My take on the alternate reality theory...

[anothertrekfan]

I posted this as a reply to one of the threads but I figured I would post a new thread to get more people's attention.

This is completely my take on the matter, but I have a theory which could explain how BOTH realities could exist at the same time....

It is reasonable to assume the black hole in the prime universe NEVER dissipates after Nero and Spock go through it (as seen in Countdown). When the black hole was formed it created a "gateway" from the present to the past. Logically, as long as the black hole remains intact then both realities will exist along side each other UNTIL the black hole dissipates. At that point, the prime universe would be "overwritten" with the new timeline seen in the movie. Since black holes are not known to just disappear, then you could reasonably assume the prime universe will exist forever and the black hole simply becomes a permanent portal to an alternate reality.

I don't know if this makes sense to any of you, but IMO it's the best explanation to give according to the theory that there is only one timeline. Something to think about...

 

[startrekwatcher]

I don't think the writers care how we rationalize or view what this new universe is. We can view it as a parallel universe with similar characters, places, and organizations. We can look at it as a new altered timeline where things are slightly different because of Nero. You can think of it as an alternate reality that Nero was thrown into. And then from these points, you can choose to imagine the original universe/timeline is still intact right beside it or that it was erased but the events and people were chronicled in the various series and memorialized in our minds and on DVD.

There really is no right or wrong answer because it was just a quick way to reboot the films.

 

[anothertrekfan]

I don't think the writers care how we rationalize or view what this new universe is. We can view it as a parallel universe with similar characters, places, and organizations. We can look at it as a new altered timeline where things are slightly different because of Nero. You can think of it as an alternate reality that Nero was thrown into. And then from these points, you can choose to imagine the original universe/timeline is still intact right beside it or that it was erased but the events and people were chronicled in the various series and memorialized in our minds and on DVD.

There really is no right or wrong answer because it was just a quick way to reboot the films.

I agree with you 100% on this. I really don't care how they ultimately explain it or if they ever will. I love this movie and I hope to see more sequels but I'm trying to help ease the emotions of those who are willing to say that the last 40 years of Trek never happened. Giving up on Trek because of this movie would be a very irrational thing to do.

 

[startrekwatcher]

I agree with you 100% on this. I really don't care how they ultimately explain it or if they ever will. I love this movie and I hope to see more sequels but I'm trying to help ease the emotions of those who are willing to say that the last 40 years of Trek never happened. Giving up on Trek because of this movie would be a very irrational thing to do.

If someone is getting upset over a reboot thinking it somehow invalidates all the Trek that came before, then unless you are a licensed psychiatrist I don't think you are going to be able to help them.

 

[Starbreaker]

Shock therapy is the only way.

 

[Peter the Younger]

Interesting theory. I don't really think it's necessary, but it's interesting. Personally, I have always preferred the Many Worlds interpretation, and always thought all that talk of "we must restore the 'correct' timeline" was a little nonsensical. I'm fine with assuming that the previous theories of time travel in the Trek universe were incomplete, or influenced by a philosophical belief that theirs (meaning "the most optimal for us") was the only true timeline.