[Quick Summary: When an unknown madman takes a planet hostage in the Neutral Zone, the Enterprise races get there to prevent further war.]
Why does sci-fi remain relevant? I think it's because we learn about how humans think and feel when we see humans grappling with science.*
For example, I really enjoyed today's script** because of the humor arising from its action-adventure and sci-fi situations.*** It's not an easy combination to pull off.
In the scene below:
- The Enterprise has just been renovated with a newly installed, inescapable brig.
- The writer set up this situation: What happens when technology is taken away from humans, who are so dependent on it?
- Then the characters have to figure it out. They are frustrated, which is universal and recognizable.
- Why is it humorous? Because we all have experienced a "foolproof" situation which defeats us, and we have to resort to primitive solutions.
INT. BRIG
...An infrequent almost inaudible tapping sound comes from the wall of the cell.
KIRK (continuing; distracted): What is that damn noise?
They turn and regard the back wall. The tapping continues.
SPOCK: I believe it is a primitive form of communication known as Morse Code.
They scramble over and huddle beside the wall.
KIRK: You're right, Spock. I'm a little out of practice...(listening) Let's se... that's an "s."
SPOCK: I believe the next letter is a "t."
KIRK: "a"..."n"..."d"...end of the word.
McCOY: "Stand."
KIRK: New word. "b"..."a"..."c"..."k."
McCOY: "Back." "Stand back."
They're about to congratulate themselves when they realize it's a warning.
TOGETHER (in horror): Stand back!
They dive for cover as a large panel explodes from the wall, showering them with dust. Scotty appears in the opening.
SCOTTY: Well, what're you waiting for? Dinna you know a jailbreak when you see one?
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Humor arises because we recognize ourselves in the situation, EVEN if the situation is other worldly.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)(rev. final, 11/21/88)
by David Loughery
Story by William Shatner, Harve Bennett, David Loughery
* For more discussion, see my review of a previous Star Trek film.
** FYI: This script was the last Star Trek film produced while creator Gene Roddenberry was still alive.
*** I have enjoyed the ability of action-adventure writer David Loughery to combine action-adventure and humor with genre. It's a real gift (see another of his scripts (here), and next week's script).
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