man for the job.

Then, of course, there is the debated conversation around the famous Kobayashi Maru scenario. The test for the Starfleet cadets presents them with a no-win situation where the young officers are judged on their decision-making skills. In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Kirk tells Lieutenant Saavik (played by Kirstie Alley) that he cheated on the test by discreetly reprogramming it, and he doesn’t regret it. He says,

“I don’t believe in the no win scenario.’"

Even J.J. Abrams’s 2009 Star Trek movie, set in the Kelvin timeline, sees Kirk (played by Chris Pine) doing the same. But alas, in the alternate timeline, he does face disciplinary action. Makes you wonder how Starfleet lets go of Kirk’s misdeeds easily in the Prime Timeline.

Kirk’s rule-breaking streak takes a new turn in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock when he ends up committing multiple crimes. He, along with his Enterprise crew, creatively steals the ship from Starfleet to go to the planet Genesis, where Spock’s (played by Leonard Nimoy) body was left after his death. They end up encountering the Klingons, who want to get the Genesis Device for themselves.

On the planet, he learns that his son David Marcus (played by Merritt Butrick) has been killed by the Klingons. He has no time to grieve as he also discovers Spock alive and well. What ensues is an action-filled battle with the Klingon Captain Kruge (played by Christopher Lloyd), whom Kirk ends up killing. Kirk will put the Enterprise in auto-destruct and steal the Klingon Bird-of-Prey to escape from the highly unstable planet Genesis.

In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Admiral Kirk and the crew are coming back to Earth to face the Federation Council, when they encounter an alien probe threatening to destroy Earth. They travel back in time to 1986 San Francisco to bring back two humpback whales, which communicate with the probe and stop the destruction.

Admiral Kirk’s risky move pays off as the mission is successful. During their trial for the crimes committed in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, the Federation acknowledges the role of the Enterprise and the crew in saving Earth. However, as the leader of the crew, Kirk is demoted to Captain, who will be commanding the newly minted Enterprise space vessel. But Kirk is more than happy, as he gets to boldly go on his heroic adventures.

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ALSO READ: “Still the charming Kirk we know” - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Paul Wesley on taking on the role of James T. Kirk

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