When people in positions of power either miss or (even worse) intentionally pass on an opportunity that is glaringly obvious, it's at the very least annoying or at the worst, an unforgivable crime. The two state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, WWE handling of the WCW invasion angle and a UK version of Cheaters starring Jeremy Kyle are a few examples of missed opportunities that may never come around again. But while examples like that might generate a modicum of discontent, nothing sets the internet ablaze more than a studio or producer lacking forethought when it comes to the way they handle a beloved TV and movie franchise. Star Trek got many things right, the death of Spock, making sure the original crew received a proper send off in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and almost all of Deep Space Nine; however, even it had its fair share of missed chances. Chances that when you look back, if handled properly, could have been the making of TV and Movie history. Instead fans of the show have been left with a whole bunch of ''what if's'' and collective face palming. So what are they and why are Star Trek fans in a parallel universe pointing and laughing at us for being creatively short changed? One way to find out and that's by keep on reading but be warned, you may be prompted to air your grievance in an email to Paramount and CBS.
10. No Shatner In Star Trek 2009
Kirk dying in Star Trek Generations caused many issues - which I will go into later - but none more so than causing a major hurdle in how to squeeze him into the 2009 Star Trek reboot. How could they bring the original Captain Kirk back to life and insert him into the story, while at the same time respect the canon of the ''prime'' timeline? The one thing going in favor of the way Kirk died was that it could be argued that he died inside the Nexus, a ribbon of energy that transcended space and time. So by using science fiction jiggery-pokery and some imagination on the writers part, they could have come up with some reason as to how Kirk didn't really die, and that escaped the Nexus some other way. But the overwhelming question is whether Shatner should have been in the 2009 movie? Without a doubt, the inclusion of Leonard Nimoy gave the reboot much more credibility in the eyes of old school Star Trek fans, the film might have lacked in other areas but the appearance of Nimoy-Spock was a welcome sight. However, it would have been even more exciting to see Shatner-Kirk with him. Yes he would be much older - and rounder - but as his appearance at the Oscars showed, he can still do it. The argument that his presence in the film would have been the cinematic equivalent of the ''cock-block'' that prevented the new crew from becoming the center of attention is a valid one. To be fair, if Shatner was in the film with Nimoy, it would have been the focal point of the film that everyone talked about, but that wouldn't have necessarily been a bad thing. Shatner has said he wasn't interested in doing a cameo, but a role similar to what Nimoy had was a step up from a cameo and not imposing enough to prevent the new crew from making their mark. Like I said, Shatner said he would not do a cameo but was interested in being in the film. The writers could not think of a way to circumnavigate the Nexus issue but did write a couple of scenes that would have been awesome if they made it into the film. The problem was that they didn't even show them to Shatner so we don't know if he would have done them or not, but money is a great encourager. Both scenes appear at the end of the film and both would have gone a long way to cement Pine-Kirk as an acceptable Captain Kirk. It would also have dropped any early speculation surrounding if he was going to be in the sequel. You can read the unused script below;
