What if there really are two versions of Nero in the film?
But more importantly, what if Kirk pontificates on the virtues of heroism and convinces younger Nero, in typical Trekkian fashion, to help "the good guys." Younger Nero sacrifices himself to save the universe and the Enterprise, and at a key moment, saves Jim Kirk, ensuring older Nero never goes back in time. Romulus is saved in the future, the timeline is "reset."
Provides juxtaposition to the whole "destiny" thing with Kirk being Kirk no matter his environment. Whereas Kirk's destiny is independent of outside factors, environment plays a role in shaping Nero's ultimate destiny.
Oh yeah, and old Spock retains memory of the whole thing, and visits Nero's grave in the future.
(OK, so the last two paragraphs are teetering on fanboyism.)
But more importantly, what if Kirk pontificates on the virtues of heroism and convinces younger Nero, in typical Trekkian fashion, to help "the good guys." Younger Nero sacrifices himself to save the universe and the Enterprise, and at a key moment, saves Jim Kirk, ensuring older Nero never goes back in time. Romulus is saved in the future, the timeline is "reset."
Provides juxtaposition to the whole "destiny" thing with Kirk being Kirk no matter his environment. Whereas Kirk's destiny is independent of outside factors, environment plays a role in shaping Nero's ultimate destiny.
Oh yeah, and old Spock retains memory of the whole thing, and visits Nero's grave in the future.
(OK, so the last two paragraphs are teetering on fanboyism.)