Why is Star Wars Canon Less Strict Compared to Star Trek?

It often seems that while Star Trek fans meticulously maintain and fiercely protect the continuity of their beloved franchise, Star Wars fans are more relaxed about the consistency of their stories. However, this perception, while commonly held, may not fully capture the depth of both fanbases' dedication and the underlying reasons for varying levels of canon strictness.

Merchandising vs Fanbase

The sheer amount of merchandise available for Star Wars undoubtedly contributes to its massive cultural impact. The extensive merchandising has created a zeitgeist, where fans can dive into numerous storylines and subplots. Despite the vastness of the fictional universe, the overall quality and coherence of the stories might be less emphasized here compared to Star Trek.

The Fanbase Perspective

It's not accurate to claim that all Star Wars fans are apathetic about the franchise's canon. A significant portion of Star Wars fans are still quite upset about the Expanded Universe (EU) being completely overhauled and redefined by the sequel trilogy. This change in canon wasn't well received by many long-time fans, highlighting the significance of canon to a dedicated fanbase.

On the other hand, many Star Wars fans take the stories at face value, accepting them within the realm of fantasy. Just as many people don't worry about the temporal rules in Harry Potter or the biological plausibility in Lord of the Rings, many Star Wars fans accept the fantastical elements as part of the story's world. The creatures and events in Star Wars are often seen as part of a magical realm, making occasional inconsistencies less problematic.

Principles of Worldbuilding

Star Wars is renowned for its intricate worldbuilding, albeit in a fantasy context. Each character and even a passing background figure in a scene has a rich backstory. While this content is not always seen on screen, it enriches the fictional universe. In contrast, Star Trek often struggles with worldbuilding. The earlier series were more episodic, leading to a lack of continuity and a focus on plot over character development.

Star Trek did begin to build a more consistent canon with the TNG era, but even then, the storyline often prioritized the narrative over consistency. For example, the Federation's inclusion of the Klingons as members is addressed only once, so it doesn't count in terms of canon. Similarly, Star Trek often relies on handwaving to justify plot holes, which aligns with the franchise's emphasis on real-world science and realism.

Fan Engagement and Continuity

One of the primary reasons for Star Trek fans' emphasis on continuity is the identity and self-importance that comes with the fanbase. During the mid to late 1970s, it became a myth that Star Trek was more cerebral and intelligent, and this perception was embraced by fans, influencing their engagement with the canon. Citing inconsistencies or flaws in Star Trek was often seen as an affront to the intelligence of its fanbase.

Star Wars, however, typically allows for more flexibility in maintaining the continuity. The fantastical nature of the stories often means that minor inconsistencies or mismatches are overlooked. The lack of concern for such discrepancies may lead some to believe that Star Wars has a looser canon compared to Star Trek.

Conclusion

The differences in fan dedication and the level of canon strictness between Star Wars and Star Trek are nuanced and multifaceted. Both franchises have their unique strengths and weaknesses, but they present different experiences for their fans. The level of scrutiny over canon inconsistencies is more about the nature of the stories and the cultural impact of each franchise, rather than the inherent quality of the storytelling.