Being different in science fiction

“There is a thing that happens in science fiction where there are characters that have something that makes them special and important and valuable in the science fiction universe that tends to mirror something that when it expresses itself in our prime universe it makes them weird.

So I always felt like a weird outcast kid cause of the stuff that I liked. And I really identified with characters, especially in Star Trek where the thing that made them weird made them special and valuable.”

Wil Wheaton, The Ready Room

Season 1 Episode 3

Golden Age of Television

These have been two excellent months for television.

I am (of course) watching Rings of Power. It's designed by Weta Workshop so its visually stunning, but I'm also impressed at how this show is taking its time. As a hobbit at heart I really love the Harfoots (even if they may be taking liberties with the Middle Earth timeline.)

The casting is perfect. And I am in love with the costume design for Numenor - just look at that Art Nouveau / Pre-Raphaelite inspiration. 😍

And I appreciate the representation.

Years ago, I was horrified to realize the only people of color in the Peter Jackson film’s were orcs. 😳

(Check out this video of every line spoken by a POC which only adds up to 0:46 seconds total.)

We’ve also started watching Star Trek Strange New Worlds and… it is SO GOOD.

It is by far the best Star Trek show out there and captures everything about what makes Star Trek worth watching.

The heart of Star Trek is about respect and collaboration among people from different cultures as well as exploring contemporary ethical issues with some metaphorical distance from real life. It’s amazing how different issues look when they are separated from their well worn context. This is (one reason) I love sci fi and fantasy.

Growing up Star Trek was only vague a cultural touchstone for me (even as a kid I related to Data), but as nerdlyweds Nathan & I watched through every series (…except The Original Series. Captain Kirk felt deeply misogynistic for me and I just couldn’t stomach it.)

While I have a special place in my heart for Captains Picard and Janeway, I really love Pike and hope this series will have many seasons to come.