This article contains numerousTrekspoilers…
Film trilogies come in different flavors.
Many were hoped-for on the condition the first film did well, likeStar WarsorThe Matrix.
Star Trek IIIVdont tend to come up in conversations about trilogies because theyre not really any of the above.
It doesnt get in the way of the story.
Two someones in fact: the son Kirk was only just getting to know and the Enterprise itself.
Its no wonder Kirks response is My god, Bones, what have I done?
Its not quite a cliff-hanger, but its hardly a resolution either.
The film was the most financially successfulStar Trekfilm until J.J. Abrams 2009 reboot.
Having said that, its theme is not a million light years from the other two.
In every way, the story had come full circle.
The parallels between these films and the originalStar Warstrilogy are no doubt obvious.
We start with a largely standalone plot, with a story of familial angst in the background.
ButStar Trek IIIVdont make a great trilogy merely because they resemble other trilogies.
Will he ever find satisfaction in the duties of an Admiral?
What did Spock do to McCoy and what will the Genesis planet do to his body?
And ultimately thats what makes this a great trilogy.
For our money, that puts this trilogy up there with the greats.
