I QUIT "NEW" STAR TREK

28/11/2020

Well, this is going to be a hard topic to put into words for many reason. At one point it breaks my heart to realize this, but I also get a sense of relief as well getting this out of my mind and putting it out there to the world to read about. Or just that two person who will be reading it at the end... or even if no one will, at least I had a chance to sit down and think about my relation to Star Trek. Who knows, I might end up losing people because of this, but I guess that is fine... we don't have to agree on everything.

I think this whole process started with Picard to be honest - I bet you scratch your head now that I did not say Discovery. Remember, by the time Picard came out we been getting trailers for Season 3 and also for Lower Decks. Yes, it has started with Picard, but of course DSC have done the initial work on setting up the world for this "new golden age" of Star Trek.

Warm Blanket, No More

I genuinely loved the first episode of Picard. It was sweet, a lot of call backs and a good amount of reminiscence that got poured into the episode. But the following nine chapters really came out weird, flat and two dimensional for me. I did not feel my "warm blanket" at all during the season. I have never felt that during Disco either... everything was just distant and different. A Game of Thrones style Star Trek show that did not touch my soul in any level. Season 3 had a promise to show us a different era, but it turned out to be alien all along. I know we talking about a 1000 years or so, but in my mind that was a very big jump from where we almost got used to by the end of Such Sweet Sorrow.

I have had fait in - the heart, lol and - Lower Decks despite that aside from US/Canada we could not see it here in the UK, wink-wink. The show was good, it was fun but way to different in terms of style I've got to know from the shows I've grew up with. Yes, Lower Decks was much better and I might re-watch that at some point when it will be officially available, but still... it's not "my Star Trek." It's not mine any more...

Star Trek, No More

I'm not going to trash any of these new Star Trek shows, NO. I've never really "trashed" any of them. As a matter of fact I've tried very hard to see the good things in these shows, but for some reason I was just forcing myself. You know the kind of feeling that Tom Paris got after getting Neelix's Leola Soup... you can force yourself to like it, you can try adding extra pepper or salt into it, it's still going taste bad.

The Star Trek I fell in love with showed me an example how to be a better human. The show really changed my life around for the better. When I was a kid I was a bit of a rascal, was not a Wesley Crusher in school, but getting introduced to Voyager, then DS9 and TNG definitely showed me a standard of what a person should be. The "starfleet way" I called it sometimes and it constantly reminded me of something that I wanted to reach as an individual. My grades improved light years compare to what it was, my mind got into the right place and I became a better person... I still have a long way to go though. :)

The new Trek does not feel this way for me. It does not inspire me, it does not make me feel good and it does not spark joy in my eyes. When I watched an episode of Voyager I was talking about it for a weeks and on, and been re-watching the episodes one after the other before the new episode - my parents and brothers hated me for occupying the TV all the time, bless them. With Discovery, Picard and even Lower Decks I have not watched an episode twice... just did not feel right. Every show and season feels like we have a "universal scale threat" to deal with and only the hero character can deal with that. In the "old days," it was more about getting out there and telling stories, testing humanity and ourselves... here we are fighting for survival in every episode and season.

The actors are fine, they do a great job, but the characters don't feel like the ones I could get attached to. Let's see, with Dax, the EMH, Data or even Neelix I have a much stronger connection than what I have with Tilly, Jurati or Mariner. Also the way how they "act" on screen does not feel as authentic either.

You remember I said that this whole "realisation" started with Picard? Yes, the last time I've seen Jean-Luc it was in Nemesis and that's where I left him. Patrick Stewart has become Patrick Stewart ever since and even though he came back to his role, he did not feel like Picard at all to me. Nor Data or Riker or Troi. They felt like Stewart, Frakes, Sirtis and Spiner... and how could I forget about Seven of Nine? I know, people change in a course of 10-15-25 years, we all do. However these characters became something different for me. And the occasional cameos and so called "fan service" does not make this up for me either. I mean it was nice to see Leonard Nimoy as a cameo in Discovery, but aside that the episode did not bring it to me.

