Exploring the Best Star Trek TV Show Intro/Theme Songs
Star Trek has been a beloved space opera franchise for decades, captivating audiences with its compelling stories, iconic characters, and memorable theme songs. Each TV show has its unique intro and theme song, which contribute to its overall atmosphere and legacy. Let’s dive into the debate and explore which intro or theme songs stand out as the best in the Star Trek universe.
The Voyager De Derrr Derr Der De De Derrrr Intro
The Voyager theme, with its “de derr derr der de de derrrr” hook, has a grand, dynamic feel that evokes a sense of grandeur reminiscent of 90s blockbuster entries. The opening credits themselves are quite cinematic, much like a big movie dynasty style. Despite the somewhat cheesy opening lines, the theme and the style certainly bring a nostalgic and theatrical touch to the show.
Star Trek: Discovery’s Opening Credits
I have to say, the opening credits to Star Trek: Discovery are absolutely fantastic. They carry an air of modernity and have a captivating blend of eerie and intense atmospheres, which contrast wonderfully with the more traditional Star Trek themes. Previously, I found the Deep Space Nine intro to be quite enjoyable, but the Discovery Credits stand out for their unique and engaging style.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)
The The Next Generation theme is a classic, and Michael Giacchino’s arrangement of the original themes for the film adaptations is also very good. The inclusion of elements from the first film’s theme, particularly from Star Trek: First Contact, is iconic and has a distinctive feel that fans of the franchise will recognize.
Original Series
The original Star Trek series still holds a special place in the hearts of many Trekkies. While the modern evolutions of its theme have added layers and depth, the iconic original theme by Alexander Courage remains a timeless classic. The simplicity and elegance of the first series’ theme have stood the test of time, capturing the essence of exploration and space travel.
Star Trek: Voyager
Voyager has always been a fan favorite, and its theme song is no exception. The suspenseful and adventurous melody perfectly fits the show’s overall tone. It’s a strong contender for the best theme song, with its unique arrangement capturing the audience’s attention from the very first note.
Deep Space Nine
Before the fourth season speed-up, Deep Space Nine had a more dramatic and intense opening. The sped-up version, however, has been widely criticized, especially for seasons 4 and beyond, as it didn’t quite capture the same essence and story-world the show was built upon. Fans of the series often lament the changes made to the opening theme in the later seasons, believing that they detracted from the show’s overall atmosphere.
My Personal Favorite: Voyager’s Theme Tune
For me, Star Trek: Voyager gets the top vote for its intro and theme song. The thematic world and the sense of urgency and adventure it exudes are unmatched. The melodic quality of the theme, combined with the engaging opening credits, makes it a standout among the other Star Trek shows. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to create a compelling and cohesive world within the overarching Star Trek universe.
Conclusion
While opinions differ, there are a few standout themes that truly capture the magic of the Star Trek series. The Voyager theme, the Discovery intro, and the classic TNG and Original Series themes all stand out as noteworthy additions to the franchise. Whether you prefer the nostalgic 90s feel of Voyager or the modern, intense atmosphere of Discovery, these intros and theme songs are all worth celebrating for their unique contributions to the Star Trek legacy. What is your favorite Star Trek TV show intro or theme song?