: I think there's very different fans, some really just like the universe and
: the stories within it, others like the mechanics of it. And there's
: nothing wrong with either! I wouldn't say retcons aren't sometimes
: necessary, or that avoiding contradictions can't ultimately become a
: technical debt issue with sprawling franchises, but there is something to
: be said for expecting a certain level of care from the people creating a
: universe. Part of what makes them appealing is the level of
: "order" you can create in a rich imagined world that doesn't
: exist in the "real" one.

: (Also no way Star Trek fans hate Star Trek the most. Star Wars fans, having
: historically had far less media to enjoy, have always been worse. :P )

I find it ultimately comes down to knowledge per subject. If you have a passing familiarity of the franchise like "I've seen each episode once", then there are numerous nuances you would not remember from episodes hundreds of back. It won't spoil your enjoyment of the new because you're unaware of the inconsistency.

But if you've watched or even taken notes on multiple viewings of each then you build up a base of knowledge that even minor consistency violations become very noticeable.

But the continuation of a narrative relies on internal consistency. It can be a pain to stick to what's been established but in the end it will pay off.

Many modern showrunners seem to think that the 'baggage' of previous episodes/series paints them into a corner but it would be far better off if they acknowledged what came before and creatively built on it rather than just do their own thing while coopting the property or franchise because recognition alone will bring in the $$.

And while many in the biz measure success by box office $$, the ultimate measure is if you created great art with your story/show, then it will have the longevity that the quick/easy way will not.