A Look at Kirk

[@rein1705]

Finally someone with something nice to say about my childhood hero.

[@kitcat7538]

One of the things often overlooked about James Kirk is that at Starfleet Academy, he was a very dedicated and hardworking student. A former fellow-student describes the Kirk of those days as a "stack of books with legs". Kirk describes himself as a student to Bones: "Serious? I was grim!" Kirk tells Bones that as a first-year student he was bullied precisely because of his studiousness. Kirk possesses courage, compassion, strong leadership skills, high intelligence, skill in battle tactics, loyalty, self-control when faced with personal loss. Captain Kirk is sometimes falsely accused of being a skirt-chaser. He is in fact a hopeless romantic. He falls in love too easily, but love is what it is. The scriptwriters always make it genuine love, not crude lust -- and he is always separated from the object of his affection and must find the courage to soldier on. And then there is his affection for his ship, which is most endearing. The Enterprise is the lady in his life from which he is never separated and which he will do anything to protect.

[@LanMandragon1720]

The thing is the qualities that make Kirk a great Captain. Are also qualities that are attractive. So of course women were attracted to him.

[@rationaltrekker2509]

Wow! I never linked Kirk's response to the Kobayashi Maru to his experience with Kodos. That's brilliant!

[@carbine090909]

I wonder if the writers even knew what they were doing. But this is a strong case for a cohesive arc to Kirk's personality.

[@dd71000]

@@carbine090909 What writers? Kirk is Roddenberry himself, or at least who he would be/would like to be. He controlled the show. If writers wrote something that didn't jibe with Gene's ideas, it was deleted.

[@kitcat7538]

I never liked the Kobayashi Maru test itself. What kind of ridiculous test "trains" the military in a lose/lose situation?

[@mikewaite3746]

Now you've totally nailed it on the spot! Until jar jar Abrams threw it out the door

[@flyaway7636]

The Autobiography of James T. Kirk highlighted that, also in Starfleet the First 150 years. The Conscience of the King is one of my favorite episodes featuring Kirk, along with Errand of Mercy.

[@benotto44]

Damn dude, that was an amazing breakdown. I wish it was longer, but you pretty much covered everything. Well done!!

[@BioGoji-zm5ph]

05:47 THIS is why Kirk is the best captain. With Picard and Janeway, they always had to be manipulated or convinced by someone else to violate the Directive in order to save lives (as seen in Pen Pals with Picard), while Kirk would never even contemplate just letting someone die so that he wouldn't have to violate the directive. Yes, the Prime Directive is important, but non-interference is no excuse for allowing an entire civilization to go extinct if you have a chance to stop that extinction in any way.

[@demarcusfaulkner7411]

Kirk is a good leader and this shows why.

[@EvilEyeGypsy]

In this galaxy, there's a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million million galaxies like this. And in all of that... and perhaps more, only one of each of us. Don't destroy the one named Kirk.

[@artemisarrow9545]

awesome analysis. greatly appreciate it, how Tarsus IV informed who Kirk is at the core. brilliant.

[@johnr7279]

Good catch on the dynamics of Kirk's two most important confidants: Spock and McCoy. The best episode to capture this was the awesome "The Tholian Web" in season three. A great video and nice job!

[@brannonmacgorman8607]

The best indepth study of Kirk the individual...always projected as the ‘cowboy’ type you have highlighted what imo is Roddenberrys true vision of the man

[@dillydilophosaur]

I *love* your analysis of his Kobayashi Maru "solution" and the reasoning behind it (because I've always felt the same way). That, like the ending of Return of the Jedi, always taught me that when given a choice of evils- you choose *neither*. You make a new choice. Even if it doesn't work out, it's the only way to save your soul. Evil is never "necessary". Evil is a *choice*, no matter what we tell ourselves.

[@Arkylie]

I grant the general principle, but counter with the principle of Wolfwood from Trigun: We are mortals, and we will never have all the resources necessary to make the perfect choice. The chief resource being time -- if you wait around trying to figure out the best possible choice, sometimes you make it worse by the delay. But other resources play in as well. The cleverness needed to think of a better solution in a timely manner. The ability to hold the pertinent information in mind and consider it all in proportion and perspective. The wisdom to balance objective and subjective considerations (basically: when to follow Spock and when to follow McCoy). So while I do appreciate the need to Take a Third Option... I'm also hesitant to judge those who don't come up with one, and who therefore take the least bad option they can perceive at the time. Because we are human, and our resources are limited, which includes the mental "spoons" it takes to consider each incoming problem at more than a cursory, heuristic-based level.

