It's Star Trek, Jim, but not as we know it

The new Star Trek moves at warp speed, packing in more action than ever, with a new fresh faced cast (Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock) and state-of-the-art special effects. And - most importantly - for the first time in decades Star Trek is cool again.

After the failing Star Trek TV spinoff Enterprise was cancelled in 2005, 'Bones' McCoy might well have commented of the ageing franchise 'He's dead Jim'. However, where Dr Who and James Bond have boldly gone before, the latest film sees a complete reinvention of the series for a new generation.

Enjoyable prequel

I really enjoyed this excellent reinvention of Star Trek. The film is directed by JJ Abrams, the man behind TV series Lost and Mission Impossible III. It is a prequel (of sorts) to the original series. It takes a little time to find its feet, but by the time a suspended James T Kirk is smuggled onto the USS Enterprise it soars. Its greatest strength is its screenplay, which includes loving, ironic, witty but rarely mocking nods to the original series. It satisfies our nostalgia, but leaves the audience waiting expectantly to see how the new characters will develop in the future.

Missing message

Missing from this roller-coater ride is the pretentious high-mindedness of the originals (particularly the Next Generation). The film may take your breath away, but isn't so taxing on the brain. The essence of the science-fiction genre is its ability to consider big questions by creating new worlds. (Think Blade Runner, which considers the nature of humanity, or 1984 which warns about state control of thought and sexuality.) In the past, Star Trek was no different. The original creator of Star Trek was Gene Rodenberry (1921-1991). Through Star Trek, he saw an opportunity to comment on contemporary issues. Roddenberry stated that:

'[By creating] a new world with new rules, I could make statements about sex, religion, Vietnam, politics, and intercontinental missiles. Indeed, we did make them on Star Trek: we were sending messages and fortunately they all got by the network.'

Ever since, the franchise has reflected the issues of respective eras. For instance, the original series saw the first ever broadcast interracial kiss. Throughout, there has always been a message - heavy-handed at times - about the importance of tolerance.

Religion

One of the most notable aspects of the Star Trek world has been the conspicuous absence of religion. Rodenberry was raised a Southern Baptist, but did not become a believer himself. Instead, he considered himself to be an agnostic atheist humanist, and saw religion as the cause of wars and suffering. In the utopian society of the 'Federation' religion is absent, while the rituals of rival societies are regarded as archaic but to be respected. I wonder whether 'Trekkies'' obsession with this utopian vision of society reflects a dissatisfaction with our sinful world; through the Federation, one can still retain a confidence in humanity to improve itself and progress towards perfection, in spite of the evidence of the real world.

Contemporary issues

The new Star Trek completely passes on the opportunity to comment on contemporary issues such as financial meltdown, religious fundamentalism, the war on terror and an increasing rich-poor divide. In fact, it looks to dismantle some of the concepts of the past: The 'rational' Spock is involved in two separate brawls. When he seeks 'illogical' revenge on his enemies, it is celebrated. Characters are motivated less by a desire to serve the Federation selflessly than by a desire for personal success.

Confusion

With contemporary confusion about the nature of good and evil, and concern for the future of our planet, perhaps the utopian vision of the future presented by the original series would not be credible to audiences anymore. The idealistic Federation has become yet another victim of the post-modern challenge. The new Star Trek underlines the desperate search in our society for a moral authority that can ultimately only be satisfied by Jesus Christ.

Questions

• Will humanity ever be able to solve issues of poverty, injustice and intolerance? If not, why not?
• Can we be confident about the future of our world? What is the basis for such confidence?
• In what ways is the Federation a force for good? In what ways is it not?

John Dray, May 2009