the STAR TREK formula

[RobertScorpio]

That phrase keeps coming up in other threads, and I have read it in reviews of the shows or movies. So I ask you..

What is the STAR TREK formula? And what is either good or bad about it??

Rob
Scorpio

 

[Ensign_Redshirt]

There is a formula? I'm shocked to hear that!


Well, let's try...

- a spirit of adventure and/or exploration
- strange new worlds
- starships
- a sense of friendship and/or companionship between the main characters
- all in all, humans are good (albeit imperfect) beings and will eventuelly manage to build a better society
- discussion of moral issues and/or commentary on current society

That's the best I can do. In ideal cases, Star Trek consists of all or most of those elements. Of course, not all Star Trek episodes are ideal.

 

[Astraea]

There is a formula? I'm shocked to hear that!


Well, let's try...

- a spirit of adventure and/or exploration
- strange new worlds
- starships
- a sense of friendship and/or companionship between the main characters
- all in all, humans are good (albeit imperfect) beings and will eventuelly manage to build a better society
- discussion of moral issues and/or commentary on current society

That's the best I can do. In ideal cases, Star Trek consists of all or most of those elements. Of course, not all Star Trek episodes are ideal.

And to all this, you must also add something more substantial, by the way of character growth and development, plot continuity, and the creation of a universe and people we actually care about. If you don't have that, you can still have Star Trek, but you're not going to have good Star Trek.

Also, cool 'splosions and space battles help, as do bumpy-headed aliens. Also, you must have gratuitous eye candy for the men, while having none for the ladies.

Seriously, all in all, I think you've got about everything. Boldly going, strange new worlds, and, above all, optimism about the future.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

There isn't a "formula." Star Trek has a unique premise that sets it apart - an optimistic view of the future (while not being naive about the difficulties of idealism).

- a spirit of adventure and/or exploration
- strange new worlds
- starships
- a sense of friendship and/or companionship between the main characters
- all in all, humans are good (albeit imperfect) beings and will eventuelly manage to build a better society
- discussion of moral issues and/or commentary on current society

The first three are common characteristics of space opera or other sci fi. #4 and #6 are common in fictional stories generally. Only #5 sets Star Trek apart.

And to all this, you must also add something more substantial, by the way of character growth and development, plot continuity, and the creation of a universe and people we actually care about.

More common characteristics of well written stories, not unique to Star Trek.

Also, cool 'splosions and space battles help, as do bumpy-headed aliens.

Common characteristics of space opera.

Also, you must have gratuitous eye candy for the men, while having none for the ladies

Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban beg to differ.

 

[Astraea]

Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban beg to differ.

Point taken (well, at least for Pine and Urban.) You can't blame me for forgetting, though - I'm not a TOS fan and don't know a heck of a lot about the new movie, though I will go see it.