Due 11-20-16

Written Analysis 1

                        Are you a Captain Kirk or Captain Picard fan? This is the never ending battle between Star Trek fans. Who was the better Captain and why? No matter who you are Trekkie or not I am sure you have heard of Star Trek. It is a myth that is in fact larger than life. That TV show crosses generations and cultures. There are conventions and merchandise still being produced even though new episodes are no longer being produced. The original Star Trek with Captain Kirk was noteworthy even if you are not a fan because it enlisted such a huge cult following and made William Shatner forever be known as Captain Kirk. What is astonishing about this is the fact the original show was only 79 episodes and still today you see references for this show in other shows and movies. Just the other day I was watching Family Guy and they cut to a scene of Captain Kirk on the bridge.

            Now Captain Picard ran the Enterprise on the TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation which was 178 episodes. So even with 99 more episodes it seems that the original series is the one people favor most because it led the way into uncharted territory. A sci-fi show that everyone could enjoy.  Now both these shows had movies as well and they are still making movies and video games now. However, even the new movies use the characters from the original series not The Next Generation so that also seems to be the bigger series and one people enjoy more.

            Each Captain was great in the own right for different reasons. They each have their own styles of leading the crew. Kirk would make quick decisions without thinking them through which would result in him usually being taken hostage and having to get himself out of the pickle he created. The only one Kirk would listen to was his right hand man Spock and that was only occasionally.  On the other hand Picard would get advice from others and think things through to come up with the best plan of action. I could go on and on listing their differences but what I have learned is it doesn’t matter because both these actors played such iconic roles they will forever by type cast as Captain. They are archetypes and their characters larger than life. I have learned no matter who you like better it is still great that the same basic show can allow others from different backgrounds to come together and have a discussion.