Star Trek Countdown
Despite being a certified geek, with an over abundance of Star Trek trivia rattling around my head, I had no interest in seeing the new film. I love science fiction (and always had a soft spot for Star Trek), but the franchise had lost its way and I had no interest in having dinner with an ex-girlfriend just for old times sake.
So it was out of pure boredom, and a significant amount of indifference, that I checked out the iPhone version of Star Trek Countdown; the official comic book prequel to the movie.
Having lost interest in the franchise I had paid no attention to the movie hype. Sure, I knew new actors would be playing the original characters in a prequel to the television series. I also knew that Leonard Nimoy had been signed on to play Spock. Considering how badly the franchise had been previously handled, I made the assumption that it was going to be some cheesy flashback. So I was intrigued to learn the major villain is a Romulan miner from the future.
Countdown is apparently set years after the last “Next Generation” movie. Spock is still living on Romulus, Data is the captain of the Enterprise, Picard is the Federation ambassador to Vulcan, Geordi is retired and Worf is a general in the Klingon Empire.
Once again the universe is in danger and once again it’s up to Spock and the crew of the Enterprise to save the day. During the crisis Nero looses everything that means anything to him. He becomes obsessed with revenge, blaming Spock for his circumstances (yes, think Kahn and Kirk). His mining ship is refitted with Borg technology and he sets out after Spock. Needless to say he doesn’t succeed, but instead gets sucked into a singularity along with Spock. Apparently this will throw Nero and his ship back in time to take up his revenge with a young Spock and Kirk.
Now obviously the movie is trying to restart the franchise, but with the time traveling Nero they have the option of not just a recon but a complete reset. After all with time travel comes the possibility of alternate timelines. On one hand they can start all over without being tied to pre-established Star Trek “history.” On the other hand it could be perceived by the fans as making the original series and all subsequent spin-offs null and void. Considering Star Trek has always been a continuity nightmare I’m not sure fans will care, or even notice, if it’s a full restart.
Personally I think it’s a bold move and good one for the future of the franchise. Which leaves me thinking I will try one more time to rekindle my relationship with Star Trek; just for old times sake.
