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Star Trek will thrive if it embraces the fandom it has

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Star Trek will thrive if it embraces the fandom it has

As a gamer who has spent countless hours navigating the vast cosmos of Star Trek, I can confidently say that this franchise is not just a collection of stars and spaceships, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations. From the original series to the latest offerings, Star Trek has always been about pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers, and delving into the complexities of humanity.

Star Trek consistently expands and transforms as a multi-faceted franchise. It often aims to portray the noblest aspects of human nature and craft tales that resonate and uplift audiences. They delve into broader themes, such as exploration, travel, and even romance. However, in every case, there’s always an emotional thread woven into the narrative that strives to touch the hearts of viewers.

For example, Deep Space Nine didn’t just portray war; it explored its impact on those who return from it, delving into the emotional scars left behind. Unlike a show that celebrates violence, it offered a profound and insightful look at the trauma caused by conflict. Its capacity to craft such thought-provoking, moving, and inspiring narratives is what has built its dedicated fanbase. Moreover, this strength is why they should refrain from attempting to appeal to those outside of the franchise.

Star Trek, much like any other creation within our universe, has its boundaries and capabilities. Pushing it beyond its inherent nature risks alienating the dedicated fanbase. For instance, consider the two lowest-rated episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, as per IMDb ratings. In each case, these “unusual” episodes appeared towards the end of their respective seasons.

In the first season, we saw “The Elysian Kingdom,” and in the second, it was “Subspace Rhapsody.” These episodes deviated significantly from the series’ established path, causing many fans to express dissatisfaction. It seems this direction doesn’t align with what the franchise should be promoting.

To put it simply, the overall franchise would benefit from reflecting on these perceived missteps in episodes and instead emphasize the type of stories that truly embody Star Trek – thought-provoking and emotionally engaging standalone tales. These are what make Star Trek stand out, drawing us all into this universe in the first place.

It’s illogical to keep altering Star Trek for “new audiences”. We didn’t receive any special treatment when we first encountered Star Trek, yet it captured our hearts regardless. The same will happen with new fans, if only they are given the opportunity. Star Trek explores eternal themes and solid values – exciting tales that remain meaningful and relevant, far beyond their broadcast date.

An episode from the original series in the 1960s can have as much impact on someone as a show from the 2020s. Changing up the formula to cater to people who would otherwise never care about Star Trek isn’t the course the series should go. In doing so, you’re only ever going to cleave portions of your existing fandom off of what you’ve already built.

Then what?

Instead of centering on shows such as Discovery, Lower Decks, and others that strive to be unique from previous content, it might be wiser to follow the example set by series like The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Prodigy, and Strange New Worlds. These shows embody what Star Trek ought to represent at its best.

It’s most effective to continue supporting series similar to these for the continued success of the franchise. There will always be room for traditional Star Trek content, and as new enthusiasts discover it, the franchise will thrive. If the creative teams could focus on fewer projects at once, they might attract a fresh audience by simply repeating what has been successful for almost 60 years.

Create a series that appeals to Star Trek enthusiasts of all ages without resorting to theatrical devices such as a musical episode. Avoid crafting it into a grim, melancholic, or gloomy drama, and steer clear from imitating another’s style.

Make classic Star Trek, and new fans will follow.

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2024-10-10 04:23

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