Is Star Wars and Later Star Trek Real Science Fiction or Just Action Movies in the Future?

When discussing whether Star Wars and Star Trek, especially the later installments, belong in the realm of hard science fiction, or if they are simply action movies set in space, it’s important to explore both the nuanced definitions of these genres and common misconceptions about them.

Common Misconceptions and the Elitism of Sci-Fi

The question at hand often carries a subtle layer of science fiction elitism, with some fans of either franchise potentially feeling condescended to or elevate themselves simply by recognizing the complexity of their preferred series. Many Star Wars fans, particularly those more casual and focused on the films rather than the fictional universe and its lore, see any hard science fiction as too complicated and less entertaining. Conversely, Star Trek fans can sometimes view Star Wars as intellectually shallow, despite the significant depth of the Trek universe.

However, the assumption that hard science fiction requires greater consistency and logic, while fantasy operates on an inconsistent and flexible plane, is a common misunderstanding that cuts both ways. Both genres can have highly consistent or deeply inconsistent worlds, and which genre is more consistent or complex is not a universal truth.

Examples of Hard Science Fiction in Both Franchises

For instance, the Mohs Scale of Science Fiction Hardness, a well-known metric for measuring the scientific plausibility of fictional works, often places Star Wars and Star Trek on different continuums. While both franchises have moments that stretch the boundaries of scientific plausibility, they also contain extensive exploration of futuristic technologies, ethical dilemmas, and the socioeconomic implications of new inventions.

One common point of critique is the atmosphere and gravity in space for the ships of both franchises. Both Star Wars and Star Trek incorporate elements that violate scientific laws, such as breathable atmospheres and Earth gravity on asteroids, which is simply not possible in reality. However, these elements serve the narrative, making the stories more engaging for viewers.

Exploring New Technologies in Star Trek

Many Star Trek movies, particularly the later installments, gravitate towards exploring new technologies and their implications. Key examples include:

Star Trek: Wrath of Khan - The novelization explores the importance of the new energy weapon. Star Trek: The Search for Spock - Depth of the Romulan cloaking device. Star Trek: Generations - Cruise missile and holodeck technology. Star Trek: Insurrection and Nemesis - Replicator technology.

These movies explore how new technologies can alter the political landscape and have ethical ramifications, aligning more with the definition of science fiction that involves the exploration of the implications of technology.

Contrasting with Star Wars

While Star Wars also features new technologies, they are often not central to the plot. For instance:

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones - Invokes ethical considerations in the development of Clones. Rogue One - Focuses on the invention of the Death Star and its moral implications.

While Attack of the Clones touches on ethical and sentient issues, these themes are often deemphasized in favor of action and adventure. This is in contrast to Star Trek’s consistent focus on exploring the moral and ethical implications of new technologies.

The Issue of Creative Consistency and Fan Agency

The creative wars within Star Wars, such as the contradiction between the Clone Wars comics and the Star Wars animated series, highlight the challenge of maintaining narrative consistency in a large, complex fictional universe. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, did not face the same challenges, and thus Star Trek generally presents a more internally consistent world, at the expense of occasional story retcons or timeline adjustments.

Star Wars, by contrast, sometimes sacrifices certain internal consistencies for dramatic or narrative purposes, which can frustrate fans who value a high degree of realism and logical storytelling.

In conclusion, both Star Wars and Star Trek incorporate elements that stretch the boundaries of scientific plausibility, but both also explore the implications of new technologies and ethical dilemmas that align with traditional definitions of science fiction. The debate over whether these films qualify as hard science fiction ultimately depends on one's definition and expectations for the genre, and both franchises have significant merits and contributions to the literary and cinematic exploration of futuristic concepts.