Flogging Dead Aliens

An interesting observation on why Star Trek and Star Wars won't go away just yet. But it's not just creative bankruptcy.

Add to that, that both ST and SW make boatloads of money for their studios -- in licensing, merchandising, product placements, etc. A big part of the Star Trek revenue stream for Paramount is stuff: tchotchkes sold to fans. Magazines, CDs, DVDs, coffee mugs, mouse pads, t-shirts, books, clothing, figurines, toys. Tons of stuff. Very profitable, too, at the prices they charge. Most television series season box sets can be had for between $35 and $60. Not Star Trek, where they routinely cost $90 to $120!

They'll be back in different form, but in a way that keeps fans buying stuff. Because that's what it's all about: buying stuff.

BTW, all I want is my Flash ("The Fastest Man Alive!") movie. And maybe a Legion of Superheroes movie, if DC ever gets off their butt.

And on Star Trek, I deeply wish now that they'd just let the franchise lie dormant for maybe ten years, at least. Give everyone else a chance to age and retire, or get too entrenched in their new careers to come back. Then have a completely new creative team (and production, costume, set, make-up design teams as well) come in to re-invent the series for the next generation of fans. Won't happen, of course, but a fan can wish.

Hat tip: Instapundit.