The Meaning Behind William Shatner’s Star Trek Tease

William Shatner's iconic role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek has left a lasting footprint in popular culture. However, in a funny sketch from 1986, Shatner's character took a jab at the longevity of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," a movie that many fans still discuss today. The sketch, a standout from Saturday Night Live (SNL), was not just for comedic effect but also carried a deeper message.

The SNL Sketch and Its Significance

Saturday Night Live is renowned for its satirical and comedic sketches. One of the most famous is the Star Trek V: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe segment. Delivered in 1986, this sketch saw Shatner playing a brutal and unpleasant version of himself, wearing a sickly green costume and sending a threatening message about the upcoming film.

The sketch goes as follows:

No sneeeeezzzeeeguard on the saaaaalllaaad baaaaarr.

The phrase "sneezeeguard" humorously refers to a sneezing hygiene tool, which is hilariously juxtaposed with the stark, almost inhumane tone of the sentence. This goes to show that Shatner was not just making a joke but also intentionally pointing out a flaw in the film's premise.

Albus Dumbledore’s Wisdom and a Broader Context

Shatner's point ties into a much older wisdom that resonates even today. This is exemplified by the quote from Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone:

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

This quote, often attributed to Dumbledore, serves as a reminder to the audience that while dreams are important, they should not overshadow the realities of the present. Shatner's comment, while funny, also carries a similar message: sometimes, we need to step back and focus on the here and now rather than getting bogged down by the far-fetched plotlines of movies.

William Shatner's Real Intent

Many viewers have speculated that Shatner was merely making a face, as another answer suggests. However, his genuine concern about the movie's ambitious and controversial plot is evident. In an interview, Shatner himself has discussed the backlash and negative reception the film received:

"I had a point. It was only a TV show. A damn good one, but a lot of fans kind of took that as an insult."

This statement underscores Shatner's intention to critique the movie's direction rather than simply engaging in humor. While the sketch was certainly funny, it also reflected Shatner's disappointment with the film's execution and the subsequent criticism it faced.

Other SNL Sketches and Fan Culture

The SNL sketch series featuring Shatner and Star Trek is not the only instance where he has made an impact on fan culture. Other memorable sketches include:

Saturday Night Live (SNL) Transcripts: William Shatner - 12/20/86: "Star Trek V: The Restaurant Enterprise" - In this sketch, Shatner stars as an obnoxious, green aliens-abound type of Captain Kirk, with Dana Carvey as Khan. The sketch features more slapstick and satire about the upcoming film. Emma Stone and Adam Sandler - Guest Hosting and Comedy - These segments often included humor about fandom and the inevitable jokes about famous actors.

These sketches show the breadth of his comedic range and how he often sheds light on both the positive and negative aspects of fan culture and the entertainment industry with humor.

Conclusion

William Shatner's SNL sketch, while playful, was more than just a joke. It critiqued the fan reception of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," drawing on a message of living in the present and not dwelling on dreams that might never come true. This sketch is an important part of Star Trek and SNL history, reminding us of the balance between entertainment and real-world concerns.