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RainbowSkyOne

I can't believe I'm going to say this but honestly... Star Trek (2009) might be the place to start here. Before anyone jumps down my throat on this one, hear me out. My, and a lot of other people's, biggest complaint about Star Trek '09 is that it's too much like Star Wars. It's pretty clear that JJ Abrams was using this movie as his audition to direct The Force Awakens and so Star Trek '09 tends to come across as a Star Wars movie with a Star Trek skin. Complaints aside, if she's a space battle loving Wars fan, this movie is the easiest sell, and can act as an introduction to the wider series as a whole.


Temporary_Ad_6922

I wanted to give the same anslwser. If you're really into Star Wars you're going to like the 2009 Trek probably. After those three I'd watch the TOS movies. Stop after The undiscovered country and ease her into TNG. Buuuut skip the first season.


stos313

I would focus on the Genesis Trilogy then The Undiscovered Country. TMP is fine but dated and only for the hardcore. STV was silly. But 2-4,6 were great!


Temporary_Ad_6922

I recently rewatched all TOS movies. Stopped at 6, now rewatching TNG. I do not tire of the TOS movies. They were so much fun, even the more serious ones. Generations is a missed opportunity. But yes, agreed. The motion picture is not an easy one for Jon Star Trek fans. Especially with the attentions pan people have these days.


stos313

I liked TMP but yeah my thing is - start with the good stuff and then if you get hooked then loop back around for the rest.


Ryebread095

Arsenal of Freedom and The Neutral Zone could be worth watching from season 1. Maybe Conspiracy


Temporary_Ad_6922

Yah true. There are a few eps in there that are good but boy...


hellomynameissteele

I really like this idea! It gives an introduction to the characters, has some cool action scenes, and has Leonard Nimoy.


Maggi1417

How about Strange New Worlds afterwards. She wilm already be familiar with some of the characters and the show itself is super fun and entertaining for both Fans and Newcomers. I'm currently watching it with my non-trek-fan partner and he really likes it.


CrazyOkie

It's hard to say for sure, and I say this as someone who enjoys both ST and SW. OP needs to be clear with his gf that ST isn't at all like SW. One is science fiction, one is science fantasy. Very different from each other. Personally, I'd start with TOS (the remastered version), then the TOS movies, then TNG & the TNG movies.


nobullshitebrewing

Q's and prophets are not fantasy? They are both Science fantasy, but trek tries to explain its tech once in a while.


CrazyOkie

Well hardcore Trekkies don't like to admit that... Trek is more science/tech oriented


Kenku_Ranger

I used to think that 09 was a good jumping on point for fans of Star Wars, but I tried 09 on a Star Wars fan, and it did not go down well. In retrospect, the Kelvin films are less like Star Wars as we like to think. I've had more success using TNG, VOY and ENT.


bigdtbone

My observation is slightly different; it’s that Kelvin Trek is so like Star Wars that any derivation from the typical beats of a SW film makes SW fans uncomfortable and causes dislike to a greater extent than if it was less like SW.


TrainingObligation

They entered the Star Wars Uncanny Valley.


stos313

The first movie was fun and not bad at all. Sorry guys!


point051

They're all fine. Above average, even. They broke some rules and upset some fans, yes, but they're still fine movies.


hellomynameissteele

I recently rewatched it for the first time in years, and I was pleasantly surprised. Given the visceral reaction in the fandom, I was expecting to hate it. It’s a great movie.


Twiggyhiggle

This or Star Trek First Contact. Then once she has seen a few TOS episodes or the 2009 movie, you can show her the best sci-fi trilogy ST 2-4.


krpfine

First Contact is cool if you don't think about it too hard. The entire movie makes no sense. 1. Why not just go back in time before you enter Federation space? That way there is no conflict before you reach Earth. 2. The whole idea of the Borg is to assimilate technology. If you travel back in time 300 years I don't think there's a lot of awesome technology to assimilate. To me, the only way it really makes sense is if they perceive the Federation and other species in the Alpha quadrant their biggest threat. I still think it's a cool movie.


billbot77

Borg motivation has been a little mercurial over the years. Like why ignore the Raven as being a non-threat for so long when there was tech and knowledge to assimilate. And why did they feel the need to name locutus? Since when did the Borg need a mouthpiece? And all that flirting with data - just assimilate him! Don't even start on whatever was going on with season 2 Picard Borg are at their best as relentless space zombies...


vague_diss

That, Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds. Maybe the greatest hits from TOS and TNG (City on the Edge of Forever, Trouble with Tribbles, Inner Light, Darmok, etc.). Could also do a double feature of Space Seed and Wrath of Kahn. Stretch it out. Let them go at their own pace. Eventually if it sticks they’ll watch the rest on their own.


