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Did Star Trek: Strange New Worlds confirm that The Animated Series isn’t canon?

BBG News

As a long-time Trekkie with memories of my first Star Trek encounter etched deeply into my childhood, I must say that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has managed to strike a beautiful balance between nostalgia and innovation. The series has successfully continued the legacy of Captain Pike’s story, while adding depth to familiar characters like Nurse Chapel, Doctor M’Banga, Una Chin-Riley, and even the Gorn.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has successfully revitalized the Star Trek universe by reintroducing the classic storytelling that originally captivated fans, and simultaneously concluding Captain Christopher Pike’s narrative, which was initiated during the filming of the show’s pilot in the 1960s. Moreover, it has given more depth to characters such as Nurse Chapel, Doctor M’Banga, Vulcans, Gorn, and Una Chin-Riley, adding richness to their backstories.

“Additionally, it might have reshaped canon significantly. As we know, the inclusion of the Gorn in the Original Series complicates certain aspects, but what the franchise might have done is decisively write off Star Trek: The Animated Series as non-canon.

The Animated Series, released shortly following the original, isn’t typically appreciated by Star Trek fans. It’s often criticized, much like other shows of its time, and many don’t regard it as part of the official storyline. Even today, there are ongoing discussions about whether the show should be considered canon. Although elements from the series have been used in Strange New Worlds, it isn’t enough to definitively claim that the animated series is part of the official Star Trek universe.

To put it simply, by introducing Captain April as a younger, African-American character played by Adrian Holmes in the initial episode of their series, it became clear that this Animated Series does not align with established canon since the original depiction of Captain April was an older white man with white hair.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the significant shift in the characters’ appearances, which seems to suggest that Strange New Worlds is choosing to diverge from the aesthetic established in the original animated series. While it’s true that the show might draw inspiration from various elements in the cartoon and other non-canonical entities, their decision to reimagine Captain April differently underscores the fact that Strange New Worlds, like the rest of the Star Trek universe, may not fully acknowledge or uphold the legacy of the first animated series.

The move to bring in Holmes as the new Captain April is an inspired one, as he’s gotten tremendous praise for his portrayal of Uncle Phil on the Prince of Bel-Air remake, entitled just “Bel Air”.

As a dedicated Star Trek fan, I can’t help but express my disapproval towards certain additions to the Star Trek universe, particularly the Animated Series. If Strange New Worlds is intent on unearthing innovative ways to surpass that less-than-impressive cartoon, then count me in!

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2024-10-18 02:23

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