Would Star Trek: Discovery Have Been More Effective as an Original Show?
Introduction
Star Trek: Discovery has garnered significant attention and praise, yet it’s also faced criticism for being too focused on professed agendas and character introspection. This article explores the question: would 'Star Trek: Discovery' have been more effective if it was an original show, not directly tied to the Star Trek universe and characters?
The Current Landscape of 'Star Trek: Discovery'
Star Trek: Discovery has been a success in both popular and critical circles, reaching its fifth season and spawning the successful spin-off, Strange New Worlds. Despite this, there are those who perceive the show as a failure, often citing criticisms such as it being “too woke” or promoting certain agendas. However, these criticisms are largely irrelevant, given that these elements have always been core to the Star Trek franchise, with the canonical examples of 'The Original Series' (TOS) and 'Next Generation' (TNG).
The Uniqueness of Picard
Picard was built directly off the framework of Next Gen and Voyager, which made it challenging to recast it as a non-Star Trek work. The reboot of Star Trek mythology for these shows already introduced significant changes to the character names, backstories, and technologies. Therefore, rehashing that effort wouldn’t have been logical.
Discovery’s Place in the Star Trek Universe
On the other hand, Discovery used a different approach. It introduced a different degree of character development, different and sometimes conflicting technologies, and a retcon of the Klingon look. These changes made the show’s storyline confusing and sometimes contradictory, presenting a parallel timeline that altered already established canon information.
The Premise of Discovery
The premise of Discovery can be seen through various lenses. Could it be seen as an outcast's fight for redemption? Is it about the exploration through the Spore drive and the mycelial network? Or could it be the resolution of a time-travel paradox, or a vessel forced to adapt to a future void of its reason for existing?
The Characters and Storytelling Style
The characters in Discovery, particularly Burnham, Tyler, Culber, and Stamets, delved deeply into personal angst and emotional challenges, often interrupting the major storyline. This contrasts with the characters from TOS and TNG, who were typically hardened veterans focused on saving their crew and themselves from peril. The excessive introspection in each episode often led to moments where viewers were implored to "get on with it," symptomatic of a show aimed at a different audience.
Conclusion
While 'Star Trek: Discovery' is well-written and interesting, the heavy focus on character introspection and the retcon of established canon create a disconnect that makes it less engaging for some viewers. However, the unique premise and style of Discovery provide a distinct experience, setting it apart from other Star Trek series. Whether it would have been more effective as an original show is subjective, but it undoubtedly offers a fresh take on the franchise that has its own distinct merits.