Looking for advice for introducing my GF to Star Trek

[Jefferies]

Okay, I realise this topic isn't very original, so I appologise for this in advance.

I would like to introduce my girlfriend to Star Trek. We have been together for nine months now and, as Trek is one of my favourite pass times and has given me a lot of joy for many years, I would like to include her in this. But how do I pull this off with a good chance of success? Now, she is an open minded and intellectual person. However, she does think that sci fi in general is somewhat silly and quaint, especially the sort found on television. She acutally thought 2001 A Space Odyssey was interesting. But apart from that she seems to look down on it a bit. In fact she has commented that my love of Star Trek reflects some of my more childish qualities .

To get her hooked I thought I should start light, that is somewhere where you don't have to know much about Star Trek in order to enjoy it fully. I thought TNG would be a good start, particullarly the Measure of a Man and then go chronologically from there through modern Trek only watching the A+ episodes.

However, with Measure Of A Man I feel it might benefit considerably if one already knows and appreciates the character of Data. So what if I were to show her the Ensigns of Command as the very first episode before hand? What do you guys think about this episode? How representative would you say is it of Star Trek and how well might it do with someone who hasn't watched a single Star Trek episode in their entire life?

Thanks for any insights you wish to provide!

 

[JustKate]

Since she kind of looks down on scifi, why do you think you should "start light"? Why not hit her with one or two of the A+, heavy-hitter episodes right away? Such as what, you ask?

Well, how about "The Drumhead" - a fabulous episode that does not, as far as I can remember, require familiarity with the characters but that is just as significant as "The Measure of a Man." Or "The Defector" - the acting is so good on that one. Another favorite of mine is "The Hunted" - not everyone loves this episode as much as I do, but I think it's fabulous and the issues it raises are so current.

 

[sbk1234]

^^^I agree. go for the strong episodes. Chains of Command and Inner Light also come to mind. Steer away from Lwaxana episodes, and Rascals. No Wesley episodes.

A little referse psychology may work. Let her know that Star Trek is important to you, but she just wouldn't get it, so it's not for her. Make her want to explore Trek and be a part of it.

 

[K-Star]

"Cause and Effect" was the first TNG episode I ever took an active interest in watching. It's got just enough sci-fi weirdness to make it interesting without being cheesy. Picked one from random on youtube when I decided I wanted to try watching the series, saw that the ship blew up and Picard ordered them to abandon at the very beginning, and was like "Oooh! Interesting!" Watched it all the way through, loved it, and craved more. That led to me watching other episodes and becoming hooked on the series completely.

 

[trekjiro]

Okay, I realise this topic isn't very original, so I appologise for this in advance.

I would like to introduce my girlfriend to Star Trek. We have been together for nine months now and, as Trek is one of my favourite pass times and has given me a lot of joy for many years, I would like to include her in this. But how do I pull this off with a good chance of success? Now, she is an open minded and intellectual person. However, she does think that sci fi in general is somewhat silly and quaint, especially the sort found on television. She acutally thought 2001 A Space Odyssey was interesting. But apart from that she seems to look down on it a bit. In fact she has commented that my love of Star Trek reflects some of my more childish qualities .

To get her hooked I thought I should start light, that is somewhere where you don't have to know much about Star Trek in order to enjoy it fully. I thought TNG would be a good start, particullarly the Measure of a Man and then go chronologically from there through modern Trek only watching the A+ episodes.

However, with Measure Of A Man I feel it might benefit considerably if one already knows and appreciates the character of Data. So what if I were to show her the Ensigns of Command as the very first episode before hand? What do you guys think about this episode? How representative would you say is it of Star Trek and how well might it do with someone who hasn't watched a single Star Trek episode in their entire life?

Thanks for any insights you wish to provide!

I would take her to Star Trek XI when it comes out next month.
It might impress her the most right out the gate. You know how first impressions are....