[@maureentuohy9423]

Well done! Marvelous insight into the inner workings of Kirk’s soul. JTK is a solid old fashioned man of honor and true hero who struggles to “do the right thing.” He’s a man who loves adventure, delights in the abilities of others and always lets his reach exceed his grasp. Brilliant, thank you.

[@patrickmcabee123]

Thank you so much, I’ve gotten so tired of the (green lady “lover”)..,such a mistaken broadstroke, these great characters suffered from; from casual “fans and media”. This&these are the reasons for this characters administration..., thanks again, and very well done 👍🏼

[@LanMandragon1720]

Hardly matters anyway Kirk got laid alot because he we a hero. People are attracted to heros it's really that simple. Being an attractive man isn't a bag thing at all.

[@kathleenhensley5951]

Very well done... I think the reason I loved Kirk was his love for exploration and the stars.

[@brynpookc1127]

His overall joy for life and all it offered!

[@MonteLeeMyPOV]

Well Hell, i just subbed. Kirk is the Man! Always was, always will be...

[@johnoneil9188]

Those are the reasons why I prefer Kirk over Picard (especially in the first couple of seasons), because he is just so human and relatable. He is somebody you can look up to but who is not so far removed that you feel like he would think less of you.

[@Fluffy1877]

Picard is the responsible parent, always there to teach and to guide with the gentle hand or forceful speech Kirk is the fun uncle who will take you dirt biking and paint balling, but will NEVER let you foolishly endanger yourself and make sure you always wear your helmet. Both are human, but to different degrees of intensity.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

And what part of the family would SIsko fit into?

[@japphan]

Not sure what part of Kirk is worth looking up to.Please inform me.

[@craigmanning2439]

@japphan, Virgin, go ahead and be jealous.

[@toatahu2003]

All respect to Picard, but Kirk is, in my opinion, the best Starship Captain there has ever been...

[@bronxboy1952]

This was so well written! A truly excellent character analysis!!!

[@Spookybacon]

Well thought out character study and exceptionally solid conclusions.

[@Phalanx443]

Well done! At long last an intelligent view on what makes Kirk (IMO) the best of all the Star Trek Captains.

[@chibiktsn3]

So happy to see you're posting videos again. Love your Kirk analysis!

[@InfernosReaper]

Ah, you are in for a treat then sfdebris.com/

[@xyz.ijk.]

That was outstanding and I'm very glad I found your Channel.

[@cherylresnick-cortes8022]

I love Picard, however, I adore J.T. Kirk. Thank you for this....it is so accurate! I have been watching Trek since 1966! Always a big Kirk fan.

[@brynpookc1127]

I fell in love with James Tiberius Kirk in 1966! Still love him madly. Read somewhere that Kirk weaponized sexuality. When he was wooing the ladies, it was usually in aid of working around a problem to avoid violence.

[@cherylresnick-cortes8022]

@@brynpookc1127 Bill Shatner is doing CreationCons in 2021-didn't know if you were aware. I will be at one of them!

[@maureentuohy8672]

Brilliant! PS The Corbomit Maneuver is my #1 favorite episode just for the way Kirk, unlike Spock, refuses to except the death of his crew.

[@margarethowie2018]

Kirk is and always will be the best Captain in Starfleet history....the one of a kind,one and only....end of..🖖

[@kitcat7538]

He is second only to Captain Janeway, and that's still a position of honor.

[@robynzelickson6164]

@@kitcat7538 nope he's first always and forever. As the vid points out, he's got it all and no other Captain can compare. That's why he's my boo. ❤

[@w.b.902]

Perfect! he is still my hero, 50 years later...

[@mattkennedy4126]

I am pleased to subscribe to your channel after your well described analysis of Kirk, the character who writer Harlan Ellison wanted to kill in the first two minutes.. as the old saying goes, "you don't get to pick your family" Looking forward to more content. Thank you.

