Throwback to a cool commercial with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy

by

As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I can wholeheartedly attest to the unparalleled chemistry between William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Their friendship transcended the boundaries of the screen, making them two of the most iconic figures in the Star Trek universe.

William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy shared an exceptional bond, both in front of and behind the camera. Their captivating performances as Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock on Star Trek: The Original Series earned them a place among the most cherished figures within the Star Trek universe. This camaraderie persisted long after the final film, proving their friendship to be truly enduring.

In 1985, Western Airlines, an airline that no longer exists (it shut down in 1987), took advantage of the fame of Shatner and Nimoy by featuring them in one of their advertisements. This clever move happened just before the release of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in 1986, maximizing the impact on Star Trek fans.

In this nearly four-decade-old commercial, Shatner and Nimoy are depicted on a flight, casually dressed for vacation. Someone inquires about Nimoy not piloting the plane, to which he humorously replies, “I’m not the pilot.” This remark elicits laughter from both men. As a cart approaches bearing what appears to be an alien planet, Nimoy expresses surprise at its familiarity. Shatner explains, “Because we’ve been there before.” Western Airlines then employs the slogan, “Frequent flyers embrace the future.” Lastly, Shatner and Nimoy conclude with a wise observation from Mr. Spock.

In different adverts, the bond between Shatner and Nimoy was utilized more than once. Later on, Priceline ads featured both of them together in three commercials. Interestingly, these spots saw Nimoy replacing Shatner as the spokesperson for Priceline, which apparently didn’t sit well with Shatner.

Businesses discovered that the two characters complemented each other perfectly on-screen, and devotees of Star Trek would pause their activities whenever they appeared. Indeed, they were correct. Many fans have labeled these advertisements featuring the pair as “ageless” and described the former captain and his first officer as “an unbeatable duo” and “two of the most charismatic figures in Hollywood.” This sums it up nicely.

Read More

2024-12-08 23:23