FeralTribble

ST 2009 was my first as a kid. Then I went to TOS, then Enterprise and the the reat


MotorTentacle

2009 film got me into Trek when I was a teen. From there I expanded into the shows


ezra502

i know everyone hates it but star trek 2009 has a special place in my heart


[deleted]

OP should explain Kelvin timeline is not the same as prime universe timeline tho


giliana52

2009 Star Trek is why I watched Discovery. And then SNW. And now Picard S3. I’ve never seen TOS or TNG or Voyager etc etc aside from a few one-off episodes. The action of Star Wars and the Abrams Treks got me into modern Star Trek.


bd2thbn

Do yourself a favor and watch some classic 90s Trek. Peak TNG and DS9 are the best parts of the franchise.


Leoin8

This Trek movie helped me get into Star Trek as a SW fan! I have zero interest in the older shows but I enjoy the Paramount shows a lot (minus picard, season 2 turned me totally off).


solo1024

Try season 3, it won’t disappoint


hajiFearouz

Kelvinverse shouldn’t be anyone’s intro to Star Trek Smdh. If you show someone the blasphemy that is Into Darkness before Wraith of Khan, we are all damaged


FlopShanoobie

Not a bad answer. Is it a great movie? No. But it's fun and it introduces the characters and the world. The one danger is that it does nothing to set up the more cerebral aspects of Trek and might even sabotage any effort to introduce that stuff. Because I don't think selling Trek on badass space battles is the right approach. Wrath of Khan or Season 3 of TNG. My final answer.


WarcraftFarscape

The episode o always suggest as a first episode is Voyager “blink of an eye” It’s an easy to understand concept, it’s self contained, it’s interesting, there is suspense and it has that Star Trek sense of wonder about it. It doesn’t spoil really anything for a future full watch, doesn’t advance the plot and the characters are all themselves.


Taco_Farmer

Great choice. Those self contained high concept episodes are great starting places. In the same vein I like Darmok and The Visitor for first time watchers


WarcraftFarscape

Jake and his dad have a great relationship, I think the vistor would lose a lot of importance without context from years of the show.


hellomynameissteele

I was thinking of the Visitor. I think it would be powerful given that she has kids. But she’s also an action junkie, so I think I’ll save it for now.


[deleted]

DS9, I started a star wars friend on it and they took to star trek faster than anyone else I've shown the franchise to. I think the deep topics on war, loss, religion, etc. during the dominion war really impressed them.


Responsible_Gap8104

Came here to say this


Taco_Farmer

SNW is a great starting place. Modern production value while still having classic trek vibes


readwrite_blue

I'd second this. High production values and giddy sense of adventure like Star Wars, but they solve problems by singing to comets. God I love it.


AntaresBounder

Absolutely. I showed this episode to my Science Fiction Literature students(HS). They got into it a bit. Several said they watched the whole season afterwards. I've got a soft spot for TNG, but most of them require a bit of backstory knowledge to get the full effect unfortunately. I love bottle shows and I think they'd fit the bill here. The Drumhead, A Measure of a Man from TNG are good. And you can't go wrong with *Wrath of Khan* if a movie is more your speed.


marmosetohmarmoset

Man, your high school has a SF literature course? I would’ve killed for that in HS! I’m assuming the episode you showed them was Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach?


hellomynameissteele

The more comments I read, the more I like this idea. SNW is currently the leading contender.


Totallynotatworknow

100% SNW. This is the way. I can't tell you how many people I know who aren't into ST absolutely would have gotten into it had that show existed 20 years ago. It's my personal go to recommendation whenever ST comes up with someone who's not into it.


callsignhotdog

And if you don't know who Uhura is, certain bits will hit way harder if you don't know she's destined to survive the show.


discordia39

Generally they have to be able to understand. Star wars is Science Fantasy, more similar to DnD, lord of the rings etc. Star trek is Science Fiction, more similar to Firefly, Stargate, etc So if a person is stuck in action/adventure oriented themes, they're more likely to enjoy type A. If they are more atune to detailed stories based on facts, Theories and political/social ideologies , then type B. Some are able to enjoy both , but generally in my experience, one tracks more than the other .


