Does the First Star Trek Movie Hold Up? | The Motion Picture, Pt. 2
Summary
Mary Trump and Bob Seska discuss Star Trek: The Motion Picture, analyzing the parallel journeys of Spock and V’ger as a meditation on logic versus emotion. They critique the film’s pacing and scale issues while praising its sophisticated themes and visual effects. The hosts also explore the movie’s cultural context, box office success, and the tragic death of actress Persis Khambatta.
Topics discussed
Introduction and spoiler warning
Plot summary of Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Transition to discussion
Analysis of Spock's arc and V'ger's parallel journey
Critique of pacing, new characters, and Star Wars comparison
Star Trek vs Star Wars: Genre, tone, and audience appeal
V'ger as a metaphor for AI and technological singularity
The Borg connection and the logic of the merger
Decker's motivation and the problematic resolution
Sexual metaphors and the 'V'ger orifice'
Spock's emotional development and performance analysis
Overall film assessment and potential for remaking
Bob Observations: Visual effects and Oscar nomination
Counting the number of times 'V'ger' is said
Scale issues: V'ger's size and the Doomsday Device
Humorous lines and character moments
The plot hole of V'ger not reading its own name
Bob Peak's movie poster and logo homage
Production anecdotes, box office, and cast reactions
Pernell Kumbata's death and disputed cause
Ranking the film and future episode plans
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