8 things Star Trek did better than Star Wars

Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ © 2021 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.
Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ © 2021 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 9
Next
Star Trek, Star Wars
“Light and Shadows” — Episode #207 — Pictured (l-r): Mary Wiseman as Tilly; Anthony Rapp as Stamets of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2018 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. /

Science and realism

When it comes to the science-y side of things, Star Trek takes the cake. What I mean is, right from the beginning of the franchise, Star Trek sets out the rules for its technology – they make sure you know what’s what, and what’s not. You’ve got things like the Holodeck and communicators, which are all pretty cool, but they’re also pretty believable. They do take the time to explain how all the fancy gadgets and technology stuff works, so it all feels more, well, real.

On the flip side, Star Wars kind of leaves you guessing, to a degree. They’re always introducing new rules and powers, but they very rarely dive into the why of it all. You’re just supposed to roll with it, I guess. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a good Force push or hyperdrive jump. But sometimes, I’m sure all of us Star Wars fans have been left scratching our heads, thinking, “Wait, how does that actually work?”

And with the streaming side of both shows now expanding horizons and possibilities, this will continue to be a debate between fans of both properties. But for now, it’s one that Star Trek wins.