Why are Star Trek fans so bitter about the reboot?

[benbess]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

People who are saying that nu-Kirk is "more of an ass" than TOS-Kirk either haven't seen many TOS episodes lately, or have a different definition of "ass" than I do.

TOS-Kirk would have been not only stripped of his command, but put in the brig indefinitely EVERY. SINGLE. EPISODE. The number of times he violated the Prime Directive alone is astronomical.

Well, sort of. Shatner's Kirk took big risks, and enjoyed himself, but somehow it wasn't played quite like the grown up frat boy that Pine's Kirk seems like once-in-a-while.

But you have a point. They are both reckless and over-the-top captains.

In Star Trek VI Kirk is put on trial, and he is accurately described by Klingon General Chang (wonderfully played by Christopher Plummer) as a reckless captain who takes matters into his own hands whenever it pleases him. Shatner's Kirk admits it.

"'James Tiberius Kirk... What would your favorite author say Captain? Let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings. Tell us your sad story Kirk, Tell us how you planned to take revenge for the death of you son...."

CHANG: "....This officer's record shows him to be an insubordinate, unprincipled, career-minded opportunist with a history of violating the chain of command whenever it suited him.
KLINGON JUDGE: Continue.
CHANG: Indeed the record shows that Captain Kirk once held the rank of Admiral and that Admiral Kirk was broken for taking matters into his own hands in defiance of regulations and the law. Do you deny you were demoted for these charges, Captain? Don't wait for the translation. Answer me now!
KIRK: I cannot deny it.
CHANG: You were demoted.
KIRK: Yes.
CHANG: For insubordination.
KIRK: On occasion, I have disobeyed orders.