How Star Trek Won Me Over As A Star Wars Fan

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My initial encounter with ‘Star Trek’ occurred when I was just a toddler, following the debut of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. Though I didn’t fully engage with the show, seeing familiar faces from family viewings sparked excitement within me for an upcoming ‘Star Trek’ film in 1991. That film happened to be ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country’, marking the final appearance of the original cast. At the time, I found the movie perplexing, but now recognize it as one of the stronger installments within the series. As a young child, however, I was unable to comprehend the complex political plot and the violence depicted, such as aliens resembling Worf being shot with bubbles emanating from their bodies, or a shapeshifting woman assisting three elderly men in snowy conditions. Needless to say, it wasn’t quite my cup of tea at that age.

The moment that captivated me perfectly, appearing tailor-made for me, was the original Star Wars trilogy. In 1995, a THX-enhanced box set of these classic films hit the market, and I wore those tapes out. Among them, my preference leaned towards Return of the Jedi, which mirrored my age at the time and offered everything that would instantly grab my attention in a movie. I found myself enamored with the starships, weapons, alien creatures, and the characters that blended it all so wonderfully.

In simpler terms, Star Wars featured epic space fights, featured a rough-around-the-edges character named Han Solo with a golden heart, and introduced a young farmer named Luke Skywalker who left his life in the desert to become a galactic powerhouse. The villains were equally captivating, particularly Darth Vader, whose name I initially thought was “Dark” Vader when I first watched it.

Discussions between Star-titled franchises often seemed nonsensical, considering their primary link is a common “Star” in the title. However, fans would divide, form allegiances, and what started as casual debates morphed into an unusual contest that, unfortunately, harmed the Star Trek series following The Undiscovered Country. Personally, I was a fan of Star Wars, considering it my camp, but I’d occasionally catch up with Trek too.

Why Did Star Trek Gain Ground?

I was strongly loyal to the Star Wars fandom up until the release of Attack of the Clones. However, by the time Revenge of the Sith hit screens, my age started becoming a factor, and my enthusiasm for Star Wars began to fade. With so many new things vying for my attention, even Grand Theft Auto 3 couldn’t be ignored! Growth happens, maturity sometimes emerges reluctantly.

In more simplified and conversational language: I’ve always liked Star Wars, but lately, I find myself drawn back to the Star Trek universe. The new Star Trek films by J.J. Abrams, which have elements reminiscent of Star Wars, helped me connect with the original characters better. These movies, such as Wrath of Khan, sparked excitement among fans and paved the way for anticipation about future stories. Deep Space Nine introduced a war theme to the franchise with the Dominion conflict, while First Contact offered an engaging introduction to The Next Generation crew in the cinema, if we overlook Generations.

It doesn’t take much time for these shows to spark my curiosity about what captivated older audiences. While Star Wars was filled with fantasy elements in space, the original Star Trek series drew inspiration from actual space science. It wasn’t a distant, scary land or a nightmare, but rather a peek into a future where Utopia had become reality and we ventured into space as a result. However, watching the original series reveals more than just the Enterprise – I start to notice other aspects emerging beyond its boundaries.

Star Trek served as an imaginative playground for science fiction authors and creative individuals, providing a platform to innovate beyond the traditional “good versus evil” narrative. Notable contributors like Harlan Ellison, David Gerrold, and Jerome Bixby brought stories to life that tackled complex themes such as race, colonialism, and warfare in relatable ways. The series primarily focused on the crew of the Enterprise and their space exploration adventures, yet it introduced concepts that were seldom discussed in Star Wars. The Enterprise can be seen as a metaphorical petri dish where these thought-provoking themes were explored and tested.

The Difference to Me, The Difference to You

The experiences people have with Star Wars and Star Trek can differ significantly. Most notably, Star Wars follows the structure of a classic hero’s journey, although it takes some dark turns along the way. It’s also set in a distant galaxy, which makes it feel like another world entirely. Its story is generally relatable, even if it doesn’t delve too deeply into complex themes beyond good and evil. However, when Disney took over, they opened up opportunities for other creators to explore the franchise further.

