Re: Non-Pessimistic Modern SF

In article <h4hgd39ap3b458qi5ih6g79n52iaa0mtlp@xxxxxxx>,
John Schilling <schillin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Fri, 31 Aug 2007 03:40:16 +0000 (UTC), jdnicoll@xxxxxxxxx (James
Nicoll) wrote:

In article <ected3tj6vn38k5d3472cqgmcrcjd8nl1f@xxxxxxx>,
John Schilling <schillin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Much as I hate to bring it up, I'd wager most recent _Star Trek_
media tie-ins would qualify. Probably _Star Wars_ as well, but
I'm less familiar with that franchise.

Let's put it this way: 40ish years after the destruction
of the Death Star, Han Solo's kid is well on his way to pulling
off a Palpatine 2.

Interesting; I did not know that. Does he seem likely to succeed?

No, on account of being an idiot. What he's managed to do
is convince the galaxy that he's a major threat to all non-Alliance
worlds, without being a big enough threat for everyone to want to
cut a deal with him. Think Japan, circa 1944.

Actually, I suppose the first question should be, is this presented
as being a Bad Thing this time around? There's far too many writers
who get all optimistic about the prospect of a Benevolent Dictatorship.

As near as I can make out, it's the horrible outcome of PTSD
(Jacen Solo was captured and tortured by extragalactic aliens at one
point) plus visions of the future that he may not understand plus
machinations of the remaining Sith.
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