Science Fiction & Popular Culture

Where No Nerds Have Gone Before

The fine art of nerdistry in a cruel world

For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Psalm 143: 3–6. Photo Credit: Author (2010).

Recently, my pal, Kelly, posted something to Twitter that spurred a little “debate” between us. He was showing his young daughters Star Wars for the first time. Kelly is a diehard Star Trek fan. He expressed a hope that the girls wouldn’t love Star Wars more than Star Trek.

Being more in the Star Wars camp, I thought it appropriate to bait him on the matter. As to which was “better” his opening response was Episode I :The Phantom Menace. Yeah, I got nuthin’. Even as committed as I am to the franchise, Episodes I, II, III really push the boundaries of what I’m willing to do for the cause. In my opinion, they try too hard and teeter on the brink of a vaudevillian subtly and a persistent fourth wall break.

Shortly though, the correct response occurred to me, “Whales” (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home). Thin on premise, but long on distractingly bizarre costume choices. Mr. Spock’s (Leonard Nimoy) very nice hotel bathrobe worn backwards with matching headband comes to mind.

Impasse. Moreover, it is the prize fool who would publicly and willfully incite this debate to a broad readership. In short, live long and you do you.