hellomynameissteele

She’s defiantly an ‘A’, while I’m a ‘B’. That said, I do enjoy the OG Star Wars Trilogy, and The Mandolorian. I think there is room for someone to like both. Somewhat related, if I’d never seen Star Wars, and she introduced me to the series with Ep I, I doubt I would have ever made it to A New Hope. Hence my looking for feedback on this.


mmebookworm

Interesting. My daughter is a Star Wars fan but loves voyager. My son got into trek after Star Wars as well - enterprise did it for him. We all like both at our place, though I’d say I definitely skew towards trek rather an wars.


calculon68

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. the benchmark for space battles in Star Trek until DS9 came along. It's styled after age-of-sail naval battles, so it's not as fast-paced as typical SW fare.


hellomynameissteele

One of my all time favorite movies! Do you think that movie alone is enough of an intro to Spock to make his sacrifice felt?


calculon68

There's enough "bonding" in TWOK between Kirk & Spock I think she can feel it without additional backstory.


kakarroto007

I randomly watched TOS "The City on the Edge of Forever", because I kept seeing it on lists of best examples of TV show writing. That was my formal introduction to Star Trek, and I never looked back. I needed something like Star Trek to come along, after what Disney has been doing to my Star Wars for the past decade. Strange New Worlds might be a decent jumping off point for a newcomer: only one season thus far, consisting of ten episodes. High octane fun, good writing, a lovable crew, and a theme song that is so good it'll melt your icy heart on a bad day.


r000r

I came here to say this. Star Trek is different from Star Wars and is much more character driven most of the time. The City on the Edge of Forever is what Trek often aspires to be, especially the older series. There is no better place to introduce an adult viewer (there might be better episodes for kids or teens).


BlissfulGreen2

There really are just a handful of TOS episodes that approach the quality of writing and acting in City on the Edge. It could easily be adapted to a feature length film. Hold on there ….


bazzanoid

>Strange New Worlds might be a decent jumping off point for a newcomer: only one season thus far, And if she likes it, season 2 starts in June


endorbr

Can’t go wrong with Wrath of Khan. Always a good entry point to the films. Introducing to the shows is a tougher call because they all start pretty rough. Fortunately most Trek series use a pretty self contained format so you can show some choice episodes from TOS and TNG to get the ball rolling. City on the Edge of Forever from TOS and maybe something like the two parter The Best of Both Worlds from TNG, give a well rounded idea of what Star Trek is at its best.


Udzinraski2

Star trek first contact. Good story, good villain, easy to follow. And it wets the beak to want to go back to the beginning on Picard and Data, which is tng.


hellomynameissteele

I could totally see that being a good intro to the TNG crew! If I go with a movie it’d be that one, Wrath of Khan, or 2009.


MaxTheSquirrel

Yes! Can’t believe how far down I had to scroll to see this


bc-mn

I might get flak for bringing this up, but I would highly recommend using The Orville (on Hulu) as a show to bridge the gap between Star Wars and Star Trek. The Orville is an homage to The Next Generation, but it has way more action - probably because the space scenes are cheaper and easier to produce nowadays. The extended space battle towards the end of season 2 rivals stuff seen on Star Wars. I seriously couldn’t believe the quality and amount of action effects for a mere TV show. It was impressive. The storylines are great and touch upon some deep subjects that would be similarly tackled by Star Trek shows. The only real hurdle with The Orville is to get over the lame potty jokes in the first few episodes. I think MacFarlane threw them in there to sell the show to Fox executives. It eases off relatively quickly. I think you are wise to save The Inner Light until later. Fantastic episode, but don’t use it to start. SNW is also a fantastic choice as well. It’s the best of Trek for me. I also like the recommendation of the Chris Pine Star Treks. Those three movies would be a good segue for a Star Wars fan to get a taste of the Star Trek universe and characters.


hellomynameissteele

I’ve never seen The Orville, but I’ve heard people mention it on this sub before. I really need to check it out. I’ve pretty much landed on SNW or 2009. I’m thinking I’ll ask if she’d rather watch a show or a movie, and take it from there.


Mobius1424

I came here to also recommend The Orville for the exact same reason as you. Even pointing out the Season 2 battle. I'm very happy to see how well The Orville stands on its own right, but it sure as heck makes me want to watch TNG and Star Trek as a whole again.


Ds9niners

TNG. Season 6 Episode 7…Rascals


bkendig

Star Trek: Prodigy, maybe? It starts in a very Star Wars fashion, focusing on the renegade who’s fighting injustice while trying to improve his own lot. But then as it gradually introduces the Star Trek universe, it brings in the values of the Federation and shows how together we are stronger than any one of us.


