Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.
- Star Trek typically promotes rational thought and scientific exploration as forces that improve humankind's lot in the universe. Why then do you think that The Search for Spock puts such an emphasis on spirituality and less on rational emotions such as friendship and love? Do you think the film finds these to be at odds with one another or compatible?
- Why do you suppose the film returns to the Original Series' use of Klingons as villains? What do they offer the film that an original antagonist, such as V'Ger from The Motion Picture, does not?
- Why do you think David sacrifices himself to save Saavik and Spock?
- The pacing in The Search for Spock, especially the spaceship battles, moves like a sleepwalking snail compared to the recent Star Trek reboots. Why do you think this film uses a slower pacing for scenes of conflict? How does it change the vibe compared to the newer films?
- What role do you see technology playing in the The Search for Spock and how do the film's special effects advance this message? Given how old the film is, do you think the dated special effects still relay this message? Why or why not?
- Why do you suppose Spock chooses McCoy to house his katra?
- Do you think Kirk made the moral choice when he disobeyed orders to save Spock? Now imagine you were in Kirk's shoes—a leader to others but with a friend in peril. Would you have made the same decisions?
- Imagine you are in charge of the next Star Trek adaptation (comic, movie, TV series, your choice). What elements from The Search for Spock will you include in your adaptation?