3 ways Star Trek: Strange New Worlds improved the Original Series

As a seasoned Trekkie with over three decades of fandom under my belt, I must say that “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” has been a delightful addition to the Star Trek universe. While prequels can often feel like unnecessary additions, this show seems to be an exception, serving as a bridge between the darker “Discovery” and the optimistic “Original Series.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds serves as a connecting link between Star Trek’s Discovery and The Original Series, filling in the narrative gap. It’s not always wise to revisit past stories, as prequels often don’t receive the same level of attention as sequels. However, Strange New Worlds seems essential for several reasons: firstly, to illustrate the transition from the gloomy Discovery to the hopeful Original Series, and secondly, because Star Trek initially laid the groundwork for Strange New Worlds right from its inception.

Initially, the first Star Trek series wasn’t actually the debut; there was a preliminary attempt with an entirely distinct group of characters, except for Spock. This unsuccessful show was later transformed into what we eventually saw on screens in the 1960s, starring Captain Kirk and his crew. However, instead of being canceled, Gene Roddenberry and the production team decided to incorporate this failed pilot into a two-part episode titled “The Menagerie”.

By introducing characters such as Christopher Pike and Una-Chin Riley, Strange New Worlds follows in the footsteps of Roddenberry’s original vision. It only makes sense that a prequel series like this would enrich the narrative of the very first Star Trek show.

Essentially, Strange New Worlds serves as a precursor to the events of The Menagerie, where Captain Pike’s famous accident occurs. This connection between the two series appears to run deeper than that of any other pair in the franchise. Consequently, it seems logical for one show to support the other, and that’s exactly what Strange New Worlds is doing.

Yet, what three aspects of the original show have Strange New Worlds really helped improved upon?

The Kirk Brothers

For those who are newer or younger fans of the franchise, you might not know that Captain James T. Kirk has a brother named George. Since he rarely appears in the movies, it’s easy to overlook this detail. What makes this fact more intriguing is that prior to the release of Strange New Worlds, the brothers had little to no shared screen time.

In the original series, George Kirk, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in a later film, made a brief appearance despite being deceased at the start of the episode. This seemingly insignificant character was played by William Shatner, who also portrayed his own brother, James Kirk. The notion that two brothers might have such a tenuous bond leaves one questioning the character’s creation and eventual death. Some found it oddly contrived to introduce a character solely for his demise.

Fortunately, Strange New Worlds offered us additional insights. In this prequel, not only do we see the two brothers sharing screen time, but they delve into the complexities of their strained relationship as well. This portrayal helps to explain why James and George, despite being brothers, were not particularly close when George eventually passed away.

The Gorn

It’s worth noting that Strange New Worlds could have slightly altered the established lore regarding The Gorn, as they are featured prominently in the series. Originally, The Gorn were depicted as a rather enigmatic alien species, unknown to human eyes prior to Starship Enterprise’s first encounter with them. However, it’s important to remember that this was Captain James T. Kirk’s perspective, and he may not have been aware of any previous encounters between the Federation and The Gorn.

Also, to take the heat off of Strange New Worlds, another prequel show also broke continuity. Enterprise featured The Gorn in an episode and it’s set far before Strange New Worlds.

Despite Kirk’s lack of knowledge about The Gorn from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, if you can overlook this, it becomes clear that they have been significantly improved as an alien race in their portrayal. Previously, the depiction of The Gorn in Strange New Worlds was harshly criticized. They are ruthless and merciless, existing solely to feed and reproduce, using the bodies of other aliens for both purposes.

The depth provided to these alien characters surpasses anything we saw in the original series, making the confrontation between Kirk and the Gorn significantly more impactful. Even though it’s still a fight with a man in a rubber suit, the stakes have grown exponentially due to the potential consequences for Kirk if he loses. This becomes particularly gripping when one contemplates the actions the Gorn might take should they emerge victorious over Kirk.

The relationship between Spock, Christopher Pike and Una-Chin Riley

As a devoted fan, one intriguing element that stood out in the original series, particularly in the two-part episode “The Menagerie,” was the unique bond between Captain Christopher Pike, Una-Chin Riley (Number One), and Spock. The trio played pivotal roles in that episode and the pilot, making it evident that any prequel series should delve into their story to understand why they shared such a strong connection.

Focusing particularly on the pair of Spock and Pike, it’s evident that their relationship surpassed the norm of a commander and subordinate. They were friends, almost like brothers. Although the series has effectively depicted their bond, there’s room for improvement in showcasing more heartfelt scenes between them. With upcoming seasons, we anticipate that they will deliver even more emotional exchanges, deepening our understanding of this unique friendship.

From Una Chin-Riley’s perspective, the initial series didn’t give her character nearly enough depth or respect. However, with Strange New Worlds, we’ve uncovered a wealth of information about this character, enriching our comprehension and appreciation for both the past and future depictions of this character.

2024-09-29 02:23

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