Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is considered by some as one of the “odd-numbered and therefore bad” films that feature the original cast. Released in 1984, 2 years after the highly successful Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the film continues the story of the Enterprise crew after the death of Spock. While some fans found the resolution to Spock’s resurrection unsatisfying, this film has some great moments, especially in its dialog! Let’s look back at a few unforgettable lines that prove it is much more than it seems.
1. “Forgive me; it is not here.”
After the crew of the Enterprise returns to Earth, Spock’s father Sarek (Mark Lenard) shows up at Kirk’s home and demands answers regarding Spock’s katra, or spiritual consciousness. Sarek mind melds with Kirk, making him relive Spock’s death (and people can poke fun at William Shatner’s acting all they want, the delivery of that singular “no . . .” at the end of the mind meld is so fantastic). After Sarek pulls away and breaks the link, Kirk’s agony is obvious and Sarek says, “Forgive me; it is not here.” The gentleness and regret in Sarek’s tone show us not just a Vulcan, but a grieving father who cares about the emotions of his son’s closest companion.
2. “The word is no; I am therefore going anyway.”
Once Kirk learns about Spock’s katra, he requests that Starfleet allow him to return to the Genesis Planet. However, that request is denied because of the controversy surrounding the Genesis experiments. After the meeting with Admiral Morrow, Sulu, who’d been waiting for Kirk along with Chekov, asks him about the word. Kirk replies, “The word? The word is no; I am therefore going anyway.” Kirk has always been one to fly in the face of Starfleet, especially when it comes to Spock, and this line lets everyone know it.
3. “Don’t call me tiny.”
When Kirk visits the facility where McCoy is being held due to his erratic behavior, Sulu arrives with an "urgent message from Starfleet" for him. As one facility worker goes to deliver it, another tall, burly duty desk guard yawns audibly. Sulu, (who rocks a beautiful brown leather coat throughout most of the movie) asks playfully, “Keeping you busy?” The man rises, revealing how big he is, and says, “Don’t get smart, Tiny.” This guard will soon find himself pinned to the wall and then tossed over Sulu’s shoulder. After disabling the desk facility’s console with a phaser, Sulu retreats after the escaping Kirk and McCoy. Before he does, though, he says to the groaning guard on the floor, “Don’t call me Tiny!” That’s how you stand up for yourself and earn respect, even if you’re small in stature.
4. “I have had enough of you!”
Kirk’s experiences with the Genesis Planet change him greatly, especially after one of the Klingons murders his son, David, upon Commander Kruge’s orders. When Kirk beams down to retrieve Spock’s physical body, he and Kruge engage in a vicious battle. The planet, which is in its death throes, causes a rift that opens up into a fiery pit far below the edge. Kruge grabs the lip of the edge, and Kirk offers his hand. Kruge tries to instead drag Kirk into the abyss with him, which causes Kirk’s rage and grief to roil over. He says, “I have had enough of you!” He punctuates several words with a kick to the Klingon’s face, finally causing him to fall to a fiery death. It’s a fantastic climax, reminiscent of Kirk’s hand-to-hand fights in his younger days.
5. Jim; your name is Jim.”
After the Vulcan High Priestess and her cloister put Spock’s katra back in his body, the former first officer of the Enterprise doesn’t seem to remember much. Shortly after, bits of memory seem to come back and he asks Kirk if the ship is out of danger. Kirk replies that Spock saved the ship and the crew. Spock says, “I have been, and always shall be your friend.” Kirk nods and says, “Yes, Spock!” Spock’s expression shifts and he says at last, “Jim; your name is Jim.” It is completely beautiful and heartfelt moment, and it still stands out today despite the flood of Star Trek media we have today.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is more than what its title conveys. It’s also the search for faith, the ability to heal, and the courage to risk it all for a loved one. These lines of dialog mirror those quests not just for our fictional friends, but for all of us as well.