The article explores the ongoing feud between ‘Star Trek’ stars William Shatner and George Takei, which dates back to the 1990s, beginning with Takei’s autobiography. It highlights a humorous reference in the third season of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks,’ where character Boimler meets Captain Sulu instead of Kirk, symbolizing the favoritism towards Takei in the franchise. The article also discusses the implications of this rivalry on their relationships and the current state of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise.
The ‘Star Trek’ saga launched in the 1960s with the ‘Starship Enterprise,’ introducing legendary figures like William Shatner’s Captain Kirk and George Takei’s Hikaru Sulu. While their characters shared camaraderie aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, their real-life relationship has been notably strained.
As the final season of the animated series ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ kicks off, we revisit a clever meta-joke from Season 3, highlighting the ongoing tension between these two actors.
What Happened in Star Trek Lower Decks?
In Season 3’s eighth episode of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks,’ Boimler finds himself as a character in a movie he has written within the holodeck. His journey culminates in a quest for deeper meaning where he encounters a deity—not unlike the experiences portrayed in ‘Star Trek V: At the Edge of the Universe.’
Initially misinterpreting the deity as a trick, Boimler’s excitement leads him to a farm—Kirk’s farm, to be precise. Elated, he seeks out Captain Kirk but instead encounters Captain Sulu, prompting Boimler to exclaim, “All the better!”
The Shatner vs. Takei Feud Explained
William Shatner’s reputation for being less than affable on set is well-documented. While he may not have always clicked with his fellow cast members, his contentious relationship with George Takei stands out. Takei has been particularly vocal in criticizing Shatner during interviews, to which Shatner often responds.
According to Screen Rant, the rift began in 1994 with the release of Takei’s autobiography, wherein he described instances of Shatner allegedly ignoring him during filming and modifying the script for ‘Star Trek V,’ a film Shatner directed.
Takei has accused Shatner of having an inflated ego, a claim that also leads to scrutiny of Takei’s own motives. Both actors appear reluctant to share the spotlight. Shatner justifies his behavior, stating that Sulu was a supporting character and that he needed to focus on memorizing his lines during breaks.
For Shatner, his role in ‘Starship Enterprise’ was primarily professional, leaving little room for socializing. However, Takei and others perceived this as a personal slight. The true nature of their dispute remains ambiguous, as both actors continue to exchange barbs on social media, with Takei often taking the lead.
For instance, Takei criticized Shatner’s space flight with Amazon, drawing attention, to which Shatner replied, “He only garners attention by speaking ill of me.”
How is the Franchise Taking Sides?
The decision to feature Takei in a guest role while Shatner is absent sends a noteworthy message. Boimler’s enthusiastic reaction to Sulu is indicative of Paramount+’s position in this ongoing rivalry. Additionally, the meta context of Sulu’s cameo is significant.
In ‘Star Trek V,’ a crucial scene featuring Sulu was reportedly excised, leaving Takei feeling deprived of an important moment in a film directed by Shatner. Now, Sulu receives the spotlight that was supposed to belong to Kirk, with the scene unfolding on Kirk’s ranch.
Whether Shatner might ever appear in ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ remains uncertain, particularly given his critical remarks about the latest ‘Star Trek’ series, making it seem unlikely that Paramount would invite him back as Kirk.
New episodes of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ are currently streaming every Thursday on Paramount+. While this season marks the show’s conclusion, a plethora of other ‘Star Trek’ series and films are on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates on all the latest ‘Star Trek’ releases!