A video of Voyager’s Tim Russ hilariously explaining the plot of A New Hope reminds fans of the friendly rivalry between Star Trek and Star Wars.

An old clip of Star Trek: Voyager‘s Tim Russ hilariously explaining Star Wars to the uninitiated has resurfaced on social media. Star Trek and Star Wars have always had a friendly rivalry, riffed upon by comedians for decades. The comically exaggerated rivalry is likely rooted in Star Wars and Star Trek being the biggest science fiction franchises. However, there’s an affectionate back and forth between both franchises, exemplified by the many connections between them.

The most obvious connection between Star Trek and Star Wars is director J.J. Abrams, who has directed two movies apiece in each franchise. However, there are also multiple actors who have appeared in both Star Trek and Star Wars. Another connection between both franchises is the influence of the 1950s Flash Gordon serials on both Star Wars and the Captain Proton alter-ego of Star Trek: Voyager‘s Lt. Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill), which perhaps makes Tim Russ uniquely qualified to hilariously explain the plot of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Star Wars: A New Hope Hilariously Explained By Star Trek: Voyager’s Tim Russ

To celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4th, 2015, the legendary comedy improv group Upright Citizen’s Brigade released a video entitled “Star Trek’s Tim Russ Explains Star Wars Day” as part of their Pocketwatch strand. Tim Russ’ hilarious summary of the plot of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was written by Aaron Burdette, and was recently shared by the Omega Particle Podcast, bringing it to the attention of a new audience. Watch Tim Russ’ explanation of “Dark Vader“, his “Death Ball“, and the mysterious powers of “the Fourth” below:

Tim Russ’ work with the Upright Citizens’ Brigade on the hilarious Star Wars explainer video demonstrates comic chops that he was rarely able to display as Star Trek: Voyager‘s Tuvok. Tim Russ’ deadpan delivery of Aaron Burdette’s script adds an extra dimension to his hilariously inaccurate description of the plot of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, especially his naming of R2D2 as “Pill“.It’s another riff on the Star Trek/Star Wars rivalry, but this collaboration between Tim Russ and the Upright Citizens’ Brigade is the most sophisticated example of the form.

Star Trek Has A Friendly Rivalry With Star Wars

For decades, the friendly rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek has been riffed upon by stand-up comics, and even the stars themselves. In 2015, William Shatner appeared on stage at the Country Music Awards, dressed as a Stormtrooper for a comedy skit. Shatner’s best Star Wars comedy routine, however, was at the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement celebration for George Lucas. William Shatner appeared on stage to the surprise of the assembled Star Wars alumni, riffing on the friendly rivalry between the two franchises. William Shatner even sang a Star Wars-themed version of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” to a delighted George Lucas.

In an interview for the 2011 documentary, Trek Nation, George Lucas revealed he was a big Star Trek fan, and even attended conventions when he was younger. In return, Gene Roddenberry attended an event celebrating 10 years of Star Wars, and shook hands with Lucas, the historic moment captured on camera. The mutual admiration between Star Wars and Star Trek continues to inspire and improve both franchises to this day. But as Star Trek: Voyager‘s Tim Russ proves, that’s no reason not to poke fun at the rivalry every now and then.