Why CBS Keeps Making Star Trek Prequels Instead of Continuing Deep Space Nine's Storyline

The Evolution of Star Trek's Chronological Perspective

The recent trend of Star Trek prequels has sparked a wave of debate among fans. CBS has released several prequels, with shows like Voyager and Nemesis expanding the timeline into the 24th century. However, many fans argue that the next logical step for the series should be to explore the 25th century, following the narrative established in Deep Space Nine.

The Business Side of Star Trek

While writers may want to tell fresh and original stories, the business aspect of the franchise often dictates otherwise. JJ Abrams and Paramount preferred to revisit established stories rather than venture into uncharted territory. This trend continued with Enterprise, despite the initial fan dissatisfaction. Critics argue that a series' future direction is often determined by marketability and business necessities, rather than creative vision.

Discovery introduced a perspective diving into the "dark side," which some fans see as a sign that the franchise may have run out of steam. This could eventually lead to a renewed focus on the 25th century, as viewers and marketers search for fresh stories to captivate audiences.

Potential Story Ideas for the 25th Century

The vast Star Trek universe offers a plethora of story ideas for the 25th century. One compelling direction could involve the Borg, a highly advanced and militaristic alien collective. For instance, what happened to Icheb and the other Borg children who were freed from the collective? Another intriguing storyline could explore the Borg faction that separated to form a voluntary collective. Additionally, stories could be told from the perspective of a member world, providing a fresh and unique viewpoint.

For example, what if the lead character was a Klingon captain and crew aboard an old D7 assigned to patrol a section of the Klingon outback? They discover a deadly contagion that threatens the whole quadrant, prompting an unlikely alliance with the Ferengi to combat the threat. This type of storyline would offer a new and exciting perspective on the Starfleet from an external viewpoint, adding depth to the ongoing narrative.

Fan Predictions and Desire for Risk-Taking

Fans have called for more creative and daring storytelling. The Temporal Cold War storyline from Enterprise was well-received and set a high standard for originality. Many believe that younger generations of directors and writers will bring fresh ideas and creative daring to the franchise, moving beyond prequels and exploring uncharted territories.

While Discovery has been a divisive series among fans, it has successfully introduced new and intriguing concepts to the Star Trek universe. On the other hand, Enterprise has grown on many viewers, offering alternative perspectives to the traditional Starfleet storyline.

Conclusion

Despite the current trend of Star Trek prequels, there are countless opportunities for stories set in the 25th century. Innovative storytelling, diverse perspectives, and unconventional narratives could pave the way for a more engaging and exciting future for this beloved franchise. As discussions around the 25th century continue, there is hope that CBS and Paramount will explore new horizons, bringing fresh and vibrant tales to the Star Trek universe.