Some things are just not worth arguing over. Coke or Pepsi. Burger King or McDonald’s. Dick Sargent’s or Dick York’s Darrin on “Bewitched.” Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Dan or Dave.
Kirk or Picard.
The two most famous captains from the Star Trek universe are so different that it’s pretty much impossible to describe one as “better” than the other … though that hasn’t stopped Trekkies, Trekkers and even casual fans from fighting over it for more than 35 years now. James T. Kirk was brash, shoot-from-the-hip, fond of bending the rules when it suited him, yet unfailingly loyal — the classic cowboy of outer space. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Picard was a by-the-books kind of leader, intelligent and introspective, but never failing at a moment of crisis when true authority was needed. They both had their flaws and their benefits, and we cheered them on no matter the adventure. The two met only once in “Star Trek Generations,” which required them to put their heads together to defeat a common enemy.
Kirk and Picard have been Trek’s most important, most consistent characters over more than half a century. It was so cool to see a younger Kirk in the Kelvin timeline played by Chris Pine, but to us, Kirk and William Shatner will always be synonymous. And thanks to the third and final season of “Picard,” we got to ride with Patrick Stewart as the old admiral for one final voyage.
No matter which was your favorite captain, both Kirk and Picard have taken us boldly to the final frontier on so many adventures.
