What we can learn from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Like all good science fiction, Star Trek manages to teach us something about ourselves while it entertains us. It did so for the better part of its three-year run on TV, as well as most of the feature films.

But Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan seemed to have the most to say as it kicked off what is arguably one of the best film trilogies ever. Yes, I consider Khan, The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home a trilogy. Wanna fight about it?

Wrath of Khan has the most poignancy, at least for me. And no, it's not because Spock dies in it, although that sequence always puts a tear in my eye. It's what screenwriters Harve Bennett and Jack B. Sowards have to say about aging, something that was previously lost on me, but hit home during a recent viewing.

You see, we're not young bucks in The Basement. Shawn, Mike S and I are in our mid 40s, or about the age the crew of the Enterprise was when they made this movie. And the film's underlying theme of how we deal with death is equally as important as how we deal with life is starting to sink in.

How should we deal with death? We face it, and use the reality that we're all going to die as a way to live better. Don't resign yourself to riding a desk; go out and explore space, or whatever your passion is. As Spock tells Kirk, "anything else is a waste of material." By doing so, you live well, and remain young.

Also, acknowledge that with death comes new life in the form of a new generation we can imprint our knowledge on. By doing so, you get a new beginning, and a legacy is passed on.

Pretty wise words for a rip-snorting space adventure!

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Justin Cider welcomes a Homewrecker to the Fanily

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