Unveiling the Spectacular Evolution of Captain Kirk in Star Trek
Discover the captivating evolution of Captain Kirk in Star Trek as new dimensions are explored in Strange New Worlds Uncover rare versions, including mirror universe, changeling, and alternate timeline iterations, making this a thrilling journey for fans of the iconic character
WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, season 2, episode 3, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow". In the latest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, a major alteration to the timeline results in the emergence of the tenth version of the renowned Captain James T. Kirk, portrayed by WIlliam Shatner. Tasked with impeding humanity's progress, the Romulan time agent Sera, played by Adelaide Kane, creates an alternate timeline where the Federation was never established by Earth. In this new reality, Paul Wesley's James T. Kirk is already the Captain of the Enterprise, a United Earth Fleet ship engaged in a conflict against the Romulan Star Empire. With the absence of the Federation, each member species is forced to confront the Romulan threat independently, thereby cementing the Empire's dominance in the galaxy.
"Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3, adds to the extensive list of alternate-universe versions of Captain James T. Kirk within the Star Trek franchise. One of the most notable iterations is Chris Pine's Kelvin Timeline portrayal, which has been featured in the Star Trek films produced by J.J. Abrams since 2009. The existence of multiple Kirk variations in the Star Trek canon can be attributed to not only alternative timelines, but also transporter malfunctions, body swap technology, and shape-shifting supermodels assuming the form of Kirk over the years since his introduction in 1966.
10 Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)
William Shatner, who portrayed Captain Kirk from 1966 to 1994 in both television and film, is widely considered the original and best incarnation of the character. Shatner's portrayal of the charismatic and daring starship captain eclipsed Jeffrey Hunter's slightly rigid performance as Captain Christopher Pike. The success and longevity of Star Trek can be attributed in large part to Shatner's chemistry with his fellow actors Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley. Other iterations of the show have attempted to replicate the dynamic of the original trio with varying levels of success.
What set Shatner's portrayal of Kirk apart was his constant presence on the frontlines, making tough decisions in unfamiliar territory. This is likely what led Captain Jean-Luc Picard to teasingly refer to him as the embodiment of "cowboy diplomacy" in Star Trek: Generations. Shatner's portrayal of an older Kirk is filled with doubt, regret, and anger, making his character's journey in the Star Trek films captivating to watch. The fact that Paramount chose to look to Star Trek: The Original Series for inspiration when relaunching the franchise as a high-budget movie series speaks to the enduring popularity of Kirk's character.
9 Captain Kirk Double In Star Trek: The Original Series "The Enemy Within"
8 Captain Kirk In The Mirror Universe
In the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Enemy Within," a transporter mishap occurred resulting in the creation of a more bestial and aggressive incarnation of Captain Kirk. This altered version of Kirk wreaked havoc aboard the Enterprise, even attempting to sexually assault Yeoman Janice Rand (portrayed by Grace Lee Whitney). Additionally, his aim was to eliminate the "good" Kirk in order to seize control of the starship. However, Spock managed to subdue the primal Kirk, leading to the reunion of the two distinct aspects of Captain Kirk's personality – his id and superego – within the transporters. This fusion effectively eradicated the savage iteration of Kirk.
In the episode "Mirror, Mirror," Kirk and his counterpart from Star Trek's Mirror Universe switch places. While Kirk fights to survive the brutality of the Terran Empire, Mirror Kirk tries to seize command of the USS Enterprise. Despite attempts by Mirror Kirk to bribe him, Spock remains immune and instead confines Mirror Kirk until the Enterprise crew devises a plan to retrieve their people from the ISS Enterprise. Eventually, Kirk returns to the Mirror Universe to reclaim control of his ship, following an assassination attempt by Lt. Hikaru Sulu of the Mirror Universe (portrayed by George Takei).
7 Captain Kirk (Janice Lester) In Star Trek: The Original Series "Turnabout Intruder"
6 Captain Kirk (Changeling) In Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
In the ultimate installment of Star Trek: The Original Series, the body exchange plot involved Dr. Janice Lester (portrayed by Sandra Smith), Kirk's ex-lover. This intricately devised scheme was concocted by Lester in her relentless pursuit of becoming a Starship Captain. Although this episode aimed to address the limited opportunities for women in 1960s America, it unfortunately portrayed Janice as an unstable antagonist. However, Sandra Smith's portrayal of Kirk trapped within Lester's body was remarkably convincing as he endeavored to disclose the truth to his fellow crew members.
