10 Classic 80s Sci-fi Moments: ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’

#2 – “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’ – Spock’s sacrifice – After the dull and obtuse Star Trek feature film debut “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979) reached the silver screen three years earlier, fans might have been skeptical walking into “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in 1982.  Oh, one would be hard-pressed to find any disappointed faces.  This swashbuckling adventure peppered with Shakespeare is arguably the best of the series, and the dual between Kirk (William Shatner) and Khan (Ricardo Montalban) is nothing short of illustrious cinematic celebration and intricately planned carnage.

No, it would be difficult to find dissatisfied fans, but overflowing tears were most certainly shed.  Spock (Leonard Nemoy) makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the Enterprise, and massive disbelief and sorrow filled theatres everywhere in 1982 and, of course, in living rooms after repeat visits on our televisions.

“I have been, and always shall be, your friend,” Spock says to Kirk.

Where are the tissues?

Image credits: Paramount Pictures; Clip credits:Derek Schieble

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