“Be the Captain they remember”

Abstract

This virtual ethnography focuses on fan responses to the SF drama series StarTrek: Picard and its ageing cast.The revival of a popular SF franchise after a pause of almost two decades, the reprise of iconic roles by visibly transformed cast members and the ensuing discussions in online spaces yield an insight into viewers' attitudes towards representations of age and ageing in popular culture.Drawing on a qualitative analysis of posts in a Facebook group dedicated to the series, this article maps out dominant cultural narratives on ageing and the meaning that fans ascribe to Star Trek: Picard within this landscape.Commentary on the ageing bodies of actors and actresses reveals what some fans consider "graceful" or "successful" ageing.Praise of those who are perceived to have aged "like a fine wine" demonstrates appreciation of older bodies, while reinforcing pressure to maintain attractiveness.Furthermore, online fan discourses show a marked discrepancy in the way male and female attractiveness are discussed, with female stars being continually objectified and sexualized.Conversations on characters' transformations over time often revolve around expectations of continuity and age-appropriateness.Significant changes to a franchise can challenge fans' sense of affective ownership.While ageing bears negative connotations of decline and decreased autonomy, some fans were inspired by Star Trek: Picard's depiction of ageing.The meaning of "ageing well" emerged as successfully managing change, staying true to oneself while still integrating the inevitable changes wrought by time rather than denying them.

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