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Summary
William Shatner , who plays the iconic Captain James T. Kirk inStar Trek : The Original Series , celebrates turn 93 on March 22 , 2024 . The actor behind the franchise ’s most famous captain , William Shatner , was bear in Montreal on March 22 , 1931 . A classically trained Shakespearean actor , Shatner relish a number of small degree , movie , and television role before being cast as the compassionate , intrepid Captain of the USS Enterprise . Shatner ’s Kirk lead audience on a five - class missionary post of adventure , cordiality , and collaborationto push the boundaries of scientific and pedantic accomplishment and boldly go among the stars .
Captain Kirk ’s complex persona expose courage , daring , passion , mensuration , loyalty , vitality , and heart . Leading the cast of characters ofStar Trek : The Original Seriesalongside Mr. Spock ( Leonard Nimoy ) and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Leonard “ Bones ” McCoy ( DeForest Kelley ) , Kirk ’s USS Enterprise command triumvirate was a significant and convinced force of power , logical system , and morality that – literally – saved public . broadcast 3 seasons between 1966 and 1969,Star Trek : The Original Seriesshowcased many meaning moments and paved the way for multiple moving-picture show and subsequentStar Trekseries . In celebration of William Shatner ’s 93rd birthday , here ’s a flavor at the legendary actor ’s greatestStar Trekmoments .
Among other enfranchisement credits , William Shatner starred in 3 season ofStar Trek : The Original Series , 1 season ofStar Trek : The Animated Series , and 7 feature filmStar Trekmovies .
The Star Trek TV enfranchisement has live for 57 eld and lie in of 12 show ( and counting ) . Here ’s how to watch them all in timeline order .
10Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 2, Episode 20 - “A Piece Of The Action”
Captain James T. Kirk invents the game “Fizzbin” to escape capture.
Captain Kirk and a low away team visit Sigma Iotia II , a remote planet strike by accidental ethnic contamination one hundred old age in the beginning . Assigned by Starfleet to collect the offend artifact – a book on Earth ’s twenties Chicago mobsters – the endeavor landing place party quickly learns that the planet has grow a gangster - style finish with war family . flip between the controvert cabal , Kirk finds himself a pawn in the deadly competitory rivalry .
beguile to extort a provision of phasers fromCaptain Kirk ’s endeavor , Kirk demonstrates originality , creativity , and speedy intellection to arrange an escape . As their guard slip by meter with card games , Kirk subtly diverts them withFizzbin , a circuit card plot with complex , meandering rules to bamboozle and confound . Kirk and his friends are quickly able to overcome the distracted guards and escape valve . Though amusive and somewhat concomitant , Kirk ’s Fizzbin is an fantabulous deterrent example of the Captain ’s adaptable and groundbreaking nature and a delightfully memorable , original , and offbeat fictional character highlight .
9Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 2, Episode 13 - “The Trouble With Tribbles”
On Space Station K-7, Captain Kirk becomes buried in a pile of Tribbles.
In this funStar Trekclassic episode , Captain Kirk faces challenges from multiple management with the USS Enterprise ascribe to aid in a diplomatical project over title of a dispute planet . With tensions mellow between the Klingon and Enterprise crews attending shore exit onspace station K-7 , demanding Federation bureaucrats making threat and misusing anteriority communication , andTribbles multiplying at a rattling rate across the ship and blank place , Captain Kirk becomes increasingly fraught and frustrated .
William Shatner effortlessly communicates Kirk ’s professionalism , peculiarity , gentility , and exasperation .
earn that the Tribbles are in the public discussion ducts , Kirk and Spock flush to protect the Federation ’s quadrotriticale . When Kirk open K-7 ’s access hatching , he is quickly buried ina immense heap of Tribbles – all binge on the caryopsis . This derisory simulacrum is simultaneously endearing and entertaining yet progressively disturbing and reveal of Kirk ’s longanimity , self - control , and level - headedness . William Shatner effortlessly communicates Kirk ’s professionalism , curiosity , genteelness , and exasperation . The episode is a favorite among buff , andthe image of Kirk in Tribbles is weird , warm , illuminating , and memorable .
8Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 2, Episode 6 - “The Doomsday Machine”
Captain Kirk risks his life to destroy the planet killer.
When Captain Kirk and the gang of the Enterprise observe a distress signaling from the USS Constellation in the wake of a trail of ruined humanity , they embark on a pestilent pursuit of sacrifice and survival . Commodore Matt Decker(William Windom ) , Kirk ’s friend , alone on the wrecked spaceship , is the exclusive survivor of an encounter witha planet - ruin ancient doomsday gadget .
" The Doomsday Machine " offers an important glimpse at Kirk ’s multifaceted and commendable psyche .
Decker ’s foiled endeavor to take the enterprisingness into the machine ’s hole leads to a gently successful but self - sacrificial outpouring with an endeavour shuttle and prompts Kirk to make a similar attack on a grander scale of measurement with the rig - to - explode devastated USS Constellation . Kirk ’s obvious dedication and unfaltering commitment to the safety and welfare of othersin this sequence reveals a courageous willingness to take great risks alongside tactical and technical insightfulness and a steady nerve . " The Doomsday Machine " offer an of import glimpse at Kirk ’s multifaceted and commendable psyche .
7Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 1, Episode 19 - “Arena”
Captain Kirk fights the Gorn.
ask for to a colony on Cestus III , Captain Kirk ’s landing party is recognize with the revelation that the subject matter they received had been fake and the settlement put down . Under attack , Kirk suspect a prelude to intrusion . The battle apace moves back to the ship as the Enterprise pursues the enemy vessel at high-pitched stop number into Metron space . Objecting to the difference of opinion , the Metrons dispatch Kirk and the foeman captain – a Gorn – to the surface of a desirable worldfor them to settle their differences .
plight in a personal battle for survival , Kirk learns that the Gorn affect Cestus III as their district and were repel invaders – that , potentially , Starfleet had been at shift . Kirk balance intellect , speed , and flexibility against the Gorn ’s ranking strong point and staminato triumph , in the end refuse to meet the life - or - last term of the engagement go under by the Metrons . " Arena " is an instructive consequence for Kirk , who demonstrate an receptiveness befitting his role when face with the theory of guilt and wrongdoing . It ’s also an iconic , much - loved moment asCaptain Kirk battles the remorseless Gorn captain .
The Gorn have become one of the Federation ’s most formidable foes in Star Trek : Strange New Worlds . Here ’s everything we know about them .
6Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 1, Episode 2 - “The Corbomite Maneuver” & Season 2, Episode 11 - “The Deadly Years”
Kirk saves the Enterprise with a skillful bluff.
When the USS Enterprise encounters the Fesarius in “ The Corbomite Maneuver , ” Kirk is shut up in a radiation pattern of escalating diversionary attack and ruse with the clock weigh down to the death of the go-ahead . Kirk is more and more stymied until a hazard mention of cheat and bluffing leads to the realization of a gravid - scale poker match . Feigning restlessness , Kirk raises the stake with a bluff about a defensive corbomite deviceinstalled on the ship that leave in the destruction of any attacking ships and at last cultivates a first contact and friendly telephone exchange scheme with the Fesarius ’ commander , Balok ( Clint Howard ) .
In “ The Deadly Years , ” a rapidly aging Captain Kirk is take out from command , with Commodore Stocker ( Charles Drake ) taking over in his position . Stocker quickly has the Enterprise violating the Neutral Zone and under attack . When the virus ’ potential therapeutic “ could heal or kill , ” Kirk does n’t waffle to obtain the first battery-acid . Recovered , he give to the bridge deck and disperse a bluff over a coded channel known to be dampen by the Romulans , allowing for the Enterprise ’s safety valve . These installment highlightKirk ’s quick thinking , command experience , and allegiance to the certificate and well - being of his gang , even in the face of emotional loss and personal suffering .
Episode
Set in the 23rd century, this iconic science fiction series follows the starship USS Enterprise and its crew as they embark on exploratory missions across the galaxy. The series examines themes of diplomacy, ethics, and the unknown, often highlighting diverse cultures and futuristic technologies.
class of Release
The Corbomite Maneuver ( season 1 , episode 2 )
1966
Captain Kirk bluffs about a corbomite twist to save the USS Enterprise during an encounter with the First Federation ’s Fesarius .
The Deadly Years ( season 2 , episode 11 )
1967
Captain Kirk uses the corbomite equipment bluff again to escape from Romulan attack after Commodore Stocker violates the Neutral Zone .
5Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 1, Episode 24 - “Space Seed” & Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan
Captain Kirk fought & defeated Khan Noonien Singh
Star Trek : The Original Seriesintroduces the enfranchisement ’s greatest villainin the season 1 episode , “ Space Seed . ” Awoken from suspended invigoration , Khan Noonien Singh ( Ricardo Montalban)and his work party of genetically advance augments system to take over the Enterprise through a run of influence , fierceness , and deliberate foxiness . A later show inStar Trek II : The Wrath of Khansees Khan pretend on a personal blood feud against William Shatner ’s multi - faceted Admiral Kirk .
Outmuscled and outmaneuvered , Kirk must apply originality and lateral thinking in both illustration in edict to defeat his greatest opposition . span multiple level of aroused handling , controller , and physical threat , the shared respect , intellectual conflict , and balance of acquisition between these two heavyweight characters is a thrilling and weighty ride that continues to shape the franchise ’s many reference and series . A reflexion of each other ’s limit and vulnerability , Kirk and Khan are oppose characters that concern a revealingly exchangeable infinite .
Episode / Movie
Space Seed ( season 1 episode )
Khan attempts to take over the go-ahead after being rouse from suspend animation .
Star Trek II : The Wrath of Khan
1982
Khan seeks retaliation on Admiral James T. Kirk .
4Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 2, Episode 5 - “Amok Time”
Kirk fights Spock in a battle of life and death.
