The Meaning of Kirk's Last Orders?

[Mudd]

That seems backward to me.

If Kirk is really assuming that they're in the midst of a crisis, then describing them facetiously as being "in combat" because of their personal friction is trivializing and dismissing whatever situation they're actually facing.

 

[David cgc]

Well, yes, casual humor is one of his command tools for reducing tension, and he knows nothing about the situation that killed him, but he does know Spock and McCoy, and he knows he relies on both of them to get out of crises. His priority would be making sure that they're working together and aren't at odds without him.

If it's not about making sure Spock and McCoy don't turn on each other after the loss of Kirk but instead collaborate to save the ship, then what's the point of the tape at all? If he's assuming they'll take it well and work together smoothly, the whole message is just telling them to do what he thinks they're already doing.

 

[1001001]

Kirk's last order...

 

[Rowdy Roddy McDowall]

If it's not about making sure Spock and McCoy don't turn on each other after the loss of Kirk but instead collaborate to save the ship, then what's the point of the tape at all?

He correctly figured only his advice would get Bones off Spock's back. And for ten entire minutes it did, until the chair incident.

 

[BK613]

He correctly figured only his advice would get Bones off Spock's back. And for ten entire minutes it did, until the chair incident.

Which he backed down from—even apologizing—and Spock did the 'forget it Bones' line.
And, of course, by the end, they are cooperating to the point of BSing Kirk about even listening to the orders.