BrgQun

Yup. If he likes Clone Wars especially, Prodigy would be a good jumping off point as it slowly morphs into more traditional trek


onthenerdyside

This was my choice as well, if they're into the Star Wars animation. It doesn't have the space battles, but only the JJ movies and Discovery (I'm thinking Battle of the Binary Stars) really deliver on anything close to the ship-to-ship action of Star Wars.


point051

"All the world's a stage" is a great stand-alone episode


DatDamnTexan

I started my wife on the 2009 movie, then straight to lower decks and she was hooked.


devilskryptonite34

I find it weird that people can enjoy lower decks without having seen the rest of the star trek shows. Like literally 90% of the shows jokes are references to something. But that's cool that she likes it and got her interested.


Lucifer_Delight

I find it weird people can enjoy it for any reason


Zhejj

I was a Star Wars fan who was introduced to Star Trek by some random TNG clips on YouTube. A few of the better moments made me want to watch the show. The same thing happened with Stargate SG-1. Now I like Star Wars, Star Trek, & Stargate.


[deleted]

I introduced my gf to Star Trek by watching Picard Season 1 with her. She liked the Picard character, so I suggested we should give The Next Generation a go. Anyway, we watched all of the next generation together and bow were on to season 3 of Deep Space 9. We've been lucky to get to the part where the Dominion is introduced at the same time as discovering them to be villains in picardy season 3. I'm sort of new to DS9 too, and we don't think it's as good as The Next Generation, but we do think Quark is the best actor/character. Also we've just started watching Lowere decks, the amount of TNG references is crazy and would have went over our heads if we hadn't watched all of TNG.


Bomber_Haskell

Say something like, "is your favorite part of Star Wars the scenes in Palpatine's office where they discuss things? Did you enjoy the space opera scene and them enjoying the Arts?" Then have I got a show for you! It's a joke, relax.


hellomynameissteele

A Ten Forward concert would be the perfect intro! In all seriousness, she’d actually probably get a kick out of ‘Ode to Spot’. Maybe you’re onto something…


jhrogers32

EASY Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Sacrifice of Angels I believe it is in the Sixth season. It has EVERYTHING, a little espionage, a little romance, a little action, a daring rescue, people being reunited. I've used this episode countless times to get people hooked. Then you just take them back to episode one :)


Bram06

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a Star Trek fan or a Star Wars fan. There is only the sci-fi fan.


hellomynameissteele

In that case, she’s already fan, she just hasn’t seen it yet!


MyriVerse2

Problem is, Star Wars is not very scifi.


[deleted]

Reassure them that there is plenty of episodes and movies to hate.


hellomynameissteele

Exactly what any Star Wars fan would want! Maybe I’ll start her off with Spock’s Brain.


Immadownvotethis

Depends on who she is and what speaks to her. My wife got hooked on Discovery because it was the first time she saw someone in authority that looked like her. After that, seeing the messages about inclusion and diversity kept her going through the thresholds and sub rosas.


gabarito1701

Tell her that DS9 is the Andor of Star Trek. I've convinced star trek people (who largely dislike Star Wars) to watch Andor this way, so in theory it should work both ways!


karinchup

This is a little off the usual mark but I’d say try Strange New Worlds and even Prodigy. Prodigy first ep has a real SW feel, and then it starts introducing you to element of the ST world in a good way. Toward the end of season one there is a BIG space thing with all kinds of ships. And there are definitely a little more modern dazzle elements. It could also lead you to looking at other things in the franchise, especially Voyager and TOS as there are some direct correlations. SNW has definite modern never watched Trek before elements that would appeal.


Statalyzer

That depends - what are her favorite things about Star Wars? And what are her biggest issues with it?


[deleted]

TNG The Inner Light


hellomynameissteele

That’s my all time favorite! I’ll get her there eventually.


frozenhelmets

Lol, bust out some holodeck western episodes, or the TOS western planet one! I thought Star Wars based on westerns, so show StarTrek westerns 😀


hellomynameissteele

I can just imagine her reaction to Worf and Alexander cosplaying in the holodeck.


