What makes Star Trek, Star Trek?

[Thanos007]

There are multiple iterations of this thing we call Star Trek. Some people like all of it. Some don't. Some prefer one over the others, but most would agree that there is something about it, what ever iteration, that people can recognize as Star Trek.

What is/are this/those thing(s)? Is it because it takes place in the future? Is it because it takes place in space? Is it because they use certain terms, ie; phaser, warp drive, etc? The alien cultures? It is like art and we know it when we see it?

When you boil it all down to it's very basics what is left? Is that what Star Trek is? If that is so, how far can you stretch that idea an still have it be Star Trek?

I have no answers. Only questions.

 

[Riker'sMailbox]

1) Science and the technobabble and special effects that go with it
2) The thirst for knowledge and experience
3) The idea that we are part of something bigger

 

[Kilana2]

Great character combos like Kirk - Spock - McCoy or Janeway - Chakotay/Janeway Tuvok or Jake and Nog/Bashir and O'Brien or Data and LaForge.
Friendship and action and stories made with love and devotion for the characters.
Epic Space Battles.
Great Aliens and exploration of cultural differences and peculiarities.
A Future that offers progress but is not always sunny. How the human kind struggles to improve and survive and fights threats.

 

[Vger23]

1. Futuristic Space Adventures (to me, Star Trek should take place in space, in the future, and be about adventure and excitement)
2. Character Chemistry (characters are my "big draw" to Trek typically)
3. Diverse groups of beings trying to solve problems together
4. Trek Tropes (transporters, phasers, universal translators, warp drives, shields, shady admirals, etc)
5. An overarching/background theme about humanity "trying to do better" (note- I did not say "utopian" or "evolved" here)

 

[Tim Thomason]

The title.

 

[Thanos007]

A lot of shows have those things? Why are they NOT Star Trek?

 

[suarezguy]

I think it's that, to different degrees, humanity and the organizations Starfleet and the Federation are pretty idealized, tending to get along very well among themselves and be tolerant to very diverse individuals and groups and only using force for defense and as a last resort. Even when there are armed conflicts, as a defensive last resort, the characters don't just abandon ethical principles, they generally try to still uphold them and to be regretful if they move away from them.

Part of the high tolerance and non-aggression is, though especially with TNG, humility, awareness of flaws and potential for flaws, some disagreements among the characters about what should be done despite tending to get along, and thus reluctance to see or engage in black-and-white, good vs. evil thinking and stories. Though the characters generally are still Our Heroes they're much less so than in most other kinds of entertainment-in which good vs. evil conflict tends to very much predominate.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Usually a bunch of people on adventures of exploration and heroism in space, in ships with saucers and nacelles.

Buuuuuuut.

That's about to change to "anything that takes place in some version of the Star Trek universe" with the eclectic bunch of new series' CBS are planning.

 

[Doctor Bombay]

Roddenberry was a humanist, and the main theme of his show was "what does it mean to be human?" The best episodes, IMHO, followed that theme and explored human aspects... love, fear, indecision, hate, war, friendship, etc. That's one of the things that makes Spock and Data so fascinating... one was denying his human half yet constantly confronting it, and the other was endeavoring to become human and ultimately performs one of the most human acts of all... self-sacrifice for his comrades.

You throw in the Human Adventure... you've got Star Trek.

 

[Tim Thomason]

A lot of shows have those things? Why are they NOT Star Trek?

My answer is the only correct one. If it's called Star Trek, it's Star Trek. If it's not, it's probably not.

Enterprise's first 2 1/2 seasons is the only exception to this rule, but they later amended the title and retroactively renamed it all.

 

[at Quark's]

The theme song is what it makes Star Trek, of course.

The crew of the Ent-D knows this only too well, see the first 15 seconds of this clip:

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[uniderth]

I'd say:
1. Framed in the narrative of space exploration. Which a show might not be focused on space exploration there should at least be some element of that even if it's just in the background.
2. While set in a scifi universe, the show should be about humanity. I wouldn't mind some bonus features delving into Vulcanian or Klingon cultures I wouldn't want a entire show set on a Klingon ship with no human characters.
3. It should be set in the established Star Trek universe. ST, TNG, DSN, VOY were all set in the in the same universe with only very minor issues of inconsistencies. This is similar to the Tropes idea, but I don't think the Tropes of Star Trek are necessary. If we had a prequel where the had guns instead of phasers and no transporters or shields that would be fine as long as it is set in the same universe. Also on this note, while occasionally glimpsing alternative universes or timelines can be fun, the main show should be set in the main Star Trek Universe. No one wants a show that takes place entirely in an alternative or reimagined timeline.
4. An optimistic view of humanity. While not meaning that there can be no negativity or darkness, the show should ultimately depict humanity as being able to be good and do better.

 

[Onid]

There are many things that make Trek what it is, but for me:
1. It takes place in OUR future. I do think that that gives it a different "feel" from most other big franchises (Star Wars, MCU, DCU, ...)
2. That future is optimistic. Earth and humanity, for the most part, really got their *hit together. It also distinctly separates it from vast majority of Sci Fi (Alien, Terminator, Matrix, Planet of the Apes, ... even previously mentioned Star Wars.)
3. It's a space franchise. Aliens, spaceships, space anomalies and exploration is in its core.
4. Technology and science. Even if Trek was not the first to use many of its signature technologies, replicators, transporters, holodecks, warp drive, phasers, and many more are inextricably linked in the public consciousness with Trek. And for the most part Trek tries to be sciency. It's not really a space opera like Flash Gordon, Star Wars or Guardian of the Galaxy.
5. Characters. Now, every story needs good characters, but for me Trek has a interesting twist. It's leads are usually some of the most competent people in their fields in the whole Federation. Kind of like a superteam. And they always work together to do the right thing. (MCU is a little bit like Trek in that regard).

 

[Kor]

Exploration of the human condition while having a rip-roaring good time in a cool futuristic setting.

Kor

 

[Galileo7]

1. A positive science-fiction future in a present day negative world in the '60s and today...
   
2. A Starship[ not just a spaceship] exploring...

 

[BillJ]

I think it is different things for different people. For me, it is about optimism and exploring who we are.

 

[fireproof78]

Action adventure with lots of exploration of humanity and space, as well as an optimistic view on humanity's capacity to grow. Not perfect but capable of moving forward and past current challenges. It also allows for social commentary as science fiction tends to do.

I don't expect it to be 100% consistent with itself, as part of Star Trek's general conceit is that it is based upon our humanity.

 

[johnnybear]

There is only one real Star Trek (1966-69) the rest are all spin-offs! Seriously it's up to you the viewer! If you watch it and like it you're viewing Star Trek, if you don't like it that much then you probably ain't!
JB

 

[Ovation]

No one wants a show that takes place entirely in an alternative or reimagined timeline.

No one? Really? Are you sure? Did you ask...everyone?

Pretty sure you haven’t. ‘Cause I’d have disagreed with you. And I ain’t alone.

 

[The Wormhole]

A lot of shows have those things? Why are they NOT Star Trek?

Because they're not titled Star Trek.