Though Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1980) was considered an expensive disappointment, the movie's sequel, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn gave the franchise the credibility it needed to achieve more widespread recognition and longevity. Director Nicholas Meyer gives the film a light, literate tone similar to his work 1979's time-travel fantasy Time After Time; it's arguably the most enjoyable Star Trek film. Updating an episode from the original series, screenwriter Jack B. Sowards borrows scenarios from +King Lear and Moby Dick, achieving an admirable blend of pathos, humor and action. Leonard Nimoy initially didn't want to reprise his role as Spock, and agreed to take part in Khan under the condition that his character would die at the end of the film. Of course, Spock and Nimoy returned for the next sequel.