So it would appear that there was a deeply dormant Trekkie fan within me that was just waiting to be set free, because now that she is, she is running full-throttle. I have been in complete and utter Trek!geek mode ever since the movie came out. Besides for seeing the movie several times already (I won’t admit to the actual number), I have been watching TOS online. Also, I’ve reinstated my Netflix account in order to rewatch the movies. So far, I’ve seen the Wrath of Khan and Nemesis (which was the only one we own on DVD). The Wrath of Khan is a great one to rewatch after seeing XI—with all its Kobayashi Maru references. ^_^ And Nemesis was better than I remember it being, though I don’t know if its because I’ve only seen it once (when it first came out) or because I’m seeing it now through my new Trek!geek eyes. And as for TOS, while some episodes (I will admit) are so bad they are painful to watch, most are just delightfully cheesy. No matter what, however, Spock remains beyond cool. I have become such a Spock fangirl—old and new—in the past week (though I only really lust after new!Spock). He is just the master of awesome.

But watching so much of the original and talking with a few long-time fans, I have come to several realizations about the movie. Mostly in understanding why certain fans wouldn’t like it as much as I did. One particular conversation with a co-worker (who hadn’t yet seen the movie) said that he was hesitant because it seemed too much like an action film. Watching WOK and Nemesis, I think I understand his point. While Trek has never lacked for space battles, there is also an emphasis on intellectual battles as well—out-smarting and out-thinking your opponent as much as blasting them to hell. Not to mention there are internal battles to be fought and difficulties to be overcome. Admittedly, there is less of that in XI—it is very much an action film. But I didn’t find it particularly lacking at all because it. It was still a fantastic movie that, I believe, stayed true to the spirit of Trek even if it did have a more action-oriented plot. Personally, I adore a good space battle, but I can see his point.

Along those lines, I do have a nitpick myself. There are two scenes in particular, neither of which advance the story, I believe the movie could have done without. The first was the chase scene on the planet Kirk was marooned on. He could have just as easily been driven into the caverns by the weather, no need to have big giant CG aliens chase him there (even if said aliens did make my sister scream aloud in the theater, amusing me to no end). The second scene was Scotty taking an impromptu swim through those water turbines. While the scene was ridiculously funny, I would like someone to please explain to me just what the purpose of said turbines was. Anyone? Hmmm….

So I could have done without those two scenes, but it wasn’t like they weren’t entertaining either. Take them or leave them. But I do think their inclusion does give my co-worker’s point some validation.

There are also a few other elements of the movie that I know some long-time fans may have difficulties. The most major one is the destruction of Vulcan. Wow, talk about a ballsy move. Certainly, hard-core Vulcan fans will be horrified. For me even—I can help but think about what the fate of Tuvok is now. Will he even be born in this timeline? But at the same time, I admire the kind of boldness it takes to make a move like that, especially in such a long-running franchise. And it was well-done too, in my opinion, and I love the implications it has in the development of new!Spock. I can’t wait to see how it is explored in both fanfic and future movies.

Another element related to Spock I can see some fans having major issues with is the Spock/Uhura relationship. Now personally, I loved it. It is one of my favorite things about the movie. But considering Spock never was romantically involved with anyone unless he was under the influence of something—whether the pon farr or some alien drug—it is a major deviation from Spock’s original character. I can see long-time fans having issues with that. Not to mention several of the hard-core Kirk/Spock slashers.

Speaking of Kirk/Spock, another thing I have found is I cannot slash them. I just can’t. It’s like Sheppard/McKay, I can see where you’re coming from but it just isn’t happening for me. The ultimate platonic OTP, certainly. The greatest friendship in any universe, definitely. But slash? No. Now, Kirk/McCoy? I am all for that. ^_^ And of course, Spock/Uhura. They are my newest OTP. But Kirk/Spock? No.

For me, Star Trek XI was awesome. It is not only my favorite movie in the franchise, but my favorite movie of all time. I love pretty much everything about it. However, I do also understand the reservations and even dislike some fans have. I guess in the end, it all comes down to “to each their own.” (However, I will never understand the type of fans who not only hated the movie but feel that “raped of my childhood” is an adequate way of describing it.)

But for this fan, more than anything else, Star Trek XI was more than just awesome. Seeing it re-awoke a part of my childhood, set free the Trek!geek within me, and reminded me of the joy that Star Trek was. May it continue to live long and prosper. (Jeez…I am a geek. ^_^)