Star Trek The Motion Picture was important but the franchise would’ve happened with or without it
As a lifelong Trekkie who’s been following this saga since the original series premiered back when I was still rocking bell-bottom pants and tie-dye shirts, I can’t help but feel a bit divided about Star Trek: The Motion Picture. On one hand, it was a visual spectacle that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking at the time. I mean, who could forget the first sight of the Enterprise on the big screen? It was like seeing old friends again, but with a shiny new coat of paint.
Regarding Star Trek: The Motion Picture, it’s unique in the franchise as it managed to be both a triumph and a challenge. This movie indeed broke new ground visually, offering an impressive visual feast that not many films could match back then.
Initially, the movie seemed disconnected from what fans anticipated from Star Trek on its big-screen debut. Instead, they hoped for a more epic style, reminiscent of Star Wars: A New Hope, but that’s not typically Star Trek’s approach.
The first movie performed sufficiently to merit a follow-up, but the atmosphere and fan expectations for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan were much better aligned.
The flaws in the movie are more noticeable when you recall that the movie was essentially an adaptation of the Star Trek: Phase II series envisioned by Gene Roddenberry in the 1970s. Many of the new characters and initial storylines from that series were incorporated into the film, resulting in a condensed version of what might have been if it had been broadcast on TV instead.
This was a franchise that always ended up surviving somehow, so when people like Inverse claim that Star Trek the Motion Picture was why we have such an expanded universe, I’m forced to push back on that idea.
Prior to the release of the movie, there were three television series: The Original Series, the Animated Series, and the unrealized Phase II concept. In all likelihood, another series would have emerged if not for the film. Given the resurgence of Star Trek in the 1970s thanks to the fan base’s enthusiasm, new content was inevitable, whether it be a movie or another show. Thus, we can assume that fresh Star Trek material would have been produced by the late ’70s and early ’80s, regardless of any obstacles.
It’s possible that the course of events doesn’t mirror what actually happened. Instead of releasing six movies followed by a new era of shows and films set in The Next Generation, Star Trek might introduce a different series or movie franchise that resonates strongly with its audience.
It’s unlikely that a franchise as expansive as Star Trek would only have one installment contributing to its success. Over time, such franchises usually produce more content to further develop their storylines. For instance, consider Battlestar Galactica and V, both critically acclaimed series that returned after a 20-year gap, offering improved versions of their original stories.
Star Wars continues to create significant series and movies following one another. In the 1970s, fans eagerly demanded more of Star Trek, which led to the production of Phase II and later The Motion Picture. Therefore, the belief that the first Star Trek movie initiated everything that followed is somewhat incorrect.
If the timeline hadn’t been shortened, we could have enjoyed a lot more Star Trek content, but it may not have been exactly as we saw, given the changes. However, whatever we would have received would most likely have been excellent anyway.
While the Motion Picture’s visual effects were certainly worthy of acclaim during their time, there’s room for debate regarding their long-term influence on the broader evolution of Star Trek.
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2024-11-28 23:23