sta/r tr/ek for the ask game! :3
Hi anon! OMG you’ve answered my prayers because I was secretly hoping someone out there was also into S/tar T/rek, so thank you for the ask <3 The entire crew is so cute so I’ll sprinkle some thoughts on multiple characters below! I will readily admit Spock is my favorite, so just know I tried to make these as non Spock-centric as possible <3
1. I actually got introduced to Star Trek via the newer movies (it was a trilogy). However I liked the movies so much I went back and watched the OG series feat. the same characters. My opinion: both are absolutely incredible, even if for slightly different reasons. I honestly don’t have a strong preference for either version, and think both casts did an amazing job portraying their characters and the dynamics of their respective timelines. I will say though that I think the OG series was more progressive in some ways than the newer movies. The OG was extremely ambitious both artistically and politically (especially for its time), and rewatching some of the episodes I was genuinely surprised (and pleased) at how vocal they were about their representation. Main takeaway though: Uhura has always been that girl in every version — not only is she always presented as insanely intelligent and articulate, but her self-confidence in her craft and readiness to defend herself against anyone who thinks otherwise makes her sooo cool. She is also stunningly beautiful, of course!
2. As for the newer movies, the initial rivalry between Spock and Jim (which wasn’t really present in the OG) gave their dynamic a really unique allure. The way they parallel each other’s strengths and weaknesses is *chef’s kiss*; and watching the rest of the crew navigate and bear witness to the two’s petty arguments and eventual teasing is just adorable! While I do prefer Jim x Spock (and Bones hehe), I thought the Spock x Uhura relationship was also really touching. The way she’s sometimes frustrated by his lack of self-preservation (because she loves him and wants him to stay safe), and he’s completely enamored by her confidence and brain is aksfhskslk!! They have such a healthy mutual respect for each other, and their devotion to keeping each other safe throughout the trilogy just warms my heart.
3. Focusing away from the main-mains, I feel obligated to add that Chekov, Sulu and Scotty are incredible characters (I wish they got more kudos honestly)! While Scotty was used a lot more for comic relief in the newer movies, I am SO happy that none of the crew ever felt “dumbed down” in any version I’ve seen. Everyone is competent and treated as an expert in their respective field. I love the friendship (maybe more for some viewers) between Chekov, Sulu and Scotty, especially in the OG show. The way they switch between besties to accomplices to coworkers so naturally makes their dynamic a favorite of mine. Sometimes they are each other’s mentors, and sometimes they are gossiping about how weird their captain is. No matter what though, their love for each other is palpable, and that is so endearing to me.
3 Snz Headcanons + Blended Scenarios:
1. This may be controversial, but while I can imagine Spock as a shy sneezer (damn that Vulcan pride!), I can equally see him as not giving a damn. For instance, we know that he’s not very accustomed to human traditions, and while I don’t think he lacks basic etiquette, I visualize him as not really sweating over sneezing as being gross, embarrassing or anything unusual. I can picture him sneezing and just being like “it’s a natural phenomenon, therefore there is no reason for me to hide it, ignore it, or feel ashamed”. That being said, I do think the crew would be VERY freaked out. I think the first time he sneezes or has a cold/allergies, everyone around him is like “…you do that??!” lol. Maybe it’s rare for him to get sick or unusual for him to have a reaction, so everyone overreacts when something happens. Jim would definitely pester him about how he’s feeling and try to trick him into going to sick bay, and Bones would give him an earful about his health (and probably make a few jabs like: “I’m surprised you don’t sneeze out your ears” or “so even Vulcans have sick days”…something like that). Also a green flush when he’s sick or sneezy?? That’s a must-keep trope.
2. Of the crew, I think it’d be expected that Jim and Spock are the most resistant to admitting when they need to take a break (as they’re both extremely stubborn). HOWEVER, how cute would it be if Chekov (being the baby of the crew) was also super adamant about not taking sick days? Maybe he just wants to prove himself or puts the needs of his crew over his own health, but either way he just refuses to slow down because “his friends need him” and “there's so much that could be done!” Unfortunately for him, I get the sense he’s a busy body, so he’d probably get sick fairly often too. For instance, I could 100% see Scotty or Sulu needing help with something, and Chekov volunteering his help like “I can do that!” even though he’s supposed to be resting. Alternatively I think Uhura, Sulu, and Bones would all be hesitant to take a break from their work if they were unwell, but ultimately be like thank God, I just need a nap and a break from these weirdos lol. Meanwhile Scotty has no problem throwing in the wrench, putting himself in self-quarantine and saying “see you in a week!” But no matter who is affected by allergies or general sickness, the crew is always checking up on whoever is down (in their own cute ways of course).
3. As for the crew’s sneezes, I think there’s a lot of diversity to the point where everyone knows exactly who is sneezing and who is sick at any given point. They work in such close proximity all day, I just think it’d be inevitable they’d all pick up on each other’s quirks. For example (and like I suggested earlier): Spock is a rare sneezer, so when he has a reaction everyone is surprised or maybe uneasy that means something could be wrong. Chekov has a weak immune system, so it’s not unusual for him to be sneezing several times a day (usually little rapid fits here and there) that he is very polite about (always excusing himself, using good etiquette, blessing others, etc). He would also talk through his sneezing, which everyone finds kind of cute. Sulu, Bones and Uhura are all prone to allergies in my head, but only Bones and Uhura are really strict germaphobes — like if you get either of those two sick, you’d better count your days (or expect some really dirty looks). The difference is that Bones can’t handle not knowing what is causing someone’s symptoms, so even though he abhors germs, he will get right up in your face and examine you (then religiously wash his hands afterwards while he pretends he isn’t that concerned about your health…when he totally is worried). Sulu oppositely loves the attention when he’s feeling unwell, and is almost always the first to volunteer to check in on a sick crew mate (leading some to joke about whether he should be the ship’s doctor). Then last but not least, Jim is an OBNOXIOUSLY loud (maybe double?) sneezer. I imagine his sneezes are somewhat gruff and belatedly covered too. He’s lucky he’s so charming, otherwise he’d probably be less tolerated when he has a stuffy nose. That being said, he has a tendency to overplay the charm when he’s sick (faking extra suavity in hopes of preserving his pride and reassuring everyone he’s fine), which is a dead giveaway something is up; and when he’s feeling really unwell, he’s apt to lose his temper until Spock and Bones eventually force him to get some rest.
Sorry this came out sooo long, but thank you for the ask again anon! I hope some of these ideas speak to you or someone out there, and if anyone ever wants to talk about the movies/series/fics always feel free to send me a dm! I’m also curious if anyone here has seen the other series, including the more recent animated show (L/ower D/ecks). I have no familiarity with it, but I do like J/ack Q/uaid’s voice work so I’d be curious what people think! <3
