A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaining

[C.E. Evans]

Re: A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaini

I dunno--I never saw Trek (in any of its incarnations) as being too preachy for its own good. Sure, it can reflect or even be allegorical to the times the various productions are made in, but I think such times are more rare than common (or at least, they never were too glaring for me). I think the majority of Trek stories are adventures in space with some morality thrown in here and there. Our heroes generally aren't out there shooting everything they see, they sometimes have to think about the situations they are in at times.

Even the mostly action-oriented Star Trek XI had a moment in which nuKirk offered Nero mercy at a critical moment. Sure, he later blew Nero to Kingdom Come a minute later, but the brief offer of mercy towards a defeated enemy was still a "Trek moment," IMO.

 

[Arpy]

Re: A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaini

This is a false dilemma. Message can be entertaining and entertainment can be a message. An episode that has only the one typically leaves one dissatisfied wanting at least some of the other. Most Trek episodes had various messages - it's only when they were done poorly that fans reacted accordingly to them.

It's not that far off from movies that are all plot or all character or all theme. Character snobs look down at plot enthusiasts but movies that are all character are often melodramatic shit.

 

[jayrath]

Re: A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaini

This is a false dilemma. Message can be entertaining and entertainment can be a message. An episode that has only the one typically leaves one dissatisfied wanting at least some of the other. Most Trek episodes had various messages - it's only when they were done poorly that fans reacted accordingly to them.

Very strongly agreed!

 

[CommanderRaytas]

Re: A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaini

There is a difference between an episode having a message or being preachy. One is fine, the other one annoying.

 

[Kamen Rider Blade]

Re: A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaini

Trek can tell a message and be Entertaining, it just requires better writing staff and the willingness to make interesting conflicts with interesting resolutions that the audience won't see coming.

It has happened before, just not as frequently as I would like it.

 

[CommanderRaytas]

Re: A problem with Star Trek: putting a message above being entertaini

^ What you said.