There are ways to explain how Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban) recognizes Commander Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) inStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Directed by Nicholas Meyer and released in 1982,The Wrath of Khanwas a cinematic sequel to the classicStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1 episode, “Space Seed,” which introduced the genetically engineered warlord Khan, setting the stage for Montalban’s iconic character to become one ofStar Trek’s greatest villains.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khancontains an enduring plot holethat has long flummoxedStar Trekfans: When Chekov and Captain Clark Terrell (Paul Winfield) beam onto Ceti Alpha V (believing it’s Ceti Alpha VI), they meetKhan, who was marooned almost 20 yearsbefore byCaptain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)and the USS Enterprise. Khan tells Chekov,“I never forget a face,“recognizing the Russian Starfleet Officer even though Walter Koenig doesn’t joinStar Trek: The Original Seriesas Ensign Chekov until season 2.
Even Though Chekov Hadn’t Appeared Yet, He Was Likely Aboard The Enterprise During “Space Seed”
Chekov Officially Appeared In Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2
Although Khan recognizing Chekov has been considered a plot hole for decades, a more reasonable explanation is thatStar Trek II: The Wrath of KhanretconnedStar Trek: The Original Series'“Space Seed"so that Ensign Chekov was already aboard the USS Enterprise. Chekov’s first on-screen appearance was inStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 2, but that doesn’t mean the young Russian Ensign didn’t previously join Captain Kirk’s crew.
Chekov’s Complete Star Trek Timeline Explained
Walter Koenig’s Pavel Chekov had quite an interesting life and Starfleet career throughout Star Trek: The Original Series and its subsequent films.
To commandeer the Starship Enterprise, Khan studied its technical manuals. It’s logical to assume the genetically engineered genius also perused the Enterprise’s crew manifest. How else would Khan know exactly who he and his followers would be up against when they took over the ship? Even if Khan and Chekov never met face-to-face inStar Trek: The Original Series,the augmented tyrant could have recalled the young Ensign from his Starfleet personnel file.
Walter Koenig Has His Own Explanation For Khan Recognizing Chekov
Where Chekov Was During “Space Seed,” According To Walter Koenig
Walter Koenig pointed out the plot hole of Khan recognizing Chekov early during the production ofStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. In the decades since,Koenig has fielded fans' questions about how Khan knew Chekov countless times, and he has concocted many humorous tongue-in-cheek explanations, including oneWalter gave toScreenRantduring our interviewabout Koenig joiningThe 7th Rulepodcast. See Walter’s quote below:
Walter Koenig: No, no, I was. I’m sorry, John. I was in Star Trek in its first season. Chekov was working in the boiler room. And he was so sick with a condition called malapropski’s malady. He was hidden in the bathroom and there for hours and hours. Where Poor Mr. Khan’s genetically engineered kidneys about to explode pounded pitifully on the bathroom door begging, begging to be let in until finally the door opened, Chekov stepped out, Khan grabbed him, and said, “Your face! I will never forget.” That’s the truth. So help me.
However, Walter Koenig’s joking rationale essentially backs the idea thatStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khanretconned when Ensign Chekov joined the USS Enterprise duringStar Trek: The Original Series.Chekov must have already been aboard when the Enterprise intercepted Khan’s ship, the SS Botany Bay.
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan’s Story Only Happens Because Starfleet Makes A Big Mistake
Khan Noonien Singh went on a rampage in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, but how did Starfleet make the mistake that released Khan anyway?
After all, the Starship Enterprise’s crew complement numbers 400 Starfleet Officers, so it’s understandable if a young Ensign Chekov didn’t begin to assert himself untilStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 2, when he began serving on Captain Kirk’s bridge.
Chekov Was The Final Piece Of Star Trek’s Original Cast Puzzle
Ensign Chekov Injected Youth Into The USS Enterprise’s Crew
Retcons aside, Walter Koenig didn’t joinStar Trek: The Original Series' castas Ensign Chekov until season 2, but Pavel was the missing piece of classicStar Trek’s puzzle. As Chekov, Koenig injected youth intoStar Trek’s ensemble, since every other Enterprise main character was a seasoned professional in their 30s or older.Chekov was a welcome replacement for recurring characters like Lieutenant Kevin Reilly(Bruce Hyde), who appeared inStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1.
Chekov is certainly memorable, so, of course, Khan never forgot his face.
Just as important, Walter Koenig brought humor toStar Trek: The Original Series. Ensign Chekov was immensely proud of his Russian heritage and often claimed that his people achieved scientific marvels credited to others. Chekov physically evoked The Monkees to appeal to younger viewers, and the Russian Ensign was a reminder that the Cold War of the 1960s era was long over byStar Trek’s 23rd century. Chekov is certainly memorable, so, of course, Khan never forgot his face when they met inStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
