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The Tragedy of Family in Star Trek

The Star Trek Family: Tragedy In The Captain's Chair

Star Trek has always offered up compelling and sometimes even heart-wrenching family drama - those fans who follow the series, know that – especially in its depiction of the lives of some of its most prominent Captains. Two captains who have found themselves wrestling with their own feelings about family: Captain Kirk and Captain Picard. Those characters - with their different command styles (both who are known for their decisions to lead with compassion), often have to make tough choices between the Starfleet mission – that is what is expected of a captain, and sometimes a very human problem (an internal struggle). There's often an emotional cost.

Those Starfleet captains have a great deal to juggle with, a personal life and also, those relationships with their families, a situation that often is at odds – that is with what's expected of a starfleet captain (this often is how the show depicts the story), those relationships can be intense – at times. And sometimes, viewers are left to ponder those decisions and also their consequences, as audiences can often see how characters in the show have to face these situations that could force them to make those decisions – that could potentially be a source of conflict - for them.

Captain James T Kirk ( a key figure, with a great deal of fame and recognition). His story - it has been a compelling one, that audiences are likely to remember (a character, with a vast, following, of fans who enjoy watching him), his Command Style and, often, his actions are very much influenced by his relationships, with those who are closest to him – and a captain whose story, continues to gain recognition and its influence on the Star Trek Universe - that is a key aspect of the series and the reason why those movie goers enjoy the show.

The Original Series, the first episodes - gave audiences a glimpse of Kirk's family - his older brother Sam. Fans of the series are likely to be aware, of this relationship - with his brother (a key part of those episodes – a relationship that often is the focus of several storylines and that was given more screen time). The story, it had a big impact, on Kirk, especially after he received a terrible, message, from Deneva (it occurred after, Kirk traveled to Deneva, a planet that's featured in several episodes of Star Trek - a place, that fans will remember, for its impact on some key events), there's a tragedy - Kirk's family, (that tragic news, would be an important development). Those viewers were very invested – they had developed strong feelings for the Kirk family - who are such a key part of that series, audiences felt a lot of empathy, for Kirk. But the fate of Kirk's family - those characters, are always in the back of their minds (those movie goers have come to expect a show, that might be a little dark - they are likely to be shocked), it will also add to how the show continues to develop.

Captain Picard (the captain of the Enterprise) he’s a different type of captain, one that is a little more thoughtful, one whose story, will also include those compelling relationships. His career is often focused on his commitment, to duty (a character who’s often described as having those high moral standards), but his story also has a heartwarming quality – those who follow him, have noticed those moments of kindness.

Captain Picard has experienced his fair share of tragedy - those fans who follow the show will recognize that relationship, between him and his brother. The news, of his brother Robert's death – that has played a significant part of the series. In Star Trek Generations - that episode, where fans could see, Picard struggling to come to terms with the news (a scene that is quite heart-wrenching - one that viewers are likely to remember), he lost, a close relative - he faced those same emotions of grief.

The Tragedy Of Family In Star Trek

Patrick Stewart as Admiral Picard and Ed Speleers as Jack Crusher in Star Trek: Picard Image

Those Star Trek captains – they are known for their family – ( those who are involved with that universe, often are aware of the show’s importance), especially when it comes to the Star Trek Universe as fans can see just how those characters are so very different (those who love those series, a group that often find those shows more interesting than the average TV series). Those characters are a little less real. They deal with those kinds of challenges, in their personal lives, one that often forces them to make those kinds of choices.

A Star Trek Captain (a character who has the power to lead and command), those viewers often have some expectations of how the Star Trek Universe, operates – they look forward to seeing those key relationships and how those storylines unfold. Those shows often feature relationships. These relationships – they add to those stories of adventure, of a show that gives its viewers those moments, of excitement - a series that will make fans feel a part of the action, a universe that continues to be one of those key entertainment sources, that audiences can trust - and how the characters are developed and the show is able to bring the universe more

How Do Those Family Stories Affect The Star Trek Story?

Star Trek_ Generations - Poster Image

It will continue to be a part of the story for both captains - that is one of the most intriguing elements in those series - those who follow the series will also discover that each of those shows are able to bring, a fresh take. Their storylines, often follow those characters – it’s how their families are able to connect and those challenges - and a world that is a very intricate and, at times emotional - those fans have grown to appreciate, that’s also what’s going to bring them back.

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