I saw Star Trek last week and my opinion mirrors that of James Lileks in his review of the same: “Loved it. Loved it, loved it. O I loved it.”

Except, that is, for that one fatal flaw that kept yanking me out of my willing suspension of disbelief. See if you can guess what that flaw was by reading this bit of nostalgia from Stephen E. Whitfield & Gene Roddenberry’s 1968 book, The Making of Star Trek:

Excerpt from Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek Guide for script writers:

Can you find the major Star Trek format error in the following “tease” from a story outline?

The scene is the bridge of the U.S.S. (United States Spaceship) Enterprise. Captain Kirk is at his command position, his lovely but highly efficient female Yeoman at his side. Suddenly, and without provocation, our Starship is attacked by an alien space vessel. We try to warn the alien vessel off, but it ignores us and begins loosing bolts of photon energy-plasma at us.

The alien vessel’s attack begins to weaken our deflectors. Mr. Spock reports to Captain Kirk that the next enemy bolt will probably break through and destroy the Enterprise. At this moment we look up to see that final energy-plasma bolt heading for us. There may be only four or five seconds of life left. Kirk puts his arms about his lovely Yeoman, comforting and embracing her as they wait for what seems certain death. FADE OUT. [END TEASER].

PLEASE CHECK ONE:

[ ] Inaccurate terminology. The Enterprise is more correctly an international vessel, the United Spaceship Enterprise.

[ ] Scientifically Incorrect. Energy-plasma bolts could not be photon in nature.

[ ] Unbelievable, The Captain would not hug a pretty Yeoman on the bridge of his vessel.

[ ] Concept weak. This whole story opening reeks too much of “space pirate” or similar bad science fiction.

Understanding the right answer to this is basic to understanding the Star Trek format. This was the correct answer:

[x] Unbelievable. Why the correct answer? Simply because we’ve learned during a full season of making visual science fiction that believability of characters, their actions and reactions, is our greatest need and is the most important angle factor. Let’s explore that briefly.

Now, try again, same basic story situation, but against another background

The time is today. We’re in Vietnam waters aboard the navy cruiser U.S.S. Detroit. Suddenly an enemy gunboat heads for us, our guns are unable to stop it, and we realize it’s a suicide attack with an atomic warhead. Total destruction of our vessel and of all aboard appears probable. Would Captain E. L. Henderson, presently commanding the U.S.S. Detroit, turn and hug a comely female WAVE who happened to be on the ship’s bridge?

As simple as that. This is our standard test that has led to Star Trek believability….No, Captain Henderson wouldn’t! Not if he’s the kind of captain we hope is commanding any naval vessel of ours. Nor would our Captain Kirk hug a female crewman in a moment of danger, not if he’s to remain believable.
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If you’re one of those who answers: “The character acts that way because it’s science fiction,” don’t call us, we’ll call you.

I’m sure you’ve sussed out the flaw by now, but just in case, here’s a hint:

I guess since Gene died, nobody cares anymore how the characters act, because it’s only science fiction! (Yes I’m looking at you J.J.!)

Tags: star trek | j.j. adams | science fiction | star trek 2009