Episodes without fisticuffs.

[Ssosmcin]

Not sure why people are so hung up on the terms "hilariously bad":

Because they're not for the most part.

And I meant the hilarious part. I loved many of those fights, they work brilliantly as a piece of comedy.
This one needs a "weeeee" dubbed in, but is pretty hilarious on its own.

Well, it's nice you found them funny, but this is one I have a lot of respect for because Shatner did all of it himself rather than resort to an obvious stunt double. It's a lighthearted episode and this scene was not meant to be taken seriously (Hint: the music).

60's TV fights were made to be theatrical and entertaining, not realistic. And they still pack more energy and power than some of the later Trek brawls.

Only some of them have aged poorly, and I would say Kirk's slow mo vs the Gorn would be one I understand being chuckle worthy. But mostly, nope.

 

[Phaser Two]

Not sure why people are so hung up on the terms "hilariously bad": many of those fights were choreographed by people who know nothing of fighting.

Because they weren't "hilarious" or "bad." The one from TIY that you linked to was not meant to be taken seriously, so it's not a very good example. Also, if you found these fights unrealistic I'm not sure how much you've really studied about fight choreography or movie and TV fights in general. Yes, the flying drop kick is probably not a realistic (or advisable) move, but actually much of Kirk's repertoire of moves was fairly well-grounded in various close-quarters combat techniques.

 

[johnnybear]

I wonder how you would actually fight a Gorn? I mean his hide is probably close to the thickness of a Rhino and James Blish described him as a Tyrannosaurus as such in the second book of his series! So I think Kirk did quite well myself and obviously the Lizard had difficulties in the atmosphere supplied by the Metrons, so...
JB

 

[Maurice]

"hilarious"today means "chuckle worthy" the same way people use LOL for even a snicker.

 

[1001001]

Point of clarification...

Does Kirk's Flying Butt Slam count as "fisticuffs"?

 

[Ssosmcin]

Point of clarification...

Does Kirk's Flying Butt Slam count as "fisticuffs"?

Fistibutts

 

[Commishsleer]

Thanks everyone for the contributions. Less thanks for the couple of hostile reactions.
(I did forget about the ending of Court Martial, that was quite a blunder)
...
.

I don't know. If I wentt o the TNG forum and said most of Picard's speeches were long and hilariously bad I'd expect some 'hostile' responses and frankly I'd deserve them unless I was trying to make some constructive point other than Picard was boring.
I suppose the uptake of this thread is how much most of us love the fistcuffs. I love the stuff in 'Tribbles" which was obviously played for laughs but the struggle between Tracey and Kirk in "Omega Glory" was fantastic and integral to the story and the character of each man.
I love the "Mirror Mirror" , "Naked Time" stuff which highlights how strong Spock is. In "This Side of Paradise" the fistfights were necessary to the story.
OK most fights are not realistic. You don't get knocked out my a karate chop to the back of the head or a neck pinch. Realistic fights have a lot more blood. teeth loss, knuckle abrasions and permanent damage. But that applies to almost every TV show and every movie. Fights are prettied up and romanticised for the audience.

Point of clarification...

Does Kirk's Flying Butt Slam count as "fisticuffs"?

You bet ya

 

[Push The Button]

Point of clarification...

Does Kirk's Flying Butt Slam count as "fisticuffs"?

This awesome clip also proves that the old sets were not, in fact, made out of “cardboard.”

 

[M'Sharak]

This awesome clip also proves that the old sets were not, in fact, made out of “cardboard.”

I don't recall anyone trying to argue that the walls of the permanent corridor sets frequently seen throughout the series were made of cardboard, but OK: proven.

As with most standing sets, I imagine they were constructed primarily of plywood and two-by-fours; pretty sturdy, but as wood will, it can be seen in the "Kirk's flying butt-drop" clip that they do flex a bit as Kirk plants a foot on the wall to pivot at the apex of his jump.

 

[plynch]

People often denigrate TOS by saying the sets look cheap or were made of X.

I don't think anyone did in this thread. But it's a thing. Especially when praising the DSC bridge which looks like a nightclub, to me.

 

[TREK_GOD_1]

I'll take the "hilariously bad" fistfights of TOS over the static, amateur, passionless, barely believable action scenes in later Treks any day.

^This. The fights of Berman-Trek were often lifeless or as stagey as the kind of stunts played at amusement park shows.

 

[Push The Button]

I don't recall anyone trying to argue that the walls of the permanent corridor sets frequently seen throughout the series were made of cardboard, but OK: proven.

As with most standing sets, I imagine they were constructed primarily of plywood and two-by-fours; pretty sturdy, but as wood will, it can be seen in the "Kirk's flying butt-drop" clip that they do flex a bit as Kirk plants a foot on the wall to pivot at the apex of his jump.

Search here for “cardboard sets”, you’ll find a few examples.

 

[Phaser Two]

I don't recall anyone trying to argue that the walls of the permanent corridor sets frequently seen throughout the series were made of cardboard, but OK: proven.

As with most standing sets, I imagine they were constructed primarily of plywood and two-by-fours; pretty sturdy, but as wood will, it can be seen in the "Kirk's flying butt-drop" clip that they do flex a bit as Kirk plants a foot on the wall to pivot at the apex of his jump.

Well, Starfleet liked its building materials to have a little bit of give, you know. Corridor fights involving ship captains were only one of the proffered reasons for this preference.

In other news, I just came back from the Voyager forum, where my post "Hey, I found Janeway, Seven of Nine, the Borg, the Delta Quadrant, and the whole setup hilariously bad. Discuss!" will, I assume, be received warmly. I'll report back!

 

[M'Sharak]

Well, Starfleet liked its building materials to have a little bit of give, you know. Corridor fights involving ship captains were only one of the proffered reasons for this preference.

But of course!

 

[johnnybear]

Point of clarification...

Does Kirk's Flying Butt Slam count as "fisticuffs"?

Do we know if that was actually William O'Connell as the Andorian/Orion spy in that scene? Or could it be Dick Crockett as he played an Andorian Thralla few episodes later and may have enjoyed being one!
JB

 

[Valin]

I've been rewatching TOS lately, and it struck me how few episodes do not feature at least one (hilariously bad) fistfight.
So, I'd like to compile an exhaustive list of all episodes without fistfights.

- The Corbomite Maneuver

A fistfight between Shatner and Clint Howard would have been entertaining.

 

[mb22]

A fistfight between Shatner and Clint Howard would have been entertaining.

Ending with a good spanking.

 

[MANT!]

 

[johnnybear]

Kirk Fu works well against most aliens and creatures but not when you're fighting Captain Ronald Tracey, one of the most experienced Captains in Starfleet!!! But then in their second encounter Kirk was very, very careful and triumphed over evil in the finale!
JB

 

[Poltargyst]

Kirk Fu works well against most aliens and creatures but not when you're fighting Captain Ronald Tracey, one of the most experienced Captains in Starfleet!!! But then in their second encounter Kirk was very, very careful and triumphed over evil in the finale!
JB

Tracy took the same Kirk Fu class at the Academy.