[@sartainja]

Superb presentation.

[@CaminoAir]

This is yet another impressive SF Debris analysis. Considering that (obviously) the character was never written except from episode to episode and film to film and dependent on what would be an interesting story, rather than how is this character to be consistently developed....this video is an excellent coherent pulling together of all those core threads of characterisation.

[@Swiftbow]

There were guides on writing the characters and backstory for all of them provided. (Along with technical information about the ship... that part was definitely treated more loosely.) It wasn't like the writers were just handed a bunch of names and told to make up whatever based on that alone.

[@Greg87601]

One of bests videos.

[@demecowen]

I always look at Kirk as Cowboy that would lept to into adventure. But this debriefing show that looks twice and would jump to get the best win because he saw what those that don't would lead to tragedy.

[@CRocketSlim]

@3:28 bingo. Though this phrase would be popularized in Galaxy Quest, Jim Kirk was the originator (or at least helped to vastly popularized the idea) of "Never Give Up, Never Surrender".

[@kitcat7538]

🎆🥳🤳🎂🥂🎁💥🪐 🇨🇦 🇺🇲 ✨ a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to WILLIAM SHATNER!! b. March 22, 1931 Ninety years old! Still raising and riding horses. 🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎 🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎 Still witty and charming. Still very much loved. 💞 We'll celebrate his 100th birthday, and he'll be up for it.

[@brynpookc1127]

@kitcat7538 Time keeps moving on, and now we have passed March 22, 1931 three more times. Our beloved Captain James T. Kirk is now 93 years young! still the most beautiful being who shares his knowledge and charm graciously. Just a bit ago I watched William Shatner in discussion with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Have to say Tyson did a pretty good job holding his own against our Captain. 😃Really, it was an informative conversation between two people who have spent most of their lives gathering information. I realized that all of the special programs and travels Mr. Shatner has done, he has kept all of that knowledge as a whole that he has used to build an incredible understanding of our world! 🌍 I have great hopes that he will celebrate his 100th birthday in 2031! (I doubt I’ll make it to that point. I’m nearly 73 and have some major health issues. I started watching Star Trek TOS as it originally aired in 1966-68. And, I have used its values to guide me throughout my life. When I got my first job where making some management decisions was required, if I got stuck, I asked myself “What would Jim do.” He never let me down. 🖖🏽 LLAP 🖖🏽

[@Badbaby72]

Your psychological profile of Kirk is very insightful.

[@sirequinox4874]

I always thought Kirk got a little short-changed in comparison with Picard, that Picard was the philosophical captain. Kirk uttered some very wise philosophy, as in your mention of his statement about humans being barbaric, but capable of deciding not to kill today. My favorite is when he stated that if he could accomplish his mission by turning tail and running he would gladly do that. An extremely civilized point of view.

[@bruinflight]

Brilliant

[@cksoup]

Great video!

[@scionofdorn9101]

Kirk is THE Captain, and I will countenance no debate on the subject.

[@Smartalic10]

I sadly never grew up with Star Trek, not even TNG. So I started by watching the original series on Netflix. And I fell in love, Captain Kirk is one of my fav characters despite his flaws and honestly Shatner’s acting doesn’t get bad until the later seasons. He may not be Sisko but he’s the one that started it all and we have to respect that. Even if better captains have come

[@margarethowie2018]

There are no better captains than kirk,and never will be!!!!

[@kitcat7538]

@@margarethowie2018 Captain Janeway is a better captain and always will be!!!!! But I also love Captain Kirk.

[@myamyone]

Nicely done.

[@myriadmediamusings]

The third option of the KM test reminded me of what would happen in some of the Trek books, mainly the character of Calhoun and what he did during the KM test: Blow up the KM!

[@TheSilverPhoenix100]

Honestly that was always my solution as twisted as it sounds. By Kirks admission Kilingons dont take prisoners, so that crew is in no uncertian terms...fucked. Better to give them a quick death and stop federation tech from falling into an enemy hands. It might seem inhumane but honesly as Spock says "its the only logical solution"

[@theJellyjoker]

Only question I, ever thought was hard. Was do I like Kirk or do I like Picard?

[@queenredspecial]

Fave lyric!

