Maybe I'm being too hard on J.J. As I said, I am a fan of his work, and it's not like all of the television series he works on end up the same. He could find ways to differentiate the two, and take them in completely different directions. I am just concerned because of early signs of Star Trek's evolution, and because of his stated preferences, that it might happen in this case.
I also worry that his work on Wars will distract him from Trek. After all, Wars is bound to get more attention. Will that mean he won't give Trek 13 his full efforts, instead focusing on Wars 7? Also, J.J. is reportedly one of those people who favor Wars over Trek, which worries me.
Yes, it is possible to be a fan of both, but most people who are favor one over the other. I hope that J.J. keeps in mind the fundamental differences between both series, and doesn't make them interchangeable. The best way to do that is to deepen the next Star Trek story back to the levels of morality tale it once achieved. This spring, we'll find out if that has happened, as Star Trek Into Darkness is released. Based on what I've seen so far, I'm optimistic.
I guess what this argument boils down to is emotion. Both franchises evoke strong feelings from their fans, and since Star Wars already has the popularity, I want Star Trek to keep the quality superiority. It is a bit petty, to be sure, but I very much hope J.J. takes this into account, keeping in mind what has set the two series apart in the past, and maintaining that divide. Because he is a Wars devotee, I worry he doesn't have the same perspective on Star Trek that trekkies have, and thus won't protect the franchise with the same ferocity a real fan would.
To many, the premise of this entire column will seem ridiculous or trivial. But for those of us who have always kept a candle burning for Star Trek, please J.J., we beg of you: Keep Trek better. Its fate is in your hands.
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