A
reader named David asks:
“You have been strangely
quiet on this subject so I will come right out and ask. What are your thoughts
about the new Star Trek series and
Bryan Fuller as show-runner?”
David,
great question!
I
haven’t been quiet on this topic by design, or out of seething rage or anything. I just feel it is still really early in terms
of the new series’ development, and so haven’t had much to comment on or react
to.
But
since you asked, here goes: I feel very optimistic.
I
love Bryan Fuller’s work (especially on Hannibal) and beyond that
outstanding work, he has two other factors in his favor.
First
is experience: Fuller has worked on Star Trek before, in the 1990s (DS9
and Voyager). So he knows how to make Star Trek happen, in a
practical sense. He knows the ropes of TV production, and has had success both
in and out of Trek.
And
secondly, Mr. Fuller is a life-time fan so he understands and enjoys Star
Trek for what it is. He “gets
it.” He’s not out to reboot it or make it like another popular franchise, I suspect, just successfully translate Roddenberry's ethos to the 21st
century.
All
of this bodes well, I feel, for the new series. Once you add the great Nicholas Meyer to the mix as a writer and producer, the new Trek looks incredibly promising.
As
far as what I would like from the new series, I do have some preferences. But
hey, don’t we all?
I
am not a J.J. Abrams-verse hater by any means. I like the Abrams’ movies (both of
them, so far).
But
nonetheless, I would like to see a return to the Prime Universe. That’s the
universe where Vulcan has not been destroyed and we have the established history
of the 23rd and 24th centuries to interact with.
The
Alternate Trek universe is absolutely a valid creative outlet for Trek
in movie form, but I would prefer to see a return in the new series to tradition,
rather than an expansion of a “pocket” realm.
I
would also like the new TV series to be set on the Enterprise, approximately
100 years or so after the era of the Next Generation films.
Let’s do what
was done so beautifully in 1987: leap forward a century, reveal new technology
and new characters, but also maintain the integrity of Starfleet and its personnel
and belief system.
Naturally,
I would like to see a return of Star Trek’s utopian-thinking, study
of humanity, and yes, even the ideal that fighting doesn’t always solves
problems.
I would also like to see the new series continue the proud tradition of lauding diversity, and therefore feature a diverse human/alien crew. And I feel the show needs to comment on the here and now; honoring the franchise's history of social commentary.
Finally,
I think it would be great to have Patrick Stewart -- as an elderly Captain
Picard -- guest star in the first episode, fulfilling, essentially, the role De
Forest Kelley played in “Encounter at Farpoint.”
Let’s
honor Star Trek’s past, and then move into a new century! The final frontier is waiting.
Don't forget to ask me your questions at Muirbusiness@yahoo.com
John, I agree, about 100 years on a new Enterprise N.C.C.-1701-?
ReplyDeleteSGB
I want to see the Kzinti again rather than just leaving them with one appearance in the animated series. heck, just hire Niven to write another episode or two!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see this new series explore the future (or post-TNG era) as well. One idea I would incorporate into the new series is to suggest that Starfleet ban the use of holodecks, and holodeck technology (to some extent anyway).
ReplyDeleteOn one level, I think this works because the holodeck became a tired, and cliche, plot device used too often in later episodes of TNG, DS9 and VOY.
On another level, it could create interesting new ideas to explore. What events made this new policy necessary? What happened to existing "sentient" hologram programs (like the Doctor in VOY)? Are there any "exceptions to the rule" that exist?
Just my 2 cents!
I see your 2 cents and raise you my 2 cents! I'm with you on the holodeck ban.
DeleteI would agree with a friend of mine on this question regarding a new series.
ReplyDeleteNo more Star Trek... please, no more Star Trek.
Let’s do what was done so beautifully in 1966: create something new.
ReplyDeleteThose are some great ideas John, and I agree with them. I'd love to see them jump forward in time and start with some fresh story and character opportunities. There is plenty of space to explore and plenty of adventures out there. I want to see that positive spirt and thirst for exploration back in "Star Trek". I would also like to ban the holodeck and the Borg. Those two were pretty much tapped out in the last run of shows. A fresh start with a fresh universe is just what the doctor ordered.
ReplyDelete