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PARALLELS:
A Philosophical Debate in SAAB & Star Trek fandom between
the "classic series" versus "the next generation"*
This is a story I wrote to NINES Editor & Publisher Tim Winker (the SAAB Club newsletter) in response to a question regarding the relationship between SAABs and science fiction. Here was my reply....
I read with interest your question posed on the SAAB Network sometime ago in regards to science fiction and SAABs and the perception that a lot of SAAB owners are also into sci-fi i.e. Star Trek.
Well, there is an interesting parallel that I see among SAAB 900 owners and Star Trek fans-the debate between the original or "classic" (never say old) and "the next generation."
Some watchers and fans of the original Star Trek series are adamant in their opinion that "classic" cast and crew were the best. The relationship between the triumvirate-Kirk, Spock and McCoy was the strength of the show.
Combined with both an ethnically diverse cast and compelling action drama stories of hope and the future, Star Trek was a refreshing reprieve from the political and social turbulence of the mid-Sixties. Despite its short-lived 79 episodes, the adventures of the original Enterprise (NCC-1701) were forever preserved in reruns and later, on the "silver screen."
However, the creator of the original series-Gene Roddenberry, was not finished. Another Star Trek series was in the works. Heresy, "classic" fans said. It won't be like the "real" Star Trek.
Star Trek: The Next Generation debuted in 1987 aboard the brand-new Enterprise (NCC-1701D) with a new cast and crew, "continuing the voyages" the "classic" crew started. Star Trek fans everywhere had an opinion on the show-and comparisons to the "classic" series were inevitable.
Which show was better? Which Enterprise was better? Who's the better captain, Kirk or Picard? Spock vs. Data? Crusher vs. McCoy? Comparisons ad infinitum.
"The Next Generation" would carve out its own identity and style (and surpass the original series in episodes produced), and eventually "win over" even die hard "classic" Star Trek fans in the latter years of the series with well written, tightly-woven (yet politically correct) stories, superb acting and dazzling special effects. Soon comparisons between the shows became superfluous. Both shows were products of their time, with their own strengths and weaknesses.
In the last Star Trek movie "Generations," an awkward but somewhat appropriate transition took place as the film torch was ceremonially passed from the "classic" crew to the "next generation" crew.
It is somehow ironic that the debate between owners of the original or "classic" and "the next generation" 900 series bears a striking similarity to the ongoing debate in the world of Star Trek.
Owners of the "classic" 900 seem to have definite opinions as to which car is the best. The "classic" 900-with its then "weird," unconventional shape and quirky ergonomics-has a hard-core, loyal following equaling or maybe even rivaling that of Star Trek fans! As the last car to be solely developed by SAAB (sans GM) it is the quintessential SAAB to own for diehards. Having driven my parents '82 900 Turbo for several years while in high school and college, I understand the devotion. I share it.
The 9000? Not purebred. A new 900? By GM? Heresy, you say. Won't really be a SAAB.
Much to the delight of some and to the dismay of others, the "next generation" 900 debuted in the US in 1994 to (finally) replace the seemingly timeless, ageless 900. Its modern, aero-hatchback design pays homage to the "classic" 900. The floor-mounted (well, console mounted) ignition, high seating position and the gun slit view from the driver's seat were also carried over from the "classic" 900 and preserved in the "next gen" 900.
Even the heart and soul of the "classic" 900-the 2.0l 4cyl engine in 185hp turbo form-was transplanted into the "next gen" 900 for good measure. But which 900 is better?
Well, my first new SAAB-a '94 900SE Turbo-in my opinion, is a SAAB regardless of GMs influence. It both preserves and upholds the 900 tradition in almost every way. And I think it's better.
In many respects, the "next gen" 900-like Star Trek "the next gen"-is superior to the original. Both originals were a product of its time, but its time is past. The original Enterprise, NCC-1701 is gone. The original 900 is now gone, too. Perhaps it is time to "pass the torch."
But the question still remains-will it truly replace the original?
In Star Trek VI:The Undiscovered Country, there was a scene in Spock's personal chamber where he confides to Lt. Valeris that this is his last mission aboard the Enterprise and he will no longer be serving as a member of the crew. Spock said to her that "nature abhors a vacuum. I intend you to replace me." She answers: "I could only succeed you...."
P.S. Shall we call the "next gen" SAAB, 900-D?
Ed. Note: To those of us who have been around SAABs since the '70s, the '94-on 900s are REAL 900s. Since the previous 900 was a 99 chassis with an extended nose, technically it should have been the 99-B.