Eel interrogation in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek has long had a history of creepy aliens and as much body horror it could get away with on primetime ‘60s TV, but Wrath of Khan’s slimy interrogation scene—where Khan seeks to torture Chekov and Captain Terrell with the spawn of a sinister Ceti Eel—is one of the series’ earliest and most unnerving moments of terror. The close-ups on the eel and its children as Khan calmly collects them, pulling into the intense close up shots of the eels glued to Chekov and Terrell’s faces… it’s a moment of gross out horror, for sure. But what makes it truly horrifying is how quick and immediate it all is: Chekov and Terrell are screaming, pleading with Khan to stop, wailing in agony as the eels slither into their ears—and then there’s nothing but silence, and Khan has his way. One of the most chilling moments from one of Trek’s all time classic villains. – James Whitbrook
