Star Trek Remorse
(by R.P.Edwards)
"To boldly go"
And we went too
We followed Kirk
And his loyal crew
Beyond the stars
To worlds unknown
To stretch our minds
Beyond our home...
Being of the generation that actually saw, and waited weekly for the original Star Trek television series to air, I, though rather young at the time, became a fan. Not an obsessed follower, but definitely a fan.
I'm not totally sure as to all the "whys" of the attraction. But the makeup and chemistry of the cast and the sometimes noble aspirations of the storyline, all clothed in a hopeful future, was definitely alluring. Yes, it was a wannabe yearning vehicle for the hopelessly earthbound and I was most definitely among those who wanted the show reborn and, through movies and subsequent series...it was.
Well, life happens, and my interest and opportunity, for the most part, waned. I did rather enjoy the "Next Generation," and "Deep Space Nine" also had my attention. But, since then it's been hit and miss. Now, decades later, and with a Paramount subscription available I thought I'd give "Picard" a try. I sampled season one and bailed quickly due to lack of interest. Then, months later, I gave season two a taste. AND, at first it was interesting and smacked a bit of the former formula. And then, the leftward ideological infusion surfaced and I couldn't stomach the incessant "talking points" that moved seamlessly from the mainstream media and academia to the actor's mouth. And, though I still had a tugging to somehow touch base with characters from the past, even with the tepid strategy of just watching the catch-up summation segments which aired before each new episode (until the last program, of course) I still could not escape the clear message that the writers, producers, and actors conveyed to middle America, which is...To Hell with You.
So, alas, much of what "was" Star Trek is dead; at least to me. And, of course, I'm sure the "new" formulators don't care what I think. I certainly wouldn't if I were they. But, may I make a suggestion? In the future, when the "certainties" of your course become uncertain; perhaps you could boldly go "back" to what works.
The poem continues...
...But that time is past
There's no place for "we"
No place for "truths"
That ALL could see
Just a steady push
From a foreign bed
So the Trek we loved
Is alas, quite dead...
****
Update:
Well, it's been almost 5 months to the day since my somewhat scathing and downcast account (above) of what the "Star Trek" universe has become. And then...I decided to give "Picard's" last season a try. Why? Well, I was enticed by the promise of the reintroduction of most of the "Next Generation's" cast. And, since "these" were a somewhat pleasant part of my "then" life; I was hoping they would not be forced to be carriers of the modern "woke" theology and simply be involved in an engaging romp and perhaps tug on a heartstring or two. Mission accomplished. Without being overly analytical as to how everyone reappeared, there was, once again, the proper mix of overwhelming odds and overcoming do; with humor and tender emotions on the edges and interlaced. Well done.
So, I have hope. AND, since this is a backtrack of sorts, I've added the "almost" to the title, and another verse to the poem seems appropriate. Thus:
...But wait!
There's a beep!
The heart gives its tell
Perhaps there's a turn
Perhaps all is well!
So let's wait and attend
And postpone the sure grave
And if the physicians are wise
Here's a life they can save
****
