I love the original Star Trek. The offshoots have their moments, but Shatner and Nimoy always delivered. I liked the first Star Wars movie but lost interest in those that followed.
You've already alluded to the main issue: The question is really asking whether we prefer episodic science fiction in which rich themes are explored through the lens of advanced technology and interplanetary relations, or a timeless coming-of-age fantasy epic that happens to be dressed up as science fiction.
Star Trek and Star Wars are two entirely different entities that appeal to people for entirely different reasons. Both have had extraordinary highs and abysmal lows (and we can blame 21st-century efforts for some of the lowest lows). The universe is big enough for both.
One of my favorite quotes, from one of my favorite shows, from one of my favorite authors:
Herbert Duncanson (actor) playing "Douglas Anders", playing "Grell" ("Stargate SG-1, S10 E6... I'm sorry. It's complicated):
"Science fiction is an existential metaphor that allows us to tell stories about the human condition. Isaac Asimov once said, 'Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinded critics and philosophers of today, but the core of science fiction, its essence, has become crucial to our salvation, if we are to be saved at all.'"
I love the original Star Trek. The offshoots have their moments, but Shatner and Nimoy always delivered. I liked the first Star Wars movie but lost interest in those that followed.
You've already alluded to the main issue: The question is really asking whether we prefer episodic science fiction in which rich themes are explored through the lens of advanced technology and interplanetary relations, or a timeless coming-of-age fantasy epic that happens to be dressed up as science fiction.
Star Trek and Star Wars are two entirely different entities that appeal to people for entirely different reasons. Both have had extraordinary highs and abysmal lows (and we can blame 21st-century efforts for some of the lowest lows). The universe is big enough for both.
That being said, Star Trek is better.
Well said.
Like, seriously. "What does God need with a starship?"
...and the Sequel Trilogy. The animated series' and the Mandalorian "universe" are really cool. Looking forward to Asohka.
One of my favorite quotes, from one of my favorite shows, from one of my favorite authors:
Herbert Duncanson (actor) playing "Douglas Anders", playing "Grell" ("Stargate SG-1, S10 E6... I'm sorry. It's complicated):
"Science fiction is an existential metaphor that allows us to tell stories about the human condition. Isaac Asimov once said, 'Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinded critics and philosophers of today, but the core of science fiction, its essence, has become crucial to our salvation, if we are to be saved at all.'"
Sorry. If you're a fan of the show, it's both poignant and funny as hell.