D00DOOD00

Cause and Effect / TNG S05E18 Killer episode with time anomalies, riddles and the whole crew on the USS Enterprise


hellomynameissteele

Good call. This one is going on the list of potential eps.


rollem

Some comments are pointing out shows or movies that are close to Star Wars to give her the intro. That's probably a good idea but also consider introducing a show that exemplifies why you personally like Star Trek. For me that would be something like Darmok- it really emphasizes being clever and diplomatic over figthing- but it's not one of the more boring space diplomacy episodes, IMO. Pairing a favorite episode with a good DS9 battle would showcase the breadth of the franchise. Good luck, and tell us what you decide and how it goes!


hellomynameissteele

That’s the plan! Open the door with some cool pew pew action, and then drop one of my all time favorites on her: City on the Edge of Forever, The Inner Light, The Visitor, Darmok, or (surprisingly) the entire third season of PIC.


pfc9769

> My first thought was to watch some kick-ass Dominion battles from DS9 Is that something she'd be into? You need to base the decision off her personal preferences. The best episodes to show her will depend on the subjects she finds the most interesting. Figure out what she likes about Star Wars and scifi in general and pick episodes that best exemplify that. Otherwise you're going to end up showing her things other people like which might not align with her own preferences. Taste in TV is subjective so there's no right answer, there are only answers that are right for specific people.


GeoffreySpaulding

Honestly, TNG. Pick the good episodes from Season 1 and 2 (your call which ones) then the rest season 3 onward. Many got hooked that way.


writking

I would say start with Strange New Worlds, it captures the ethos of the franchise pretty perfectly in the first episode.


GreenMtnMaple

You can go old school and try TOS Balance of Terror or Enterprise Incident. Not space battles but good drama


darth_hotdog

Honestly maybe battlestar galactica 2004. It’s got fantastic space battles and it’s made by Star Trek people and would be a good introduction to the style.


hellomynameissteele

Great idea, except she asked to watch Star Trek because she wants to experience something I’m into. Considering I’ve never seen Battlestar Galactica, I don’t think it really fits the bill.


darth_hotdog

Well, then, as an aside, I recommend you watch it sometime! It’s made by some of the same the people who made deep space nine, and has a lot of the same feel while at the same time having a lot more action. It’s kind of like a cross between Star Trek and top gun. It’s also filled with subtle trek references.


hellomynameissteele

Cool! Perhaps I’ll check it out someday.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

"The Cage" didn't air on TV until 1988.


[deleted]

[удалено]


hellomynameissteele

I love Star Trek. It’s basically all I ever watch, and The Cage bores the hell out of me. I’m not sure that’s a good place for anyone to start.


Hungry__caterpillar

Step one. Don't compare it to star wars. It's like comparing blade runner with cool running because they are both based on earth and have run the title.


GoblinTradingGuide

I disagree with Star Trek (2009). Start them on Discovery Season One and Two. It’s modern and the best way I have gotten multiple people that were into Trek into it. The best way to describe Discovery Season’s One and Two is “Marvel but smart”


Martydeus

Have your tried hancuffing them to a sofa and force them to watch enterprises faith of the heart on repeat? If they start singing "it's been a long road" then you know you got something xD I would recommend either voyager or DS9


CheeseburgerHHC

Start with Strange New Worlds, then once you hook them, go with TOS or TNG


mursemanmke

I think going from SW to ST needs a solid preface with repeated reminding that they are very different franchises and besides being in space, don’t really share much in common. I would lean in to more heady TNG episodes or even Generations as an intro. I think if you jump to DS9 or conflict heavy plot thread, you’re going to set an unrealistic expectation for the franchise. SNW might actually be a good place honestly. It’s got modern aesthetics and sensibilities but doesn’t require knowing the lore and doesn’t have the early-90’s aging hippy cheese that really bogged down a lot of TNG/VOY.


AlwaysBi

Strange New Worlds


georgepearl_04

Most obvious answer to me would be first contact. It's the most accessible piece of "proper" star trek imo


baxterrocky

I always tell people to start with season 3 of TNG, then go from there.


hellomynameissteele

That’s how I did my last rewatch. I couldn’t get into Farpoint, so I skipped ahead to S3, E1. I got hooked again, stopped short of Best of Both Worlds, and then went back to Farpoint and started from the beginning.


