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A FEDERATION WITHOUT VULCAN? NO WAY!
By: E
06/08/2009
Shockingly, “Vulcan” citizens are NOT griping about Vulcan being annihilated. Illogical!
Whether you loved the film or hated it, the most common complaint I’ve heard from fans about ST XI was the destruction of Vulcan. Oddly enough, the folks that should be the MOST vocal objectors – the citizens of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada – aren’t that upset about it.
HUH???
Vulcan was treated to a special prescreening of the new Trek film in Calgary on May 6, complete with Captain Pike himself, Bruce Greenwood. Dayna Dickens, Tourism Coordinator for Vulcan, Alberta , Canada, gave me the scoop about the event and the town’s reaction to their namesake’s demise:
E: What did YOU think of the movie, Dayna?
DD: I loved the movie….what a fantastic film. What a way to reinvent the story. It was a pleasant surprise. The vibe through the theater was fantastic. By the end of the night, everybody was glowing. They did a really clever job of tying in enough original series reference – it was like finding Easter eggs! The cast did such a phenomenal job of stepping into those well established roles. I can’t say enough good things about it…except that Vulcan got blown up.
E: Yeah…so how about that?
DD: Nobody here in Vulcan really mentioned it. I guess I can look at it in 2 ways: One, we will always exist in that alternate timeline. But, for all the new Trekkers who will come out as fans from this new movie, maybe we can be a destination for Vulcan refugees or the new colony!
E: Was there anyone in Vulcan that was unhappy?
DD: Not that I’ve heard. I think everybody was just …having so much fun. Bruce Greenwood was so genuine and enthusiastic and engaged with everyone. He was such a fantastic person to come to our screening. He sounded like he had the most amazing time making the film. He was really excited for us to see it and experience it for the first time. *Note: in the month since the film debuted, Dayna has still heard no complaints.
E: What was the most memorable thing about that night?
DD: Seeing all the Vulcan residents coming out in costumes and uniforms. The mayor and his wife were so glamorous. And when Leonard Nimoy appeared on the screen for the first time, there was a huge round of applause…everyone was cheering. When Spock started citing the monologue, that brought a lump to my throat. Wow – this is a full circle.
E: What did you think of our new Vulcan initiate?
DD: Zach Quinto did really well as “new” Spock. He had BIG shoes to step into.
Is Vulcan really gone? According to Dayna, “We’re still here! We’re still waving our flags!”
I would not be as understanding (or forgiving) if MY namesake was blown to oblivion. But, I guess these folks are being much more logical about it: maybe more people will flock to their Vulcan, now that they’re the only “Vulcan” left.
Visit www.vulcantourism.com to see more about the screening and learn more about Vulcan (well, the ONLY “Vulcan” we have left!).
NEXT WEEK: TREK TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES - FLOPS AND FRUSTRATIONS!
Author: E
Welcome to The Plasma Vent!
Is your spouse going to pack your suitcase if you explain, for the nineteenth time, why you think Klingons from TOS look different from the latter ones? Are you going to be first in line when The Experience reopens at the Neonopolis?
I know most of my fellow Trekkies are as passionate about Trek as a Vulcan in Pon Farr. You’ve got opinions! Feelings! And you’re bursting to be heard! So, before your warp core breaches, send ME your matter and antimatter! I’ll share it with the world to enjoy….or destroy!
Send your opinions and vents to me at egidion@roddenberry.com and they may appear in a future column. Please include your name and an email address as I may want to contact you to discuss your vent further.
Just remember, Lokai and Bele – there is no black and white!
Note: Any submissions may be edited for space or content.
1 Response
My 2 cents worth:
Bergman did it on purpose so 1; All of the fans would write/e-mail in shocked about the story line, 2. He could pitch that to Paramount studios, and 3. There would be at least 1 or 2 sequels to fix the timeline to the one we know.
It isn't only Vulcan that is gone. The future of Star Fleet was re-written and James brother Sam and his nephew Peter don't exist.
Also, I don't care how good the cadet is, NO cadet would be promoted to Captain in that manner. Besides, his dad would have been there when he really earned his promotion to Captain.
So ... get out your pens and write Bergman for the sequels: I know I'm ready.
jwellman
06/23/2009
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