So, what is a typical plot of Star Trek, the original series? It follows the same exact pattern of the Next Generation, with the latter having better special effects and better writers. It’s largely unwatchable, save for the exceptionally cheesy and far out there moments, something the Next Generation lacks. Enough raving, on with the rant.
A typical Star Trek plot will involve visiting an alien planet, saving some alien culture, a visit to Earth’s history (colonial times to the 1930s is very popular), saving mankind from some epidemic, or paying tribute to some woman in the Enterprise crew.
A very most unremarkable planet, nothing spectacular about it at all, judged worthless and unoteworthy by the Federation. Kirk and his crew are just abuzz with what’s down there. They know, as well as the audience, this is a TV show and TV rules state there is something down there. They never do learn do they?
There’s always an epidemic, a plague, some infestation, some unknown creature killing inhabitants, or some kind of slavery involving aliens or mankind itself. Lucky Kirk and his crew are the flagship of the entire Federation. They get all the coolest gear, and as TV rules dictate, they will come out on top.
What about old Earth? History was boring enough, but let’s throw our futuristic starship crew into the past, via a mirror Earth, some half contrived plot device, or the inevitable time travel.
And then of course, the Enterprise is a ship full of harry baboons. They’ve been at sea for a very long time, and just can’t wait to hump the nearest humanoid female. Nevermind the women in their crew. These women get ignored so much entire plots are written around them. Take any random woman from the crew, add in any plot device, then throw her up on a pedestal with all men watching, now find an excuse to get her out of her uniform and dress her in flowing fantasy robes.
Yeaaaaaah. The episodes get written better over time, but I’m noticing a pattern here.