The Changed Fandom

If you think the shows were the only reason to come to this conclusion, than I have a final point to make and that is comes down to us, fans. I generally love talking about Star Trek with anyone. Yes, I occasionally get that remark that I am a "loser" that I love Enterprise just as much as I love Voyager or TNG, but that is fine. I do not understand, but as I mentioned, we do not have to agree on everything.

2020 was a tough year for all of us, and because of that or because of other reasons I have had a few breaks from social media myself. I have never had to deal with anxiety or any mental issue fortunately, but the twitter Star Trek community just changed a lot around me. Not everyone to be fair and I am constantly working on selecting people I do want to follow - I realise that might sounds a bit "snobbish" but if someone does not add value to my life I don't see the point of following along.

My main concern is though is the new era of fans that came with Discovery and Picard. Now, just to be clear, I have no issue with what people like or what they love, but I did notice - and I'm not alone with this - that if we don't like Discovery for a reason that has nothing to do with the cast, their gender, race or sexual identity we can be easily labelled as sexist, racist, bigot and sjw and the other labels that people throw around these days. Now again, just to be clear, I am a Star Trek fan and I watch the show for it's core value and for its purpose, to see that there's a better tomorrow. I've never seen colours, races or gender issues in Star Trek. The show for me always been about a fine group of people aboard a ship or station living their life and working for a better tomorrow. Now, if I say I don't like Burham, I instantly get called racist and sexist and also being called out "a white male" who does not feel himself represented and that must be the reason why I don't like the black hero character.. In reality she betrayed two of her captains, she went against orders, started a war with the Klingons and none of these actions - at least for me - does not ring a bell of a decent starfleet officer I could be inspired by. I judge her character by her actions, not because of her skin colour or gender, but that generally gets lost in the "conversation" pretty much every time.

Fans got divided with this new era of Star Trek and a reasonable conversation these days are hard to come by without getting into a heated fight, not to mention about the "netiquette" when it comes to posting spoilers, but that is an entirely different topic to discuss.

What Now?

I hope that my mumbo-jumbo made some sense in some way and you kinda get the picture of what is the reason I leave the new Star Trek behind. It is not my show any more and I don't think it will ever be part of my "warm blanket." That so called warm blanket however is still warm and cosy filled with 50 years of Star Trek including 10 gorgeous movies, TOS, TAS, TNG, DS9, Voyager and Enterprise. As a sci-fi fan I will watch the episodes still and will be following what will happen, but that's it. No reviews, no discussions, no comments... I'm just not as excited any more about the new era as I was before.

There are other shows I'm however investing my time into more these days and I feel much connected to. Away is a great example that I'm about to finish this upcoming few days and will be writing about it in my other blog. The Orville is another show I look forward too and of course to continue my re-watch of Deep Space Nine.

This blog will be changing as well. Finally I have a better idea to embrace who am I as a fan and write about things that I love and I don't have to force myself for. I really hope that this post made sense and did not upset anyone. As I mentioned a few times, you love what you love and I am happy with that... all of us has a very personal connection to Star Trek, that connection makes it our own. I encourage you to find your Trek and to never loose touch with it, that's what I'll be aiming for myself. ;) _\\//

68 Comments

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Jack Beers

29/11/2020 00:58:07

I have shared the same experience as you, my friend. I even have an article about it, which I've just tweeted to you. Thank you for validating my belief that NuTrek is alienating long time Trek fans.

