As a huge movie and TV fan, I’ve always felt that Star Trek: The Original Series wasn’t just the beginning of a big franchise – it genuinely changed what television could be. It really led the way in science fiction and wasn’t afraid to tackle important social issues. Honestly, all the praise and recognition it gets as a cultural icon? It’s completely deserved.
William Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek may have been even more influential than many realize. A recent podcast interview with a key actor from the show reveals that Kirk’s impact went beyond simply how audiences reacted to the character.
Shatner’s Captain Kirk Broke The Leading Man Mold
Walter Koenig, best known as Ensign Chekov from the original Star Trek series, hosts a podcast called The 7th Rule where he discusses his episodes. His latest podcast focused on “Return to Tomorrow,” a Season 2 episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. This episode is notable for its unusual plot: aliens without bodies temporarily inhabit Kirk, Spock, and other crew members to build themselves android forms.
The episode “Return to Tomorrow” gave William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the rest of the cast a chance to really explore their characters and have some fun. Talking about the episode led Walter Koenig to reveal how boldly Shatner often played Captain Kirk, taking risks with the character’s portrayal.
Walter Koenig explained that William Shatner, as Captain Kirk, wasn’t afraid to take risks with the character, showing a more flawed and complex side than most leading actors typically portray. He compared most actors to ventriloquists like Edgar Bergen, who carefully control their image to appear flawless. Shatner, however, constantly challenged that expectation and wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable or show imperfection.
Today, William Shatner’s Captain Kirk is a legendary figure, but Walter Koenig was right when he pointed out that leading men in the 1960s were typically portrayed as strong and serious – a style established in the 40s and 50s. Shatner’s unique and unconventional appeal helped define a new type of hero for a changing era in American pop culture. Koenig noted that while it took some getting used to, Shatner always had confidence in his vision for the character.
He wasn’t afraid to go for what he wanted. Bill really understood his own talents and what he could bring to a role. I always admired that about him. There were moments, like in the first Star Trek film, where he seemed a bit self-serving – wanting to regain the captaincy from Stephen Collins. But I actually liked seeing that side of him. It was good to see him be so driven and honest about his ambitions.
“Return to Tomorrow” gave Shatner and the cast more freedom to explore their roles. The episode is also remembered for a now-iconic moment: Shatner’s passionate “Risk is our business!” speech, delivered while deciding whether to allow aliens to take over their bodies – a scene that has become a popular internet meme.
Come discuss Star Trek with us over on the ComicBook Forum! You can rewatch the show on Paramount+.
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2026-02-03 21:10