Star Trek frequently explored thought-provoking ideas in the realm of science and technology, leaving you with a sense of a future that seemed tangible, having a rich backstory even before human contact. Conversely, Star Wars seldom delved into its past beyond certain extended universe publications. While the prequels provided some insight, it lacked the depth and complexity found in Trek, with the Empire being generally portrayed as evil, and the Rebel Alliance as good, without much elaboration on their histories.

The destruction of Alderaan in the original Star Wars film stands out as a striking example. It’s an abhorrent and wicked act, regardless of perspective. However, the initial shock and Leia’s heavy burden as she witnesses her home planet being destroyed don’t seem to probe deeper into her emotions despite the tragedy, even as she confronts Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin.

In the context of a Star Trek narrative, debates would arise concerning the reasons for the planet’s impending destruction, focusing on the intelligent lifeforms inhabiting its surface. The question of whether intervention was justified or contrary to the Prime Directive would also be raised. Diplomacy and ingenuity would likely be the initial approaches, aiming to outsmart the predicament rather than the high-speed action characteristic of Star Wars. Characters in Star Trek aren’t known for exiting from a battle station core, at least not in the classic series.

You Got Star Wars in My Star Trek

William Shatner often comments that “Star Wars” ignited the popularity of “Star Trek.” Prior to its premiere, fans were limited to watching the original series episodes and subsequent animated shows. The show had essentially been canceled and was left in a state of uncertainty. However, it wasn’t until 1977, when “Star Wars” was released, that opportunities for “Star Trek” began to flourish.

In simpler terms, at a convention in 2016, the former captain of Star Trek stated that Star Wars served as the inspiration for Star Trek’s creation. He explained that, initially, Paramount Studios were struggling to come up with something comparable to Star Wars, recognizing its significance.

He mentioned bringing back a project that was previously terminated, which was known as ‘Star…Trek’ under different management. So, let’s revive that idea!

The impact doesn’t stop there. It’s quite likely that we wouldn’t have seen a series like Andor without the impact of Star Trek. Although themes similar to those in Star Wars had always been present, they hadn’t received much attention. Star Trek, however, brought these themes to the forefront in its missions and explored various perspectives – something that television allows for. Furthermore, it’s difficult to ignore the influence that the cinematic quality of Star Wars had on Star Trek. Although Star Trek: The Motion Picture was a trailblazer in special effects, it was also quite dull. It was then that Wrath of Khan arrived, and the subsequent trilogy drew significantly from the human qualities of the characters in Star Trek.

Dr. “Bones” McCoy from the Star Trek series may be a medical professional, but his sharp wit and cleverness make him equally captivating, much like the roguish characters of Han Solo or Lando Calrissian from Star Wars. Both of these characters possess quick-wittedness and have hidden talents – smuggling for Solo and employing advanced medicine in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home for McCoy.

So, Where Do Both Stand Now?

Reflecting on my journey, both Star Trek and another franchise have played significant roles in my life’s development. My appreciation for Star Trek has blossomed over time, a story echoed by many others. Perhaps maturing is the simple explanation, but I find it more reflective of the path my life has taken. Compared to the other franchise, Star Trek feels more mature, yet it resonates deeply with me because of our shared history.

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, it’s all about personal preferences. Each piece of media or story presents unique elements that cater to different audience tastes. For instance, I could dive into my Star Wars collection or catch an episode on TV, and I’m hooked. The same goes for Star Trek: The Next Generation or its classic movies. However, it seems that the appeal doesn’t always extend to the latest releases, like Andor or Brave New Worlds. The challenge lies in the fierce competition within the current media landscape.

It seems to me that there’s a significant amount of material that both shows, Andor and Star Trek, could mutually draw inspiration from. The heist on Aldhani in Andor could easily be transformed into an engaging Star Trek adventure, tackling the Prime Directive and highlighting the distinctive qualities of the local inhabitants.

In a similar vein, “Star Trek Into Darkness” can be seen as having elements reminiscent of a “Star Wars” film. The USS Vengeance emphasizes combat over exploration and research, offering a possible depiction of what the pursuit with the First Order might have been like in “The Last Jedi.

Star Wars significantly influenced Star Trek in various ways, and it’s clear that Star Wars paved the way for Star Trek’s success. Today, as a fan, you can enjoy the benefits of both franchises without having to take sides or engage in tribalism. In essence, both series excel at delivering this concept of innovation and influence.

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2025-08-24 01:19