Was Kirk suicidal? (book spoilers)

[kythe]

I think it makes sense that Kirk was suicidal. Many suicidal people exhibit reckless behavior, especially if they are undecided about what they really want (there can be a difference between wanting an escape from reality and wanting death, for instance). Kirk didn't entirely look happy when driving the car, he alternated between looking upset and looking like he was out for a joyride. He seemed troubled in general.

That whole scene didn't sit well with me until I first heard people propose he was very emotionally troubled or attempting suicide, then the pieces started to fit.

 

[Jeri]

The reason it came up is that it's in the novelization; it does make sense that he is troubled, but the novelization makes it clear he's only fleetingly considering the notion of suicide.

 

[indranee]

indranee, not that I saw in the Q&A; I'm looking forward to that explanation, too.

You'd enjoy the article, if you haven't gotten around to it yet: Orci Q&A

hey thanks!!

 

[indranee]

The reason it came up is that it's in the novelization; it does make sense that he is troubled, but the novelization makes it clear he's only fleetingly considering the notion of suicide.

yes, he was contemplating never seeing his brother again and a sort of abandonment syndrome kicked in (considering his father had "left" him too).

but from the book, I have a feeling it was more of an impulsive act -- taking the car out and driving like that. PrimeKirk's impulsive, always has been, right? makes sense that nuKirk is, too.

also, in the book, George says to Jim: that's dad's car.

their stepdad was apparently planning to sell it while Winona Kirk was off-world. important distinction, that.

the thing is, I know you can't fit everything in a 2-hour movie. but having George Jr. in that scene would have more than made up for the lack of all this background, IMO. at least for us Trekkies. the non-fans don't care much about this stuff anyway.

 

[Jeri]

Yeah, I wish he were George.