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Odd Day

I just wanted to watch Star Trek all day. [You do that every day.--ed.] I watched a 'TNG' episode right before I went to bed. I thought about "Unification" (where an aged Spock engages in overtures to peace with the Romulans, against the wishes of the Federation) but it's too soon.

I didn't feel this sad when James Doohan died. I didn't feel this sad when DeForest Kelley died. It was denial, maybe.

I think we know that Shatner doesn't have too terribly long, and that, when the last of those three goes to his rest, something will be very different. I also think Nimoy as Spock spoke to the marginalized, and that's why it hurts.

Data was Spock with a twist. Tuvok is Spock with another. I think Nimoy made it OK to talk about religion and the culture it creates in Star Trek. Let's face it: Roddenberry's vision undistilled is absurd; it's an optimistic secularism that has never actually existed, and it never will. That's why they took the keys away early in TNG. The first season is hopelessly naive and preachy, and we all know it. Watch the longer version of The Motion Picture; you'll see Spock weeping for the cold, searching V'Ger. (The theatrical version still makes the point well enough; the script was written by a devout Catholic.)

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.


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