 

[Red Ranger]

I'd suggest showing her Darmok and Half A Life. Both are different enough but deal with philosophical issues weighty enough to pique her interest. Also, don't overdo it in exposing her to the series. Also, think of which are the best entries of all the series (TOS, TNG, DSN, etc.), and again, break her in slowly. Tantalize her! -- RR

 

[kissthestar]

What kind of programs does your girlfriend like now? Is there a Trek which ties in?

 

[Hawkeye_90]

or maybe, start with ds9, I started with tng and it got me hooked, but I saw random episodes on tv. Now I started watching ds9, and that pilot episode blew my mind. This coming from the guy who didn't like ds9 at all. So just a thought start with the pilot of ds9. You might also try the episode where the captain goes home and visits his brother, or the one where he finds out his brother and nephew are dead.

 

[Red Ranger]

or maybe, start with ds9, I started with tng and it got me hooked, but I saw random episodes on tv. Now I started watching ds9, and that pilot episode blew my mind. This coming from the guy who didn't like ds9 at all. So just a thought start with the pilot of ds9. You might also try the episode where the captain goes home and visits his brother, or the one where he finds out his brother and nephew are dead.

Hawkeye 90, that last thing you mentioned actually happened in the first TNG movie, Generations, not the series. -- RR

 

[Anji]

If she's never seen Star Trek before introduce her to it by having it on when she comes to your place. Talk to her, pretty much ignoring the TV, and then begin watching it and talking about what you see...but don't go hardcore.

What episode? I really don't know. I can just tell you that Darmok made me believe that TNG deserved to carry the Star Trek name. Otherwise, TOS The Trouble With Tribbles has always been a favorite for fan and non-fan alike.

 

[Xerxes1979]

Best of Trek condensed and in order. Only the most jaded cynic could hate these episodes.


Season 2

"The Royale"
"Q Who?"

Season 3 (1989–1990)

"The Survivors"
"Who Watches the Watchers
"The Bonding"
"Booby Trap"
"The Enemy"
"The Defector"
"The Offspring"
"Tin Man"
"Hollow Pursuits"
"Sarek"
"The Best of Both Worlds"

Season 4 (1990–1991)

"Remember Me"
"Future Imperfect"
"Data's Day"
"The Wounded"
"Devil's Due"
"First Contact"
"The Nth Degree"
"The Drumhead".
"The Mind's Eye"

Season 5 (1991–1992)

"Silicon Avatar".
"The Inner Light"

Season 6 (1992–1993)

"Realm of Fear"
"Relics"
"Rightful Heir"
"Second Chances

Season 7 (1993–1994)

"Parallels"
"All Good Things..."

 

[kustirider2]

I started watching at TNG 'Rascals'.. That hooked me on Trek

 

[CaptainHawk1]

Okay, I realise this topic isn't very original, so I appologise for this in advance.

I would like to introduce my girlfriend to Star Trek. We have been together for nine months now and, as Trek is one of my favourite pass times and has given me a lot of joy for many years, I would like to include her in this. But how do I pull this off with a good chance of success? Now, she is an open minded and intellectual person. However, she does think that sci fi in general is somewhat silly and quaint, especially the sort found on television. She acutally thought 2001 A Space Odyssey was interesting. But apart from that she seems to look down on it a bit. In fact she has commented that my love of Star Trek reflects some of my more childish qualities .

To get her hooked I thought I should start light, that is somewhere where you don't have to know much about Star Trek in order to enjoy it fully. I thought TNG would be a good start, particullarly the Measure of a Man and then go chronologically from there through modern Trek only watching the A+ episodes.

However, with Measure Of A Man I feel it might benefit considerably if one already knows and appreciates the character of Data. So what if I were to show her the Ensigns of Command as the very first episode before hand? What do you guys think about this episode? How representative would you say is it of Star Trek and how well might it do with someone who hasn't watched a single Star Trek episode in their entire life?

Thanks for any insights you wish to provide!

