Star Trek Into Darkness, the sequel to the 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise, is upon us. And while some, like me, would have been introduced to the world of Star Trek thanks to J.J. Abrams' re-creation four years back, there are likely to be those who are still bereft of this adventuresome and at times enigmatic sci-fi series. To those few I say, embrace this franchise now for it is not going to disappear away anytime soon. And to kick start your understanding of the universe of Star Trek, here's a guide for 'dummies' that will prepare you for entering the realm of Star Trek Into Darkness without any fear!
When did Star Trek begin?
Star Trek began as a TV series, way back in 1966, which was later renamed Star Trek: The Original Series. It has led to the emergence of 5 spin-off TV series and 11 movies so far, with Star Trek Into Darkness to be the twelfth. And to imagine that Star Trek: The Original Series had to be discontinued after 3 seasons due to weak ratings!
What is Star Trek all about?
Very simply, Star Trek series follows the course of a starship as it explores the galaxy and its other inhabitants and narrates the adventures of the crew on-board. Star Trek: The Original Series as well as the 2009 film, Star Trek, focussed on the crew aboard the starship, USS Enterprise. The mission of the crew on Enterprise was narrated in each episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, as follows:
Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.
Who are the crew members of the USS Enterprise?
The main crew members, as showcased in 2009's Star Trek, include
- Captain James T. Kirk, a brave but reckless cadet who saves the crew of the Enterprise from an attack by an alien race, eventually becoming its Captain by the end of the film
- Spock, a highly gifted Vulcan (another race) who is the son of a Vulcan father and a human mother; Spock is appointed as First Officer under Kirk's command in Star Trek
- Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, a cynical doctor and a close friend of James Kirk
- Nyota Uhura, a gifted Communications Officer and the love interest of Spock
- Hikaru Sulu and Pavel Chekov, the former an Asian and the latter a Russian assist Captain Kirk in navigating the Enterprise
- Montgomery "Scotty" Scot, is the ship's chief engineer and famous for 'beaming up' people back to the ship
What is so special about Vulcans?
Vulcans are a humanoid species that reside on the planet Vulcan and are renowned for using logic rather than emotions. Spock, being half-human, does end up displaying some human-like emotions, making him different from others of his race.
What else should be known before watching Star Trek Into Darkness?
Not much. This basic knowledge will help you not feel alienated as the movie begins. Watch it with an open mind, enjoying the vastness and the unknown nature of space, navigate with the crew as they stand upto the challenges thrown at them. And then raise a toast for Gene Roddenberry, the original creator of the series, and J.J. Abrams, the director of the latest set of movies!
The USS Enterprise
Crew of USS Enterprise: (from left to right) Scott, McCoy, Uhura, Kirk, Spock, Sulu, Chekov
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