When Spock record pon farr ( the Vulcan time of mating ) , andKirk is selected as the opponent hero forKal - if - fee(challenge ) , the two airless friends and crewmates must fight each other in ritual fighting . Desperate to save his friend , driven crazed by rip pyrexia , and awed by the presence ofT’Pau ( Celia Lovsky ) – whom Kirk considered to be “ all of Vulcan in one software package , ” Kirk is hindered by a different atmosphere , superior Vulcan military posture , and limited understanding of ( secretive ) Vulcan customs .
WithStar Trek ’s two most iconic name pitted against each other in a engagement for survival , this sequence – and fight scene – marks a significant minute for Captain James T. Kirk , carefully navigating a sensitive cultural rite and now facing a personal no - winnings scenario . As Kirk struggle between the choice of killing Spock or being kill by Spock , it ’s Dr. McCoy who at last preserve both parties . Kirk ’s willingness to defy order and accept danger and sacrifice is again showcasedhere , alongside an geographic expedition of Vulcan cultivation , friendly relationship , and morals .
3Star Trek: The Original Series, Season X, Episode X - “Balance of Terror”
Captain Kirk faces off against a formidable Romulan enemy.
A mysterious , nameless vas round multiple Starfleet outposts along the Neutral Zone . The attacker is soon identify as a Romulan ship capable of cloaking , andKirk and the gang of the USS Enterprise embark on a deadly battle of nervus and tactical mastery . Identified as one ofStar Trek : The Original SeriesandCaptain Kirk ’s good episodes , “ equaliser of Terror ” showcases Kirk ’s ingeniousness and strategical genius to great effect .
William Shatner ’s performance as Kirk is skilful and measuredhere , allowing for an unusual brainstorm into the character ’s cerebration processes , morality , and tactical genius . At all time , he ’s considered , tender , responsible , commanding , and capable . Offering a unparalleled perspective on the progression between Human and Romulan relations and a valuable understanding of Captain Kirk ’s balance of instinct , analysis , and controller , this episode dead deserves mention among his expectant moments .
maitre d’hotel Pike live through his own " Balance of Terror " in Strange New Worlds ' season 1 finis and his result wildly differs from Kirk ’s in TOS .
2Star Trek: The Original Series, Season 1, Episode 28 - “City On The Edge Of Forever”
Back in time to save Dr. McCoy, Captain Kirk embarks on a tragic love story.
When Dr. McCoy accidentally inject himself with a large back breaker of cordrazine , he becomes hysteric and inadvertently alters the timeline when he jump through the Guardian of Forever and loses himself in the yesteryear . To save their friend and recuperate their timeline , Kirk and Spock follow McCoy on an unusual journeying to America ’s Depression . Kirk meets and falls in love with the community - minded and visionary Edith Keeler ( Joan Collins),Captain Kirk ’s best known passion interest , but the luck of everything pivots on her inauspicious death .
Alongside impressive operation from the whole cast of characters , William Shatner convincingly communicates the tender , heartfelt romance and savagery of the pick he is finally coerce to survive . Considered one ofStar Trek ’s all - prison term best episodesfor serious reason , this deep and vibrate account like an expert weave a multi - layered , thinking - provoking , and tragical tale of friendship , selflessness , sacrifice , and love .
1Star Trek III: The Search For Spock
Kirk steals the USS Enterprise.
Star Trek III : The Search For Spocksees Kirk return to the now off - limits Genesis Planet to write both of his confining friends . Directed by Leonard Nimoy , this emotionally courageous and thrilling picture show take after a wayward Admiral Kirk and the Enterprise control crowd sacrificing everything they have for the saki of friendshipand home . Kirk disobeys direct ordination and commits multiple crimes , engineering the theft of the USS Enterprise and setting a course of study for Spock .
Star Trek IIIis raw , spectacular , and emotionally intense , withStar Trek ’s iconic champion giving up everything to save up their friends . Kirk ’s near bond with Spockand the sickly Dr. McCoy sets the stake as incredibly personal and of the extreme grandness , later intimately compounded by the slaying of Kirk ’s son David Marcus ( Merritt Butrick ) and the destruction of the USS Enterprise on Kirk ’s control – an unthinkable act in any other circumstance . This movie vitally enhance Kirk ’s make character , his peeled emotions contravene with the morality of his Starfleet vow , grow a later uncharacteristic resentment against the Klingons and fracture a carefully cultivate façade .
load to his limits , Kirk ’s many sacrifices are borne of desperation and attachment – contrasting a life-time of sacrificial moments stemming from responsibility and inner military posture . Over the line of Kirk ’s multi - decennary escapade , many moment of significance and heroism demonstrate the persona ’s deepest motivation , fond magical spell , and jumbo tenderness . Shatner ’s first-class and nuanced portrayal ofStar Trek ’s most famous captain cement a bequest of particular standout moments . well-chosen Birthday , William Shatner !
Star Trek : The Original Series is available to stream on Paramount+ .
Star Trek movies I - X are available to stream on Max .
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coiffe in the twenty-third century , this iconic skill fiction serial follows the spaceship USS Enterprise and its work party as they embark on exploratory deputation across the Galax urceolata . The serial examine themes of diplomacy , ethic , and the unknown , often highlight diverse cultures and futuristic technologies .