I think you're making the mistake that I made thining that you can convert anyone into a Trek fan and you simply can't, especially if they have no interest in SciFi to begin with. I tried this with my wife when we first got married and failed miserably and I've been married for five years.

I didn't know it was possible to have a show on TV and have a person sitting in a chair next to me and stare right through a TV to the wall behind it it like they were looking at magic eye picture trying to find the sailboat. I swear to God, it's like there's nothing on the TV. She has no interest whatsoever and will not even try.

The problem with converting people to Trek today is that it's not very relevant. All new Trek is based on a 20 year old format and of course TOS is over 40 years old now. The point is, if your not already into it, it's unlikely that any TV Trek or films 1 - 10 are going to win any converts that weren't alrady fans or otherwise predisposed as SciFi fans.

Now my wife is interested in the new movie because it looks good and she thinks that Chris Pine is handsome, but I have no illusions about her seeing this new film and then seeing the light and begging me to watch old episodes of TOS or TNG. The only interest in she's ever had in Trek is ENT because she finds both the theme song and the "blue people" soothing and they put her too sleep. Saves her taking an Ambien.

 

[Jbarney]

I had the same experience. Started out with "Q Who" and "Darmok" and then went through some of the longer stories.... and she actually describes some of the episodes to her family and friends. To be honest, something you may want to do early is focus on Data episodes, and then show her "In Theory". Just a suggestion.......

 

[Hober Mallow]

I started with "Encounter at Farpoint" in 1987.

 

[Lucy of Nine]

Good luck! I'd start with some later season TNG eps... Whatever you do... DON'T show her Encounter at FP... that man in the dress will scare her off for good

My hubby hates ST... in fact any Sci Fi... it's just not his thing, but that's fine... I like my alone time curling up on the couch and watching some ST by myself... Although I think I will drag him to the new movie and make him watch it!

 

[Lucy of Nine]

Ooh here's another idea... have a shot in the dark about which character you'd think she'd like best, and maybe show one of their episodes... Deanna Troi's character got me hooked into Trek as she was so lovely... ?

 

[SmoothieX]

I think you're making the mistake that I made thining that you can convert anyone into a Trek fan and you simply can't, especially if they have no interest in SciFi to begin with. I tried this with my wife when we first got married and failed miserably and I've been married for five years.

I didn't know it was possible to have a show on TV and have a person sitting in a chair next to me and stare right through a TV to the wall behind it it like they were looking at magic eye picture trying to find the sailboat. I swear to God, it's like there's nothing on the TV. She has no interest whatsoever and will not even try.

I'm in the same boat, but you can't make someone like something. It's the same way with me and cop drama. She will watch Law and Order until it comes out her ears. I'll sit through an episode, but just don't really care.

It's a bummer because I really want to see the new Trek movie but she has no interest in going. Looks like I'll fly solo.

I started with "Encounter at Farpoint" in 1987.

Hell yeah! Me too. A lot of the young whippersnappers here were barely born by then. I was a robust 7 at the time, but watched nonetheless as I liked watching Trek with my folks.

 

[Data Holmes]

I started with "Encounter at Farpoint" in 1987.

Hell yeah! Me too. A lot of the young whippersnappers here were barely born by then. I was a robust 7 at the time, but watched nonetheless as I liked watching Trek with my folks.

I started with TNG there too... I was around four at the time.

Then again, I had already seen all of TOS multiple times from the daily rerun on the local channel five back before it became Fox. I got into trek very early.

 

[Nerdius Maximus]

I'd suggest showing her Darmok and Half A Life. Both are different enough but deal with philosophical issues weighty enough to pique her interest. Also, don't overdo it in exposing her to the series. Also, think of which are the best entries of all the series (TOS, TNG, DSN, etc.), and again, break her in slowly. Tantalize her! -- RR

Noooooooo, not Darmok! That episode would really annoy someone not into Trek. I'd go for "Hollow Pursuits," "Inner Light," "Family" or the one where Worf wants to commit suicide!