Although not confirmed to be a Changeling from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Martia (Iman), the Chameloid, possesses the capability to alter her physical appearance. In Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Martia aids Kirk and McCoy in their escape from the Rura Penthe penal colony. However, it is later revealed that she is part of a Klingon-Federation conspiracy to frame and eliminate Kirk and McCoy. During their altercation, Martia assumes the guise of Kirk, mocking him for his vanity, and then plots to have him executed by the Klingon guard. Nevertheless, Kirk manages to persuade the guard to execute Martia instead, allowing him and Bones to successfully flee back to the Enterprise.
5 Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) In J.J. Abrams' Star Trek
Due to the interference of the vengeful Romulan time traveler Nero, Kirk in the Kelvin Timeline grew up without his father Lt. George Kirk. As a result, Chris Pine's portrayal of Kirk showed him as more of a risk-taker with a healthy disdain for authority. This update provided an interesting contrast to the strict professionalism of the Rick Berman era of Star Trek.
Pine played the character of Kirk in three Star Trek movies from 2009 to 2016, and there is hope that he will one day reprise the role. Pine has a plan for a Star Trek movie, which involves making smaller-budget films targeted towards the fans. However, with Star Trek 4 facing challenges in development, it remains uncertain if Pine's Kirk will make a return. This is disappointing because Pine, along with the rest of the cast, were always the strongest aspects of the Abrams' Star Trek movies.
4 Young James T. Kirk In J.J. Abrams' Star Trek
3 Captain James T. Kirk In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds "A Quality of Mercy"
An early scene in the movie Star Trek (2009) showcases the rebellious nature of James T. Kirk (played by Jimmy Bennett) during his youth. This is demonstrated when he steals and crashes his step-father's car. Not only does this display Kirk's inclination for trouble, but it also establishes the father issues that will shape his character in the first two Star Trek films. Interestingly, the scene in which Kirk nearly dies from driving a car off a cliff serves as a clever reference to his earlier mountaineering mishap in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.
In the season 1 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, titled "A Quality of Mercy," Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) finds himself confronted with an alternative future when he tries to alter his destiny. In this timeline, Captain James T. Kirk commands the USS Farragut instead of Pike. Pike and Kirk cross paths when they face off against a Romulan Warbird, recreating the events of the iconic TOS episode "Balance of Terror." Without Kirk as the Enterprise Captain, Pike's attempts to show mercy to the Romulans escalate into a full-fledged war. This serves as a stark reminder of Kirk's vital role in shaping the future of Starfleet, as he successfully avoids a conflict in "Balance of Terror".
2 Captain James T. Kirk In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow"
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's time cops, the Department for Temporal Investigations, once declared that Kirk holds the longest record of temporal violations. Kirk's extensive presence in multiple realities throughout the multiverse contributes to this distinction. In the latest variant, Captain Kirk from the United Earth Fleet appeared in the time-travel episode "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" of Strange New Worlds. This particular Kirk, unlike his counterparts, did not grow up on Earth and instead resided predominantly in space. However, he exhibited a nostalgic fondness for 21st-century delicacies such as hotdogs. Additionally, he displayed exceptional skills in 2D chess, although it paled in comparison to his mastery of the 3D chess played in the 23rd century.
1 Lieutenant James T. Kirk In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2
After encountering two alternate reality versions of Paul Wesley's Kirk, Lieutenant Kirk from the Prime Universe finally made his appearance in the thrilling conclusion of "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow". Captain Pike's curiosity had already been awakened following his encounter with the alternate reality Kirk in the season 1 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. With Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) having met and fallen in love with yet another alternate version of Kirk, his eventual arrival on the USS Enterprise in SNW season 2 promises to be incredibly intriguing.
Introducing Pike and La'an to alternate versions of Kirk is a clever approach in addressing the lasting impact of William Shatner. In "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," Sera points out to Kirk that his reputation precedes him, but it's actually the other way around. By having Pike and La'an aware of who Kirk is or could become, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds can showcase a different aspect of Kirk as he strives to live up to a reputation he's not even aware of. This has the potential to offer a insightful commentary on the challenges faced by actors who take on Shatner's iconic role. Don't miss Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streaming Thursdays on Paramount+.