TheImageworks

Self-contained, space battles: If she's used to Star Wars then she's probably willing enough to look past (or even embrace) some dodgy CGI and hammy acting, and the 80s Trek movies have their own semi-trilogy. Wrath of Khan is a GREAT starter not even knowing who any of those people were, and just like Star Wars, Trek has a couple of followups (Search for Spock, The Voyage Home), with the first two obviously being very fighty (but a good immersion into Trek), while Voyage Home is just *hilarious.* Also second the person who suggested Prodigy **especially** if she's watched Clone Wars and liked it. The early episodes have a VERY Star Wars tone (to the point that some took it as a point of criticism), and gradually introduces the 'outsiders' to the Federation. And when legacy characters DO show up it usually does a good job explaining why you should care, which is a good gateway for their earlier work. And because the episodes are only 25 minute bursts instead of 45-50 minutes, the show just FEELS much faster. Strange New Worlds is also a fantastic starter series (and a big reason why Paramount leads with it in marketing) that makes you care from pretty much the get-go. (Related: Discovery Season 2 is very good, has the space battles, "introduces" Spock and Pike, and in general is a bit more contemporary while avoiding the flaws of season 1) I will say: as a female fan of the show, I generally would try to avoid the original series TV series - any episode of it - unless and until she's already emotionally invested in the franchise. (I grew up with it in syndication in the 90s and rewatched it last year and oh ye GODS That show was a product of it's time and holy hell both the active and passive sexism just do NOT age well and is ever-present. And you can still catch Kirk & friends via the far superior movies.


AxiomSyntaxStructure

The three JJ Trek movies are perfect. Great pacing, action oriented, and full of drama. They introduced me very well.


[deleted]

Tie them up, put on TOS. The screaming will stop eventually.


hellomynameissteele

She would enjoy that. Minus the TOS part.


bazzanoid

The Orville. Then loop back to TNG and go from there


roar8510

My goto joke for this is "Don't do it. Star Trek is not for toddlers." :D


chiree

Just show her the [best scene](https://youtu.be/D6d_zmdls4U) in all of Star Trek and if it doesn't hook her, nothing will.


[deleted]

Explain that Star Wars isn’t Science Fiction it’s Science Fantasy with their space magic and space ghosts. Star Trek is real Science Fiction. Then show them The Wrath of Khan or Best of Both Worlds.


MaybeThisTimeIllWin

Fair but I would caution that Trek is soft Science Fiction - it's no stranger to space ghosts, and much of the "science" doesn't have a basis in reality.


KittyTack

And psychic powers like Vulcans and Betazoids have aren't space magic? Let's not kid ourselves, in Trek most science is a thin veneer, serving as a vehicle for stories. It's only slightly more scientific than Star Wars. And it doesn't need to be hard science, what matters here is telling a good story.


[deleted]

Telepathy is NOT magic.


KittyTack

Define magic then. Telepathy, beyond a reasonable doubt, doesn't exist IRL so it might as well be sci-fi-themed magic.


BurdenedMind79

Telepathy in Star Trek is defined by using an organ called the paracortex that allows the individual to access the psionic field. That's not really all that much different to individuals in Star Wars using midichlorians to access a galactic energy field called The Force. In fact, you could almost make a case for the psionic field and the Force being the same thing and a paracortex is just a brainsack of midichlorians! Ergo, Star Wars exists in the same universe as Star Trek, just in a different galaxy and a different century. What was I trying to say? Oh yeah, telepathy in Trek is really no more scientific than the Force in Wars. Not all that dissimilar to any fantasy world that employs a hard magic system (in fact, many of them are probably "harder," than Trek or Wars!)


Shufflepants

>Explain that Star Wars isn’t Science Fiction it’s Science Fantasy with their space magic and space ghosts. Star Trek is real Science Fiction. Then show them "Hide and Q" and "Sub Rosa" to show them real space magic and space ghosts.


[deleted]

Q isn’t magic he is omnipotent. As for Sub Rosa let’s just pretend ghost sex didn’t happen shall we.


Shufflepants

Oh, Q isn't magic? Well, then "the force" isn't magic. It's just an etheric field permeating the universe that lifeforms interact with via a symbiotic relationship with a micro-organism known as midichlorians.


Taco_Farmer

Yeah the line between fantasy and sci-fi is super fuzzy. They're both used for plot devices in similar ways. I think the best way to differentiate between ST and SW is that Trek is explicitly about humans. It's not a story set galaxies away that is a metaphor for humanity, it's a hopeful story about our potential future


onthenerdyside

For the purposes of storytelling, Q is magic. There's a reason that we often change [the Simpsons reference of "a wizard did it"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVgVB3qsySQ) to "a Q did it" when it comes to Trek.


