A New York Times crossword puzzle answer has finally settled the age-old question of whether Star Wars or Star Trek is the better franchise.

The age-old debate of whether Star Wars or Star Trek is the better space-based franchise has finally been answered in a New York Times crossword puzzle answer. First airing in 1966, eleven years before Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Trek introduced audiences to Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and a host of other crew members aboard the USS Enterprise. The original series aired for three years but has since been rebooted and revived in several different forms, including, most recently, the trilogy of films starring Chris Pine.

Arguably more fantasy than science fiction, the Star Wars franchise has become one of the most reliable entertainment properties of all time. In addition to 12 feature films, the Star Wars universe has also seen success with its TV shows, including The Clone Wars, The Mandalorian, and most recently, The Book of Boba Fett. Although in many ways, Star Wars and Star Trek are very different franchises with different strengths, fans have debated which one is superior for the better part of forty years now.

However, a user named Matt on Twitter pointed out a new answer from The New York Times crossword puzzle that may have finally answered the age-old Star Wars vs. Star Trek debate. According to the crossword, both franchises are the best. With the clue asking for « the better of two sci-fi franchises, » both Star Wars and Star Trek can be inputted into the puzzle as correct answers. Check out the clever crossword puzzle answer below:

The beauty of the crossword answer is that both Star Wars fans and Star Trek fans can feel validated in thinking they have the better franchise. Although the surrounding answers will change depending on which franchise is inputted into the space, the puzzle will still work. Interestingly, suppose Star Trek is inputted as the best sci-fi franchise. In that case, the clue and answer for 71 Down becomes « It’s a trap! » an iconic line uttered by Admiral Ackbar in the final film in the original trilogy, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Ultimately, the crossword puzzle answer reinforces the notion that both Star Wars and Star Trek are excellent in their own ways. While Star Wars is the more popular franchise, at least in terms of box office success, Star Trek has a similarly passionate fan base, and another feature film is reportedly in the works at Paramount. Whether one is better than the other will always come down to personal taste, and, just like the classic chocolate vs. vanilla argument, there is no correct answer. Both franchises have given fans stories and characters that have remained relevant and iconic decades after they first premiered, which should be celebrated by fans instead of debated.

Source: Matt/ Twitter

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