I was recently listening to some random music in order to test the sound quality of some headphones and “The Enterprise” from Star Trek: The Motion Picture started playing and I got to thinking about the music and the never-ending discussion about the length of that scene in the movie. Some viewers feel it is overly long and fan-indulgent, but I have to admit that I have never skipped over the scene during any of the countless times that I have re-watched that movie.

There is little doubt in my mind that the majestic score by Jerry Goldsmith drives the emotions of that scene. But there is more to it than just that — much more, I believe.

Many people have successfully argued — and I wholeheartedly agree — that the Enterprise was as much a central character of the Star Trek as were Kirk, Spock, or McCoy. Those who designed and directed that scene in Star Trek: The Motion Picture understood and appreciated that Back in 1979, when we went to the movie theater to view the movie for the first time, is was as much to see our beloved starship again as it to spend time once more with the members of its crew.

But thinking on it now, and perhaps this is also driven by the times in which we now found ourselves living, the Enterprise in that scene — special effects, music, and all — is more than just a reminder to Kirk of everything he has lost by being promoted to the rank of Admiral: it is also a symbol of hope.

Accompanied by the swelling music, it reminds us of what the future can hold for all of us, that we can find a way to accept our differences and work together in a positive way toward a future when such things as starships become possible, when we can watch in collective awe together with an appreciation of “We did that.” I think that’s one of the reasons that scene resonates with people — and not just fans. For about five minutes or so, we can experience a long and lingering look at a bright and promising future that might be possible — for all of us.

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