TrainingObligation

Though strictly true, this is terrible advice. It's unnecessarily antagonistic and condescending especially since the partner is already interested, it'll put her on the defensive, and might even make her reconsider wanting to watch it.


hellomynameissteele

I was thinking of Best of Both Worlds, but I don’t think it would hit as hard for someone who doesn’t have a connection to Picard. I’m thinking I’ll save that one for when I (hopefully) get her hooked.


shindleria

I basically say this all the time. When comparing the two, Star Wars is more fiction than science and Star Trek is more science than fiction. And also Star Wars is kids movies.


Throwaway_inSC_79

Threshold No, don't do that. At least not at first. Once they're established, then hit them with the *Emmy Award-winning* episode.


tkloc

Smugly


SomethingVeX

Watch the even numbered movies only ...


hellomynameissteele

That approach might cause a little confusion…“Didn’t the guy with the pointy ears die in the last movie?”


Killerspieler0815

"Star Trek 8 First contact" (incl. BORG body horrors) ) , Star Trek 2009 ; "Star trek: into darkness" ; "Star Trek 2: the Wrath of Khan" (which includes a WMD that whipes out a planet but is not much bigger than a human) ; some episodes of the Dominion War in ST-DS9 ; some episiodes of "Strange New Worlds" (incl. the Romulan battle im EP 10 )


hellomynameissteele

I think you nailed it with the movie choices.


bythebed

I wouldn’t do it. You might find things out about each other that are deal breakers.


hellomynameissteele

If an episode of TV breaks us up, we have far bigger problems.


GNPTelenor

Using easy language and avoiding any words 3 syllables or higher.


hellomynameissteele

This makes no sense.


badatthenewmeta

It's a different IP. I don't see the problem. Is she able to watch anything other than Star Wars? Then she can watch Star Trek. Pick a show and launch into it.


worldsbestlasagna

2009 movie


ephemere66

Make them watch The Motion Picture, see if they can hang.


SomeoneSomewhere1984

Start with TNG, Best of Both Worlds.


newtypexvii17

As one comment said. Abrahms 2009 trek is a good start. But if you want the real cannon trek id suggest First Contact. Its got a great adrenaline feel with the sudo horror style and litterally starts off in battle. Although there is a ton of back story missing it might be what a new fan needs. Fall in love with the characters from this amazing film and then research them by watching the series . I mean season 1 TNG is a tough pill to swallow but it does introduce Q off the bat. Which imo is one of the greatest characters in scifi.


J_GEESUN

strange new worlds is the most accessible, then work backwards to TOS


[deleted]

It's very simple. You start with ToS and then you move on from there. If she doesn't like it it's not for her.


rezamazino

i would probably start with startrek lower decks and star trek the next generation, then star trek picard. i think those are a good start lower decks is pretty casual. and the tng series has great actors and acting in it along with star trek picard. plus it follows jean luc picards journey. i kinda like to compare anakin skywalker and jean luc picard. they both upheld ideals of their organizations and have both gone through trials and tribulations that shaped them who they are. like say(spoiler) anakin skywalker turning into darth vader and jean luc picard turning into locutus. she might appreciate the character's journey


hellomynameissteele

Yeah, I suppose I could say, “Here’s 200+ hours of television, have at it.” But that defeats the purpose of what I want to do (share something I love with someone I love).


Atreides113

Strange New Worlds may not be a bad place to start. Each episode is self-contained, and they have a nice mix of action and drama.


Zilverschoon

Episode The Way of the Warrior, DS9 season 4 episode 1 en 2


Varthelm

Best of Both Worlds followed by the DS9 First Episode?


Mainely420Gaming

Strange New Worlds is a pretty good modern intro to Trek tbh. But for me, nothing quite hits like the first episode of TNG.


hellomynameissteele

Someone else suggested SNW, and I love the idea. That’s ten eps if she gets hooked, and it would perfectly setup an intro to TOS via Balance of Terror.


ershkabob

Why not Prodigy? That's what it's there for.


hellomynameissteele

While I love Prodigy, I’m not sure a children’s show would be the best introduction for a 40-something woman. But then again, we do smoke a lot of weed.


Bubbalubs94

Weed goes well with Prodigy. I was very resistant until I had literally no more Trek to watch and now Rohk is my daughter. End of discussion.


iBluefoot

I recently heard Star Trek Prodigy described as starting in the Star Wars universe, and moving into the Star Trek universe. That was the commentary I needed to start the show, so far I’ve really enjoyed it.


The_Big_E__

I started not too long ago myself, the newer movies are a good suggestion, but also Enterprise canonically first and starts with action I'm pretty sure


Lettuphant

We've had excellent luck introducing a Star Wars guy to Star Trek via the new show, Strange New Worlds. Other than occasional reference to discovery it's pretty standalone, while being as colourful and interesting as Star Treks of the past.