SPOCK PRIME Then I ask that you do yourself a favor put away logic, and do what feels right. The world youve inherited lives in the shadow of incalculable devastation but theres no reason you must face it alone. And from around his neck, he removes the PENDANT that until now, weve only caught glimpses of. Places it on the table beside his younger self. The feeling in his eyes is profound SPOCK PRIME (CONTD)This was a gift to me. Representing a dream. One we were unable to fulfill. (softly) The way you can now. And moves to the door. Stops. Offers the VULCAN SALUTE: SPOCK PRIME (CONTD) As my customary farewell would appear oddly self serving, I will simply say good luck. Their eyes hold. Spock turns, disappearing into the corridor. Young Spock stares at the empty doorway a beat, his mind a jumble of thoughts. Looks to the pendant and realizes its a HOLO-EMITTER. After considering a beat, he hits an activation button and a MOVING HOLOGRAPHIC MESSAGE materializes before him: CAPTAIN JAMES T. KIRK. WILLIAM SHATNER. As always, brash, wry, confident and SINGING: KIRK/ SHATNER Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you (stops, grins) I know I know, its illogical to celebrate something you had nothing to do with, but I havent had the chance to congratulate you on your appointment to the ambassadorship so I thought Id seize the occasion Bravo, Spock they tell me your first mission may take you away for awhile, so Ill be the first to wish you luck and to say (beat, emotional) I miss you, old friend. and were PUSHING IN on Young Spock, taking in the image of Kirks future self, the message, but above all the clear, unquestionable friendship these two men had INT. CORRIDOR CONTINUOUS As Spock Prime walks off down the corridor, he passes right by a man conferring with a nurse the man pauses, turns its SAREK. Suddenly overcome by a feeling that the stranger whos just passed him is oddly familiar. KIRK/SHATNER (V.O.) I suppose Id always imagined us outgrowing Starfleet together. Watching life swing us into our Emeritus years INT. STARBASE ONE HANGAR ETERNAL NIGHT MUSIC BUILDING glass walls reveal THE ENTERPRISE at dock, UTILITY CRAFTS floating around it, repairing. Standing at attention in rows, THE ENTERPRISE CREW over four hundred of them wearing DRESS UNIFORMS TRACK DOWN the faces, all proud: KIRK/SHATNER (V.O.) I look around at the new cadets now and cant help thinking has it really been so long? Wasnt it only yesterday we stepped onto the Enterprise as boys? That I had to prove to the crew I deserved command and their respect? And we STOP ON YOUNG KIRK. Composed, focused, proud. A man. And to every fans delight, finally wearing his YELLOW SHIRT. The FEDERATION COMMANDANT stands at a podium: COMMANDANT This assembly calls Captain James Tiberius Kirk Kirk breaks from formation, pivots, marches down the hangar past UHURA SULU CHEKOV SCOTTY. All Beaming. Notably absent, is Spock. Kirk ascends the stairs, snaps to attention: COMMANDANT (CONTD)Your inspirational valor and supreme dedication to your comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of service and reflect utmost credit to yourself, your crew, and the Federation. By Starfleet Order 28455, you are hereby directed to report to Commanding Officer, USS Enterprise, for duty as his relief. Kirk turns. Walks to PIKE. In a wheelchair now, wearing an ADMIRALS UNIFORM. Overnight, his hairs turned totally grey but despite his trauma, his prides overwhelming. They SALUTE each other: KIRK I relieve you, Sir. PIKE I am relieved. He opens a BOX in his lap glorious in repose, a MEDAL: PIKE (CONTD)And as Fleet Admiral, for your unique solution to the Kobayashi Maru, its my honor to award you with a commendation for original thinking. Pike containing a smirk, pins the medal to Kirks chest PIKE (CONTD) (a touch choked) Congratulations, Captain. KIRK Thank you, Sir. Kirk turns to the crowd. Eyes shining. WILD APPLAUSE. OUR MUSIC SOARS. Bones leans in to Sulu, rolling his eyes: BONES Same ship, different day. As Kirk rejoins his crew for hugs and congratulations, we go to the BACK of the hangar SPOCK PRIME. Watching. Moved beyond words. He turns and leaves them to it as he goes KIRK/SHATNER (V.O.) I know what youd say Its their turn now, Jim And of course youre right but it got me thinking: INT. STARFLEET HOSPITAL EARTH DAY Our montage comes full circle as we END on Kirks transmission: KIRK/SHATNER Whos to say we cant go one more round? By the last tally, only twenty five percent of the galaxys been chartered Id call that negligent. Criminal even an invitation. You once said being a starship captain was my first, best destiny if thats true, then yours is to be by my side. If theres any true logic to the universe well end up on that bridge again someday. Stops, grins. Because this is the part he needs to say most KIRK/SHATNER Admit it, Spock. For people like us, the journey itself is home. Young Spocks face. Lost in feelings that flood through him.
Reading that, there is no concrete proof that Shatner would have done it, but the whole thing is a missed opportunity that won't come around again.