Released: 1994

Dir.: David Carson

**Spoiler Alert**

Bloggers Log. Stardate: 2.

A few nights ago, I watched Star Trek: Generations, the film that bridges the ages between Star Trek the original series and Star Trek: The Next Generation. It’s the first time in a while that I’ve watched the film, and the fifth time that I’ve seen it, and to my surprise, the most enjoyable viewing. Bringing about thoughts of re-appraisal.

Over the years Star Trek: Generations has been viewed unfavorably by fans of the Star Trek Universe, most notably for the death of Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner). I too had a feeling that the death of such a legendary character lacked something. He is after all defeated by a rickety bridge, sort of. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The film begins at the christening ceremony of the U.S.S. Enterprise-B, the latest starship to carry the legendary name. Attending the ceremony are Scotty, (James Doohan), Chekov (Walter Koenig), and as the guest of honor, James Kirk.

The Enterprise-B is to make a short, ceremonial maiden voyage before being properly fitted out on Tuesday, what could possibly go wrong? They receive a distress call, and the Enterprise-B is the only ship in range to assist. Capt. Harriman (Alan Ruck) is reluctant to act, fortunately Capt. Kirk is there to egg him on.

Two small transport ships, loaded with refugees, are in distress and trapped in an energy ribbon. One of the ships is destroyed, while the other struggles. Kirk dashes off to the deflector array, to help rescue the ship. The second ship explodes, after a small portion of the refugees are rescued, among them Dr. Soran (Malcolm McDowell). However, the Enterprise-B has sustained damage, especially around the deflector array. Capt. James T. Kirk has been blasted out into space and presumed dead.

78 Years Later.

The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D are enjoying the festivities surrounding the promotion of Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn), when the Enterprise receives a distress call from a stellar observatory. Where they come across a certain, Dr. Soran.

Dr. Soran is up to no good, with the assistance of the Duras sisters, Lursa and B’Etor (Barbara March, Gwynyth Walsh), he is planning to return to the energy ribbon and the ‘Nexus’, a multi-dimensional realm existing on another plain of existence and provides wish fulfilment. To achieve this goal, Soran must change the course of the energy ribbon. The energy required will result in the destruction of a solar system containing a planet with a pre-industrial civilization living there.

Soran sets up shop on the uninhabited planet, Veridian 3 where he plans to launch his energy weapon to change the course of the ribbon. He is confronted by Capt. Jean Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), who fails to stop Soran from launching his weapon. Picard is swept into the Nexus.

While this has been going on, the Enterprise has been battling with a Klingon Bird of Prey and the Duras sisters. The sisters Duras are destroyed, but at a cost, the Enterprise is severely damaged, and crash lands on Veridian 3.

Meanwhile in the Nexus, Picard meets up with…Capt. Kirk. Picard reasons that the two of them can return to Veridian 3 before Soran launches his weapon and stop him. It takes some convincing, but when Kirk realizes that the environment he is living in isn’t real, he agrees, as Captain of the Enterprise, to help Picard.

Picard’s plan works; however, Kirk is mortally wounded after a bridge collapse while Kirk is retrieving Soran’s control device. He dies a hero.

This is where the most discussion, debate and dissatisfaction comes from in the final analysis of Star Trek: Generations. The manner of Kirk’s death. That’s it, he falls off a bridge on a barren planet? Well yes, it doesn’t sound very glorious. You’d think the Captain of the original Enterprise would die spectacularly trying to save his ship or something.

Well wait. He did die heroically trying to save a ship named Enterprise, saving hundreds of lives. But, think about it, what were the stakes of the Veridian solar system? An entire planet, with millions of inhabitance, who have no idea what is about to hit them. Saving them, without them knowing, that’s pretty badass.

Perhaps that’s the failing of Star Trek: Generations, it really doesn’t really stress what’s truly at stake. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. It applies here on multiple levels, but we are left to work it out for ourselves. Soran is an astonishingly selfish being and will stop at nothing to feed his desire. Kirk has done his bit for the galaxy; his time has passed and would rather leave the heavy lifting to others. But an entire civilization is at stake, the Prime Directive forbids interference with a pre-industrial civilization, yet they can’t be left to perish because of one mans selfish needs. None of this is never really stressed.

Nevertheless, Star Trek: Generations is an enjoyable Star Trek adventure. It’s not a perfect film by any means. Data’s (Brent Spinner) emotion chip sub-plot gets tired pretty quickly. I find the Next Generation supporting cast is under served in their first big screen voyage, with a good portion of the focus on Picard. The individual cast members get their moments, but really, it’s not quite enough. But there are some terrific scenes, especially Worf’s promotion ceremony on the holodeck.

Set on an 18th century sailing ship, named Enterprise, it’s a perfect setting for introducing the cast to the big screen. The scene also reflects both Picard’s and Kirk’s stated desires to enjoy the simple pleasure of sailing the open sea, under the stars rather than among them. Picard then learning about the deaths of his brother Robert, and nephew Rene, is particularly heartbreaking.

Star Trek: Generations is worth a re-watch and re-appraisal. The visual effects serve the story and not the other way around, as it should be. Having Kirk and Picard meeting is a nice scene and not overdone. However, if you just can’t get your head around Kirk dying on Veridian 3, think of it this way: as far as the universe is concerned, Capt. Kirk died saving a ship named the Enterprise.

Star Trek: Generations is available on DVD and Blu-ray from Paramount Home Video and streaming on Paramount+.