Kirk's character change between the series and the movies...

[Chrisisall]

In STVI: "If this is your spot, we'll move."
I'm trying to imagine how series Kirk would have responded- most likely, IMO, it would have been a wordless physical attack.

I feel that the 80's movies gave us an eighties version of the man from the series. All 'sensitive' and full of self doubt. Of all the films, Kirk seemed closer to his old self when Nimoy or Shatner were directing.

Agreement? Disagreement? Phasers?

 

[sojourner]

Yes, a "wordless physical attack" would have definitely been the proper way to fit with the locals. On a Klingon planet.

 

[Chrisisall]

Yes, a "wordless physical attack" would have definitely been the proper way to fit with the locals. On a Klingon planet.

Prison Rules: take out the big guy & gain respect. AND, that's what ended up happening, in case you forgot.
My point is that series Kirk would have cut to the chase.

 

[Ensign_Redshirt]

My point is that series Kirk would have cut to the chase.

Then again, series Kirk wasn't 60 years old.

 

[Chrisisall]

My point is that series Kirk would have cut to the chase.

Then again, series Kirk wasn't 60 years old.

At that particular juncture, point taken.
Still, at 60 Rambo hasn't changed much...!

 

[C.E. Evans]

I feel that the 80's movies gave us an eighties version of the man from the series. All 'sensitive' and full of self doubt.

Kirk was frequently sensitive and full of self doubt in the TV series as well. He was as much Hamlet as he was Horatio Hornblower at times.

I remember Kirk agonizing when he learned that in order for his future to live, Edith Keeler must die in "City on the Edge of Forever." He wanted to find another way, but time literally ran out for her...

I also recall Kirk thinking the M-5 computer had made him obsolete in "The Ultimate Computer" (he needed McCoy and Spock for pep talks)...

And now that I think about it, Kirk used to second guess himself a lot usually towards the end of various episodes on whether what he had done was the right thing or not...

 

[Pavonis]

IMO, it would have been a wordless physical attack.

Really? That's your impression of Kirk - you think he's a violent man? An attack first, ask questions later type of person?

IMO, Kirk of the series would have handled it the same way he did in TUC. He would have no reason to engage in an altercation that could be avoided.

When did TOS Kirk ever engage in a fist fight that he didn't first try to avoid?

 

[Chrisisall]

When did TOS Kirk ever engage in a fist fight that he didn't first try to avoid?

Finnegan?

 

[plynch]

i'm reading the Horatio Hornblower series right now, and that dude is FULL of self-doubt and self-recrimination. And he is amazingly capable like James T. It was GRs favorite books, so no surprise what Kirk is like. So was Pike in "Cage": tired, questioning his calling in his quarters with the doc.

 

[Dayton Ward]

And now that I think about it, Kirk used to second guess himself a lot usually towards the end of various episodes on whether what he had done was the right thing or not...

Sometimes, he didn't wait that long:

"I wish I were on a long sea voyage somewhere; not too much deck tennis, no frantic dancing – and no responsibility. Why me? I look around that bridge, I see the men waiting for me to make the next move. And Bones – what if I'm wrong?"
-- Kirk, "Balance of Terror"

Kirk was often portrayed as introspective, but that's not what makes for good parody in a stand-up comedian's sketch

 

[Pavonis]

When did TOS Kirk ever engage in a fist fight that he didn't first try to avoid?

Finnegan?

Finnegan started the fight, and kept it going when all Kirk wanted were some answers.

 

[plynch]

There's quite a change from Star Trek S1 (pre-Coon) to later. Later he's more joking, happy pappy of "the bunch." Not always, obviously. Early on, he was more serious, military bearing, brooding.

I think the movies from II on pick up that later-Series Kirk (though of course he has serious moments!) who is a bit mellower and joke-ey. I think the change weakened him and the series, but whatever. In TMP he seems back to serious Kirk, but that was the film GR sorta controlled, too.

Just thoughts.

 

[Chrisisall]

Just thoughts.

Thanks.

 

[Chrisisall]

Finnegan started the fight, and kept it going when all Kirk wanted were some answers.

Yeah, okay, I guess it was Kirk's attitude. "We'll move"????
Maybe it was the delivery. I just missed the Kirk who was 'not prepared to accept any interference.' I don't remember him giving the Gorn any goofy looks...

 

[buckeyenation]

It's possible that the older James Kirk would try to defuse a potentially violent situation first before using physical force, (especially when confronted with the possibilty of getting his ass kicked by a huge alien dud)and using a funny aside would not be completely out of character. The more Shatner played played kirk, the better he got, regardless of how good the movies were.

 

[Chrisisall]

The more Shatner played played kirk, the better he got, regardless of how good the movies were.

Personally, I loved his line to Spock in STV "Because it's there!"
That was SO Kirk, the explorer.

 

[C.E. Evans]

It's possible that the older James Kirk would try to defuse a potentially violent situation first before using physical force, (especially when confronted with the possibilty of getting his ass kicked by a huge alien dud)and using a funny aside would not be completely out of character.

Heaven forbid if age brings wisdom.

But "A Piece of the Action" comes to mind as an example from the TV series when Kirk found himself outmatched and didn't resort to physical violence to get the better of his opponents. He beat them at their own game--but in the process we also learned that Kirk could invent the most ridiculous stuff in a heartbeat (the game of fizzbin), didn't really know how to drive a vintage car very well, and had a terrible old mob accent...

Of course, there is the time that Kirk got clobbered when he opened up a storage bin full of mostly dead Tribbles...wasn't exactly a shining moment for Kirk right there, IMO.

 

[SFRabid]

I don't think violence was the big difference. 1960's TOS Kirk would have used the prison warden's wife as a means of escape. That would be followed by getting caught, watching her die for helping him, then getting revenge. 80's Kirk must not have access to Viagra.

 

[Chrisisall]

80's Kirk must not have access to Viagra.

LOL, like he needed it. See how he made a play for Gillian?