765874: Unification

More than a tribute…

Star Trek has been and always will be a crucial fixture in my life and the lives of countless others. At least the Star Trek of old…

Modern Star Trek has its fans and a place in the franchise’s illustrious history, but I believe Trek’s best years have long since passed. Nothing compares to the original series (TOS) and its accompanying films. Then there are TNG and DS9. Voyager and Enterprise are somewhere in there, too, I guess.

Beginning in 2009, the JJ Abrams trilogy introduced Trek culture to a new audience, and things began to change. The times were a-changin’.

While my issues with Abrams’ movies are numerous, I understand the necessity of transforming the franchise for younger viewers from thought-provoking, slow-burn character studies into over-the-top, fast-paced action movies.

The success of these films landed Trek back on television, starting with Discovery in 2017. The problems I have with the new shows are polar opposites to the ones I had with JJ’s flick. While senseless action scenes don’t really belong in Trek, the absence of any finesse in the way it tackles IRL issues is jarring for old-school fans like myself.

Trek is at its best when there is an underlying message to be read “between the lines” of an otherwise stock science fiction story. It’s no secret that the franchise has never been one to shy away from wearing THE societal motivations of its creators on its sleeves. However, it usually does so as a secondary priority with entertainment always being the key focus.

New Trek just seems to air out any potential political grievances the show-runners may have with the subtlety of a brick to the face. I hate to use this term, but unfortunately, modern Star Trek is very “woke”, constantly shoving an agenda down your throat. While I may support several of these causes, I just don’t want them at the forefront of the storytelling.

Now, with that rant on current Trek off my chest, I want to acknowledge t...