[@InfernosReaper]

And the correct answer is The Sisko.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

All of them. They all had their part. And if I had to choose, I would take them all to my missions. Each one for different reasons.

[@ecclestonsangel]

@@lordnorden5856 They see me mowing, my front lawn, I know that they think that I'm so white and nerdy....

[@kitcat7538]

Captain Kathryn (Borgslayer) Janeway is the best of the Star Trek captains. Kirk a close second. Picard a pontificating ass who has now been well and truly trashed by Patrick Stewart. William Shatner and Kate Mulgrew believed in the characters they were playing; Stewart had only contempt for Picard.

[@beyourself2444]

The Greatest tv show hero ever...

[@drawnseeker]

awesome!

[@shmee123ful]

I hope one day ull cover all the captains in such a manor,

[@umbrellacorpsecurity6511]

97% Kirk. 4% other

[@bobnib2328]

Ha

[@nunouno001]

Any chance to get a video like this for Picard or Sisko?

[@weldonwin]

That doesn't discount the possibility that he may eventually do similar character studies of the other captains... Although Janeway's would be incredibly short, since there is only so many ways you can say "Insane and Incompentent' over and over

[@robbybevard]

He's actually analyzed Janeway at some length in the later episodes without dwelling on the parody aspects, and talks about how being responsible for that much and that many people for that long without a break eventually wears down anyone. It's pretty interesting actually.

[@kitcat7538]

@@weldonwin Captain Janeway is the best of the Star Trek captains (Kirk second). She commands the respect and loyalty of her crew, maps the Delta Quadrant, and makes first contact with more species than anyone before her. She earns a good reputation for Earthlings in a far-flung corner of the galaxy.

[@Cowinspace]

Great analysis. I hope that the whole vidme implosion isn't causing you too much hassle.

[@daviddrabick9018]

The reinterpretation of Kirk in recent movies does the character- and Bill Shatner- injustice. Thanks for your evaluation of Kirk as the noble Alpha Male he is, in a time in which authentic masculinity is disrespected.

[@irishgrl]

Agree 1000% with your last statement. (I agree with the whole video but that last bit was a perfect endcap)

[@BJCHESTER]

Great video.

[@ecclestonsangel]

Dead-on accurate, and exactly why I like Kirk better than Picard. Besides, Kirk was always one to shoot first and ask questions later. Picard always tried to pontificate somebody to death. It always amazed me that no one ever shot him just to shut him up!

[@darthvestius7771]

Captain Kirk... First Last ... Always!

[@ecclestonsangel]

@@darthvestius7771 Damn skippy!

[@BioGoji-zm5ph]

@Lawofimprobability I actually really liked Picard at one time, and even preferred him over Kirk at one point... until I watched the TNG episode Homeward.

[@kitcat7538]

Saying that Kirk would shoot first and ask questions later is not an accurate description of him. Kirk is certainly not trigger-happy. He shoots to protect someone else, but often puts himself in danger to avoid shooting.

[@deadturret4049]

This comment hits different if you read it in the voice of Q

[@Joekitty001]

Missed your stuff on youtube.

[@NanNaN-jw6hl]

T3:11 "An answer." T3:28 To seek out "an alternative" answer. Instead of THE or BEST. The language used here is critical. The way you speak, you assume there is a BEST answer or an ONLY answer. Kirk's subversion of the K.M. test is to assert there is an alternative; to seek it out is laudable, as it could be better.

[@queenredspecial]

Have missed you SO much!!! Are you well out there, friend?

[@Contemplativeman101]

Um...are you aware that he does consistently post to his website?

[@queenredspecial]

I guess not. :) Very happy to hear this.

[@Contemplativeman101]

queenredspecial you may have some catching up to do. Sfdebris.com

[@PassiveSmoking]

Kirk met the OG Thanos!

[@JoeSyxpack]

According to Plato, the hero displays four cardinal virtues: Prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude. Kirk had these in spades.

[@edinscot56789]

The ladies don't like Kirk because he's a lady's man. They like him because he's THE man

[@maureentuohy8672]

Kirk, Spock and McCoy The Ego, Super Ego and the ID.

[@1701EarlGrey]

Why is this reuploaded? Was this deleted?

