Star Trek Resolves Its Most Confounding Detail With a Smart Solution That Makes Perfect Sense

Star Trek remains one of the most cherished franchises in the science fiction realm. Despite its popularity, the series has its share of quirks and inconsistencies, some of which have become running jokes throughout its various adaptations. However, a recent installment offers a refreshing explanation for one such detail that has puzzled fans for decades.

In the latest issue, Star Trek #26 by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Angel Hernandez, an intense scenario unfolds where Lore, an android and psychopathic duplicate of Data, sets off a bomb capable of annihilating all life across the multiverse. Captain Sisko and the crew of the USS Theseus narrowly escape their universe’s destruction, traveling back in time to encounter alternate versions of Captain Kirk and the USS Enterprise crew.

Upon their ships converging, the two captains convene to strategize their next steps amidst this cosmic crisis. While Sisko and Kirk discuss potential solutions, their respective crew members engage in light-hearted conversations, highlighting subtle differences between their starships. One particular interaction humorously examines the fact that the current USS Enterprise features carpets—cue an amusing response: “What would you want it to be, carpet?”

The Smart Reason Behind Starship Carpeting in Star Trek

A Longstanding Tradition: Carpeted Floors in Star Trek Starships

Carpeted interior of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek.

From the early days of the franchise through to Star Trek: The Next Generation, the interiors of starships—particularly the iconic USS Enterprise—have consistently showcased carpeting. This design choice, often viewed as a quirky nod to an outdated aesthetic reminiscent of shag carpets, surprisingly holds functional merit. Many fans have long questioned the practicality of these carpets, especially given the dynamic and often perilous nature of space battles.

The concerns surrounding the slippery nature of the floors resonate with the audience. In the event of enemy fire or sudden evasive maneuvers, having floors that provide traction would be crucial for crew safety. Carpeting indeed offers better grip than polished metal surfaces, making this retro design decision far more logical than it initially appears. This creative rationale breathes new life into a design choice that once seemed mere kitsch.

Beyond the Comic: Previous Explanations for Carpeted Floors

Star Trek: Lower Decks Shares Its Own Comedic Take on Carpeting

Star Trek: Lower Decks crew sitting in their socks.

The ongoing joke about Star Trek’s carpets has been a recurring theme within the franchise, including in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. In season 4, episode 5, several characters, slightly under the influence, enter a starship and one exclaims, “Oh, I love your Starfleet carpeting. It’s perfect to pass out on.” This humorous commentary suggests that the carpeting serves a practical purpose even in moments of revelry, further illustrating the absurdity and charm of such design choices.

While Lower Decks offered a comedic perspective on starship carpeting, the latest comic provides a substantial rationale that elevates this longstanding detail from mere quirkiness to a thought-provoking aspect of ship design. This newfound explanation not only appeals to loyal fans but also lends credibility to what some might regard as an incongruity in the beloved Star Trek universe.

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