8 things Star Trek did better than Star Wars

Moral compass

One thing I really appreciate about Star Trek is its mature approach to morality and its complexities. It’s not just about flashy space battles or first contact with alien races. The franchise as a whole truly digs deep into ethical dilemmas, societal structures, and the fallout and consequences of hard decisions. Unlike Star Wars, which is mostly about chosen ones and royal bloodlines, Star Trek doesn’t rely on the narratives of inherited power. Instead, it shows a future where democracy and meritocracy reign, giving it a nice, fresh take on power dynamics.

And here’s another thing, Star Trek doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to consequences (I’m looking at you, Rise of Skywalker). Characters have to face the music for their actions, regardless if they’re good or bad. I mean, look at how the series deals with war crimes, authoritarianism, and the ethics of exploration.

On the flip side, Star Wars often gives its characters a “get out of jail free card” (looking at you, Rise of Skywalker…..), especially when it comes to redemption. Remember how Anakin Skywalker turned into a genocidal maniac as Darth Vader, which is much more represented in recent shows like Kenobi, but yet he gets a heroic send-off just because he saved his son in the end? In Star Trek, actions carry weight, and I can’t help but appreciate the honesty in the way they choose to tell their stories.