Star Wars and Star Trek: a universe of difference?
Fans of the two hit franchises have been arguing for decades about which is best
“May the Force be with you” vs. “Live Long and Prosper,” lightsabres vs. phasers, warp drive vs. hyperdrive. The fan debate over which story, technology, spaceships and characters are superior started a long time ago.
To casual moviegoers, there is not much difference between Star Trek, the sci-fi TV franchise that launched in 1966, and Star Wars, which debuted on the big screen in 1977. Yet to hard-core fans the differences are as significant as those between tribbles and droids.
Star Trek fans think Trek is better because it portrays a complex, science-based technological future where diverse species unite for the betterment of all. Star Wars, many believe, is a simple adventure with ray-guns and walking carpets, the good guy wears white, the bad guy wears black, and there's a magic “Force.”
Star Wars fans think Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, are The Godfather Part I and II of science fiction films - a perfect original followed by an equally great sequel. They can tell you exactly where they were when they first heard “No, I am your father,” as a seminal life event. Trek, for many, is boring technobabble, everything gets talked to death over tea, Earl Grey, hot, whereas a Jedi with a lightsabre and a rascal with a ship that can make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs will always save the day.