The Canon Debate in Star Trek: Why Star Trek Discovery Is Its Own Universe

The question of whether Star Trek Discovery takes place in the original Star Trek universe or the 2009 reboot has been a subject of much debate among fans. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of canons in the Star Trek universe and examine why Discovery stands as its own distinct entity.

Introduction to Canons in Star Trek

Star Trek, with its numerous shows and movies, has always been a complex series in terms of its continuity. Technically, any continuity beyond the original canon should be referred to as a reboot, as it involves new writers and new material. This is why it can be perplexing when writers claim something is canon if it isn't part of their own work.

When it comes to canon, there are four distinct canons within the Star Trek universe:

Cannon 1: Original Series Canon

This includes the three seasons of the original series and the animated series. These are the foundational episodes and the backbone of the Star Trek universe.

Cannon 2: Original Series Movies

The original series movies, from The Motion Picture (TMP) to Undiscovered Country, are considered a separate canon, although some characters from the animated series are represented in these films.

Cannon 3: Next Generation (TNG)

This canon covers the entire run of The Next Generation, including its movie series, which extends until the end of Enterprise.

Cannon 4: The New Canons

This latest canon begins with Star Trek Discovery and includes Picard, Lower Decks, and Prodigy. In this timeline, the Kelvin Trilogy is considered a separate and distinct canon.

Star Trek Discovery: A New Frontier

Star Trek Discovery introduces a new era for the Star Trek universe, one that diverges from the established canon. As with any reboot or new series, the creation team is free to explore new ideas, new storylines, and new characters. This is why Discovery is its own bubble within the Star Trek universe.

The creation team behind Discovery has given us an entirely new iteration of the Klingon race. In the first season, the Klingons appear in a much more modern, angular design. This contrasted sharply with the more traditional appearance in previous Star Trek episodes and movies. By season two, the Klingons have undergone a change in appearance, with even wear and tear on their faces and bodies. This rapid change in design has left many fans and some creators confused. However, these changes are simply the creative choices of the writers, making Discovery its own distinct universe.

Why Confusion Reigned

A major point of confusion stems from the writers of Discovery backpedaling on their original design. For instance, when Discovery introduced the new Klingon design, they were met with criticism. The writers could have chosen to stick with the new design consistently, thus gaining more respect for their creative choices. Instead, they delivered a different look in the second season, which caused further conflict among fans.

It’s important to understand that these changes are reflective of the creative freedom given to the writers. If the Klingons appear different from how they looked in Nemesis or The Force Awakens, it doesn't undermine the universe; it just represents a new vision for the series. The introduction of new designs in Discovery allows the writers to set the narrative direction they want for their characters and universe. Therefore, it might have been more accurate to label their canon as “our canon,” as they are the ones establishing the new timeline.

Conclusion

The complexity of the Star Trek universe requires an understanding of its various canons. Star Trek Discovery is a distinct entity that brings its own set of characters, storylines, and design choices. The universe is always evolving, and with this evolution comes the need for redepiction of certain elements. Fans of Star Trek can best tolerate these changes by accepting that the creators of Discovery have the freedom to shape their own universe. Whether you embrace this new canon or not, the creative vision of the writers in Discovery is firmly established in its own timeline, making it a unique and distinct part of the Star Trek legacy.