Kobyashi Maru: Lessons From Starfleet's Greatest Test

Haha, I like the Kelvin Kirk a bit, but I totally get not liking the choice that they made. For me, I think the changes to his character make sense given his lack of a parental father figure, but I also understand that the divergence may have felt too far afield from who Kirk was. He's definitely a different character either way. And certainly, I think the script is a bit muddled in what it's trying to say, but I think I get what they were going for.

Jessie Earl

Thanks so much Chris. And yes, I really need to play Starfleet Academy, cause that's a super cool option. I never played the game, so it would be cool to analyze it! That's such a cool way to deal with it. And also, I really love analyzing the juxtaposition of Kelvin and Classic Kirk, I think it's neat to analyze both in universe and out of universe, seeing why these two Kirks are the same and different. And, truly, thank you for the compliments. <3

Jessie Earl

Interesting view - to me, the Kelvin Version of Kirks test fueled my hatred in the horrible script, because i couldn't believe that the Kirk I knew in any Universe could be so unelegant and unsubtle in his manipulation. One of many reasons why I didn't give the rest of the Kelvin movies a chance. Maybe I have now a better understanding what they tried to achieve. Still didn't work when I saw it.

Great video! there really is a lot out there in both on-screen and in books and comics and video games on the Kobayashi Maru and related no-win senarios. i really like how you compare Classic Kirk to Kelvin Kirk. while it's never state on-screen how Classic Kirk reprogrammed the simulator the FMV Starfleet Academy video game from the 1990s you get the option to choose to cheat when you find Kirk's old file, and you get the option of how to cheat too. if you choose the option like New Kirk did, make the Klingon ship weak enough to one-shot kill, Sulu (in glorious grainy video of George Takei in front of a green screen) yells at you for not understanding the point of the test. if however you choose to reprogram the option that the Klingon, on hearing your name are intimidated, they back off and allow you to rescue the civilians, and Shatner Kirk appears and commends you, saying that's what he did. excellent bringing it home how important it is for leaders to make decisions with the understanding of the consequences. Trek has always been an exemplar of moral lessons, and while i love techie stuff and deep lore stuff, i really enjoy your videos talking on more important ethical and moral issues of Trek.

Chris Bird

<3 <3 Thank you so much Jon <3

Jessie Earl

A+++ This is brilliant! I got the earlier message so I understand not making the credits but I’m really proud to support content like this!