[@robbybevard]

In the wake of yet ANOTHER server move, he's trying to upload more youtube friendly (clipless) reviews. There'll probably be more in the near future including book reviews.

[@scorpionkobra]

He is one of the alpha male of movie/tv show history

[@smjaiteh]

This posting terrified me. I almost thought Will Shatner passed away while I was at work.

[@ZontarDow]

I don't know if that was a typo or not but I laughed

[@lizaanual9166]

He's still alive and on twitter

[@EpicGamingWarriors]

This was requested by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer?

[@mustard7306]

The Kodos thing makes me think Marvel got their idea for Thanos from this.

[@seanoneill7962]

Great Video!!!!!!!!

[@TheStarTrekApologist]

you really should have seen my video on the subject of Kirk

[@sarahfullerton6894]

7:54, "Bill Kirk"? I think you mean "Jim Kirk"! Hahahaha! Oops! 🤣😂

[@qwellen7521]

7:19 Kirk soon realized that he was in the wrong neighborhood.

[@runewolf77]

No doubt that Kirk was a gambler. And I believe that he was part of a Mafia gang in his teens cause he seems to be the only one who understands "gangster talk" -- TOS a piece of the action

[@jazzbear02]

You're wrong. A soldier's job is to effectuate politics. It's a policeman's job to serve and protect. Kirk saw himself as a cop, not a general.

[@gallendugall8913]

woot

[@MackeyDeez]

To me Kirk has always come off as someone who has had a criminal past and is applying those skills to situations that him and his crew encounters with other races or beings.

[@kitcat7538]

Astonishing the way some people see things in Star Trek that aren't there.

[@beefsuprem0241]

KHANNNNNNN

[@emizerri]

I'm going to be honest, for me most of the original series is pretty unwatchable for me now where I can enjoy it. Its just too dated and cheesy to enjoy but I appreciated what it did and achieved at the time and ofc is what came first to a great extensive franchise.

[@kitcat7538]

It is the quality of the acting that puts this series across. Shatner, Nimoy, Kelley, Doohan rise above sometimes banal scripts and cheap sets to hold the audience with sheer talent and charisma. And when the scripts are good, the quality of the acting makes the experience magical.

[@kitcat7538]

It is the quality of the acting that puts this series across. Shatner, Nimoy, Kelley, Doohan rise above sometimes banal scripts and cheap sets to hold the audience with sheer talent and charisma. And when the scripts are good, the quality of the acting makes the experience magical.

[@AzguardMike]

so the guy plea Thanos? Get into two groups. Im gonna kill one group, the other lives" Kirk is basically Gamora! Wait! THATS why he nags green aliens for! He's looking for his Gamora! Kirk is 50% Gamora, 50% StarLord!

[@LanMandragon1720]

No if anything they are projections of him. Kirk set the standard for space adventure. Marvel just followed suite.

[@shaftoe195]

*"Federation dip(lomat)s"*

[@adamlemus7585]

Kodos?...... Thanos? Hmmmmmmmmm 🤔

[@DarkWizard83]

Is that you, Mike Stoklasa?

[@absurdemtiefer1950]

Protothanos ...

[@Demolitiondude]

So nothing on his section on the sexual harassment laws?

[@kitcat7538]

If this is implying that Kirk ever sexually harrassed anyone -- he doesn't. He has a thing for Yeoman Rand but reflects regretfully that a shipboard affair for the captain would be inappropriate. What he gets up to while on shore leave is his own business.

[@butchdeadlift10]

(puts on curly moustache and monocle) Well if it isn't Chuck, Old boy. My what a delight to see you on KZbin. As you are uploading, do consider uploading your favorite mid-episode rants on ethics and story telling that, for the life of me, I cannot comb through your many trek reviews to find and reflect on. Maybe I can remember that one voyager episode that ripped off Dragon's Egg, maybe I can skip to the end of the Hog Father to reflect on your love of life and story tellers........but that is my limit, my good man. Also: I want to make Dr Arachenschmitt or Thrustbarcode into a Teeshirt. Would you object to an illustration inspired by your sense of humor? You can see my work here and I will gladly join your patreon to thank you.

[@AkatsukiKaizoku]

A reupload? Did Viacom stroke the other one?