I've never been a Star Trek fan and probably never will be. But here, Montalban addresses the one aspect I'd considered from my first viewing of The Wrath of Khan all those years ago. Back then, "Fantasy Island" was a popular tv series on ABC, and I'd only seen Montalban as Mr. Rourke, the dapper and charismatic host of the island. I thought there is NO WAY this guy is going to be a credible villain. As it turns out, I couldn't have been more shocked and impressed. This guy deserved an award for that role.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxxSzt49cYw

Welllll. Shatner hammed it up as always, but Montalban delivered that high caliber performance.

Indeed. Additionally, thanks to Montalban, Khan had skin like rich corinthian leather. https://youtu.be/UmnF0fv5dGg

LOL! No link needed. I remember.

Star Trek II is still the only entry that stands up as a top quality film in its own right. A lot of that was down to Montalban's performance.

One of the greatest villains in movie history.

I've never been a Star Trek fan and probably never will be

Since you enjoyed Montalban's performance, have you seen the original series episode, "Space Seed" which acts as the prequel story to Wrath of Khan? Why don't you check out some of the old Trek episodes from the Original Series?

Yeah, my cousin is a huge Star Trek fan. The day Khan was released on VHS he invited me over to watch. We started with Space Seed, followed by Khan.

He was incredible in that role. I think it's one of the best villains ever in a sci fi movie.

I thought Montalban was more effective in Space Seed than in the film.

V'ger was better.