Welcome to the 30 day challenge of May, which sees a return to two of the most iconic things in pop culture, to say nothing of Science Fiction, namely Star Trek and Star Wars. Throughout this month some prompts will be general and apply to both franchises, while others will be Trek/Wars specific, as indicated.

Over the next few days we’re digging into various emotional/dramatic genre aspects of Star Wars and Star Trek, and today we’re dealing with Tragedy, the moments that really punch you in the gut.

So for today, discuss What are the saddest or most tragic moments from within Star Wars and Star Trek? And what would-be tearjerkers fell totally flat or were unearned?

Bonus prompt: What’s overall the saddest episode/show/film from each series?

Extra Bonus prompt: What episode/shows/films in particular could’ve really benefitted containing more sadness?

Kelvin Legends Bonus prompt: What moments WOULD have been tragic, but got somehow reversed or negated?

Legends of Kelvin Bonus prompt: What franchise is the overall better at handling tragedy for you?