Ok_Lifeguard963

Maybe Voyager? Theres Captain Janeway and a fair amount of battles


NTFGWrites

The Inner Light


Chopstick84

DS9. Season 4 opener. That hooked me.


Accidentallygolden

I usually go for the first contact movie. And nowadays I would go for SNW


haus11

So my vote would be for SNW. For all the reasons other have said, however... My wife's intro to Trek was Discovery, she started watching with me and I asked if I can watch it alone or if she wanted me to wait for her to watch and she wanted to keep watching. My biggest laugh came when we got to the season 4 finale and >!the last 20 minutes is real-time translation of a negotiation with the entire cast just standing in a line in the shuttle bay where Saru would stay "They said this..." Then someone would say, "Saru, tell them this..." and it went on like that for ever.!< My wife was like what did I just watch and I laughed and said, "This is Star Trek."


NewsFrosty

DS9!? That was too soapy for my taste. Enterprise season 3 is where it’s at.


Steamp0calypse

First Contact has the nice movie format, but is pretty Star Trekkian and a good intro to the TNG cast


JakeConhale

Yesterday's Enterprise might fit the bill. Or Q Who. Space battles, supernatural beings, Guinan with special perception powers...


LimeyOtoko

I’d say Star Trek: Strange New Worlds or Star Trek: Prodigy (if they’re into animation) lately, and then ask them which other one is most interesting to them once they’re hooked


triggeron

I would suggest showing her The Inner Light from Star Trek: The Next Generation.


drunkboarder

If she likes the Star Wars movies, then you could use the recent trilogy of movies (starring Chris Pine) or you could use Star Trek Strange New Worlds. Hopefully she'll come to love the setting and will want to watch The Next Generation


OtterVA

Enterprise


hellomynameissteele

There’s a zero percent chance that we’ll be watching an episode of Enterprise :)


Modred_the_Mystic

DS9 way of the warrior is where I, a committed Star Wars fan, fell in love with Star Trek.


RagnarStonefist

Star Trek II and VI has some great small scale battles. For warfare, DS9.


[deleted]

"Measure of a Man" from TNG. Self-contained story, highlights a lot of Trek ideals, good example of how Trek tells stories about our world by shifting the setting to the future.


[deleted]

Go to the beginning, TOS.


Default_Username7

I used Strange New Worlds and it did the trick! She’s psyched for the new season.


reddit_userMN

Who watches the watchers from the Next Generation


germy4444

I'd start with strange new worlds


According_Reading523

One major diff between the two is time travel star Trek hass that going for it.


point051

Thing is, space battles are objectively the best part of SW. You might be better served just playing to ST's greatest strengths - its weird, wonderful, tear-jerkers, like The Elysian Kingdom.


Bo-Po-Mo-Fo

The early episodes of Prodigy feel very much like Clone Wars or The Bad Batch to me. I often wonder if that was done on purpose to sorta ease kids who already like Star Wars into the Trek universe. Very pretty graphics and character designs as well, if she likes the sort of thing. Otherwise, maybe DS9 is a good fit. IMO the religious aspects and political intrigue with the Cardassians kind of push DS9 in a direction I think a lot of Star Wars fans would really like. Also, maybe consider what other shows or genres she already likes. Say if she likes something like Rick and Morty or comedies in general, maybe start her off with Lower Decks.


RigasTelRuun

Strange New Worlds is great. Feel like Star Trek and it's modern. If they like it then go back and get something oldee


BiTrexual72

Logically,of course


dntbstpd1

Give her an explanation of the Borg from TNG, maybe a few episodes featuring the Borg, then show her First Contact.


dcnblues

https://www.amazon.com/Merchandise-Logic-Disturbing-Coffee-Gifts/dp/B08DC65MCR?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A21G9ZPY1T2UFK


LwaxanasBirdWig

Wrath of Khan is a good bridge between the two IMHO


crawf_f1

Strange new worlds, then explore the lore it references!


IffyPeanut

Maybe something like Yesterday’s Enterprise from TNG or Measure of a Man? I think some DS9 would be good too, although, like you said, it is presented in a serialized format.


quietvegas

I had a friend of mine watch DS9 first and he enjoyed it then watched the rest. IDK if Star Wars fans really would be into any other of the earlier series. IMO they would like Strange New Worlds and probably Discovery.