In Review: Star Trek: Khan (Podcast)

Synopsis: Star Trek’s most iconic villain Khan is back!

Star Trek: Khan explores the untold events on Ceti Alpha V. The story chronicles Khan’s descent from a superhuman visionary into the vengeful villain seen in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. 

Naveen Andrews voices the iconic role of Khan Noonien Singh. He’s joined by a stellar cast, including Wrenn Schmidt as Lieutenant Marla McGivers and Sonya Cassidy as Dr. Rosalind Lear. 

Star Trek veteran Tim Russ reprises his role as Ensign Tuvok. Along with him, the legendary George Takei returns as Captain Sulu.

Review: Star Trek: Khan is based on a story by Nicholas Meyer. His tale has been expanded for this podcast by Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. The result is a an unflinchingly brutal and surprisingly lyrical character study.

Story

Beyer and Mack liberally sprinkle easter eggs throughout this series. However, the main narrative structure is informed by two episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series.

The first, of course, is “Space Seed.” The second is “The Conscience of the King.”

Khan’s story is a no-holds-barred Shakespearean tragedy. Indeed, the requirements of Shakespearean tragedy are so rigid that they leave no room for suspense.

Beyer and Mack have no choice but to relentlessly telegraph everything. Listeners can then flinch with every foreshadowing in service of the ending catharsis.

As a fan of the bard, I’m generally fine with that. However, I did keenly feel the weight of dramatic irony within the framing story.

For better or worse, I worked out the twist there during the first episode. I consoled myself with the fact the clue came from one of my favorite Shakespeare plays.

Acting

For her part, Wrenn Schmidt is wonderful as Lieutenant Marla McGivers. She provides Marla with the depth and agency that 1960’s story telling hadn’t allowed for.

Sonya Cassidy is also excellent as Dr. Rosalind Lear. She understands the layers of catharsis perfectly and gives listeners everything they need.

For their parts, Tim Russ and George Takei understand Tuvok and Sulu at the molecular level. As a result, they expertly operate as necessary choruses within the inescapable tragedy.

Finally, Naveen Andrews is superb as Khan Noonien Singh. He has by far the toughest soundscape to climb.

In large part, this is due to the sometimes paradox of whitewashing. Ricardo Montalban had no business in a role he absolutely crushed and eternally defined.

Consequently, talented South Asian Andrews has to use every ounce of his skill. In the process, he deftly navigates Montalban’s legacy, while making the role his own.

Overall

I’d like to thank the entire cast and crew of Star Trek: Khan. They have given fans a worthy tale well told.

You can listen to Star Trek: Khan wherever you get your podcasts.