"Space Seed" - two-parter?

[Myasishchev]

Her head was examined. By Ceti eels.

 

[KingstonTrekker]

I was watching this ep the other day, and thinking that perhaps it might have worked a little better as a two-part episode. It's a good origin for Khan, but there are some things that seem a little rushed- Marla's fascination with him for example. There are some interesting concepts in the story that I think could have been expanded on.

These points could be made for many TOS episodes. Such was 60's television. We also need to remember that until 1982 when TWOK premiered, "Space Seed" was not viewed as a Top 10 episode (e.g. in The Best of Trek polls) and it was largely viewed as one of the weaker Season 1 episodes (for some of the reasons that you have outlined.)

 

[Gary7]

I agree that it was a bit rushed... it could have easily been a two-episode affair (within the confines of the original series). Actually, I wouldn't have minded seeing Khan return later on in Season 3. A benign species of the Federation stumbles upon Ceti Alpha, not knowing about the quarantine, and manages to be captured by Khan and his cohorts. The Enterprise is tasked to investigate the disappearance of the vessel (I know, sounds very familiar, but bear with me). Although Khan's vessel is not meant to be much of a match for the Enterprise, he managed to get it upgraded with more advanced weaponry. Finally the Enterprise tracks him down, a lengthy chase battle ensues. But in the end, Khan manages to escape across the Neutral zone into the hands of the Romulans, who are more than happy to receive him (and learn some inside secrets of Federation technology that Khan managed to acquire). The Enterprise is not authorized to pursue... and Kirk is deeply frustrated.

The Wrath of Khan could start out with the theme of Khan having left Romulan space on an assassination mission for the Romulans, to kill Captain Kirk.

 

[Captrek]

The Wrath of Khan could start out with the theme of Khan having left Romulan space on an assassination mission for the Romulans, to kill Captain Kirk.

That would be rather un-Khan-like, IMO.

First, you have Khan working for the Romulans, but Khan has always believed that it’s his destiny to rule, not to take orders from others, especially from non-Augments.

Second, you have taken away Khan’s personal motivation in going after Kirk. Kirk and Khan actually parted on reasonably good terms at the end of Space Seed. It was only after the Ceti Alpha cataclysm that Kirk became Khan’s personal Devil. Your version of the story wouldn’t be “The Wrath of Khan,” it would just be “Khan’s Assignment.”

 

[Destructor]

Technically, it WAS a two-parter. It just took fifteen years for part two to come out.

BOOM! This comment rocks.