Star Trek MMA: Why Kirk vs Finnegan Fight in 'Shore Leave' Kicks Ass
Captain Kirk's Fight With Starfleet Academy Bully Finnegan Sparkles
Jimmy Boy! Ooooh Jimmy my boy! Yoooooo hooooo Jimmy! - Finnegan, Short Leave
Shit, man, that Finnegan is one supremely annoying asshole.
And so we Trek fight fans joyously celebrate one of the very best hand to hand combat moments from Gene Roddenberry’s fantastical masterpiece, his Wagon Train To The Stars. The celebrated Kirk vs Finnegan fight stands tall as absolute centerpiece of Shore Leave, a classic Star Trek episode, and neatly captivates all who see it.
From the same episode, we also honor Dr. Bones McCoy seeing Alice from Wonderland frantically chase her big, late fluffy bunny slinging his oversized pocket watch. You’re more than free to get excited by the growling tiger running after the landing party, stalking them in full on hunt mode. A mesmerized Kirk seeing his beautiful old flame, Ruth, certainly still touches us powerfully. It effectively humanizes our good, though lothario minded Captain.
All memorable classic Trek moments to be sure.
However, of all the cool, sci-fi or weird things our Starfleet pros encounter on this vacation planet from hell - a danger prone Fantasy Island way before we met Mr. Roarke fleshed out by Khan himself, Ricardo Montalban - Kirk and Finnegan beating each other’s asses reigns supreme.
Yes, Kiddies, Even Kirk Had His Bully
James T. Kirk suffered abusive torment from a bully? Yup, even the dashing Enterprise Captain contended with one dastardly, disagreeable son of a bitch. This abuse was suffered when Kirk studied as an underclassman in Starfleet Academy. Finnegan didn’t let a day go by without tormenting his hapless Jim Kirk, or as Finnegan called him, Jimmy Boy!
Now, of course, we must remember owing to the alien planet’s special construction and fantastical services, this brawl isn’t entirely authentic. Afterall, seeing someone you haven’t seen since the equivalent of high school appearing as young and dynamic as they were back then, isn’t logical, as our Mister Spock would pointedly offer. This spectacle is courtesy of a tech illusion - served up, however, in an entirely convincing manner.
One can justly argue, however, if the illusion is so utterly convincing, what difference does it make? For the participant, it’s as compelling as if one was really confronted by his old arch enemy. And here’s what makes the fight so much more impactful and fun. Kirk’s mind - scanned and read by alien tech - provides so much material and mental texture, the experience can be nothing short of real to Kirk, since it’s what he’e expecting to find being once again within Finnegan’s torturous presence.
Sheer Lovely Lunacy
All psychological probing and character analysis aside - the fight itself, in purely physical and fun factor rates highly in all areas. We watch William Shatner in fine form and physique, as actor Bruce Mars matches him step by step. Certainly stunt doubles were employed somewhat, but we’re definitely treated to these in shape actors trying their all to make us think they’re really kicking the crap out of each other’s asses. Kirk gets transported back to his Academy days, and he’ll do his damndest to defeat this silly spectre of his youth. Or, he’ll simply die trying.
And what of Finnegan? Who exactly is this infamous character who tormented the youthful James T. Kirk? Also, what of the actor who played him so wonderfully?
Kirk explains that Finnegan acted as his own personal devil - the upper class man who bullied him during his Starfleet Academy days. According to the future Captain of the Enterprise, Finnegan bedeviled him:
"One practical joke after another and always on me; my own personal devil."
– James T. Kirk
In the real world, the fiery Finnegan was portrayed by actor Bruce Mars. The actor also appeared in the episode, Assignment: Earth, playing a shocked police officer who’s beamed about Enterprise as a complete surprise. Before his Star Trek tenure, Mars was a model who worked during the mid to late 1950’s.
A Funny Fight With Heart
Kirk fighting his boyhood bully means a lot of things, but more than anything else it’s knee slapping, rib tickling funny. I can’t resist repeating this scene a few times when I play the episode, and I never fail to laugh my fat ass off each and every time.
A shocked Kirk is taken by surprise by Finnegan’s appearance, and as his taunts grow ever louder, Kirk can only withstand his onslaught by fending off his foe as best he can. Mars milks every moment for as much sheer torment as possible, yet it’s always punctuated with those devilish chuckles. Comedy drawn from the action packed moment is never lost. We feel Kirk’s pain, but also thrill to Finnegan’s crazed antics as he cheerfully revisits pummeling the human target of his Starfleet Academy days.
What’s our blow by blow and toe to toe takeaway of the Kirk vs Finnegan match-up? When you actually view the fight, it’s highly recommended to watch more than a few times, as the physical aspects impress highly. Both actors - and their corresponding stuntman - work diligently to give us something to truly remember. If the Spock vs Kirk fight in Amok Time ranks as the number one Star Trek personal combat ever, than Kirk vs Finnegan ranks as number two.
But there’s far more to it than simply fancy fists and fabulous footwork. It’s the raw emotions at play.
It’s in the meaning and connection between the two men, and the time which has passed since their last meeting. At one point, Finnegan taunts, “You stupid underclassman. I’ve got the edge. I’m still 20 years old. Look at you! You’re an old man!” Despite our love of Kirk, and the fact that he’s only really middle aged, we know Finnegan’s barb is basically truthful. Compared to Finnegan, Kirk is an old man.
When all is over, however, an irresistible allure of this throwdown remains the chaotic history Kirk shares with his giggling tormentor. Yes, it’s not really Finnegan. It’s a tech replica - but as authentic a recreation as Jimmy Boy will likely encounter. Because it’s on this resort, this unique pleasure planet, because it’s unexpected, it takes Kirk right back to those formative, tumultuous days and us right along with him.