Gary link

29/11/2020 10:44:55

Thank you ever so much for good words and I'm glad that you took the time reading my thoughts. :)

Patrick

20/2/2021 14:33:21

I completely agree. There is a very simple realty to all of this. Kurtzman. The vision is lost. 'All' actors... follow the script. There is nothing for Trek fans to fight about. The writers have failed. You are not me, Iam not you. Kurtzman is not Roddenberry. Continuity and control is sadly lacking in Kurtzmans choices for writers. Brannon Braga, Michael Piller ,Rick Berman, Jeri Taylor.... These people, had their act together. The writers that are employed by Kurtzman, have lost all vision. And , if the franchises wish to continue, they will all have to be replaced. There is the answer to the mystery.Human are a confusing species. They say 'Ohhhh I COUNTED!!! SHE CRIED TEN TIMES IN THAT EPISODE...... OR...They, the writers 'told' her to cry.This is why people get upset when their favorite actors are ostracized for their roles.Nothing is perfect, but the trend you see is created by the New creators. Here's your problem.They need, to let it go, and hand over the reins to new producers, new writers, and get back to the vision Roddenberry had, and the people he when he was still alive to fully understand his vision.I will never, ever blame the actors for doing exactly what they are told to do.

Junius Stone

29/11/2020 01:25:55

Completely with you, both in this thing, this zombie that is wearing a Star Trek skin suit, all tucked and shimmying, all Buffalo Bill style, and how The Orville is sailing forth with the true spirit of Star Trek, though not the name. And I share the Enterprise love. Trek died after it was canceled.

29/11/2020 10:48:32

A fellow Enterprise fan and also glad to hear that you enjoying The Orville. :) Thank you soo much for reading my thoughts. :)

Glen Strathy

29/11/2020 01:27:35

Nicely said. Star Trek inspired so many of us. So sad that nuTrek has broken that tradition.

29/11/2020 10:50:15

Thank you for the good words and yes, Star Trek before have inspired many of and will continue to do so, the new will still do that, but for a different audience and that is natural. :)

Christov

29/11/2020 01:41:08

I totally agree. These new era fans are vicious in attacking you if you don’t like everything about Nu Trek and instantly label you a certain way. Hell, I’m a minority and I grew in a pretty liberal household in California, and I feel like I can’t even voice my discontent with new Star Trek without being labeled a Trump supporter(who I hate). They claim to support IDIC, but don’t actually practice differences. I grew loving all forms of Trek, including Enterprise. I actually like faith of the heart. I’ll die on this hill, I don’t care. But Michael Burnham is not a Starfleet officer to look up to. I can’t see the current stable of Star Trek shows inspiring a whole generation of boys and girls to work toward a better future and become interested in STEM fields.

29/11/2020 02:07:24

Same

29/11/2020 10:52:29

Thank you for sharing Christov. I'm sorry to hear that you have to deal with all that as well... it's not easy for sure. And I agree with you totally, for me at least the new characters are not as inspiring as they were in the "old days," but I am glad if people see their value.

Adrough

5/12/2020 18:16:27

Sadly its not just New Star Trek fans that are vicious to those who have a different opinion as them. Really there is a whole generation of people now who display the same behavior. It's so sad because the same people who attack those who see things differently are often the people who think they are the most tolerant.

Brian Lewandowski

29/11/2020 02:50:43

I grew up in the 90s and Trek was everywhere. Late 90s i was in sixth grade and the 30th anniversary was on. I watched episodes of TOS but i became a fan of watching Khan and Search for Spock. I watched Voyager later that season and got hooked while watching TNG reruns and trying to collect TOS tapes. Got to 50 before the whole show was released on DVD. I liked the JJ stuff years later but was cringe in some parts but loved seeing Nimoy on the big screen. The sequels were a let down but wanted to see Trek back on TV. DSC 1 was ok but cringe and terrible finale to Klingon War.. Season 2 started ok but fell apart at the end and they did not have to go to the future but they still did. Picard made me check out and havent watchef anything new. I still keep tabs and will eventually get to it when its all out but im not excited anymore. Im rewatching episodes of VGR and ds9 and classic trek in general and still get something out of it. New Trek is disposable entertainment to be watched once and discarded because of piss poor writing and bland characters with no devdlopment. Hollywood needs an overhaul in the creative writing dept

29/11/2020 10:56:45

Thank you Brian for sharing your thoughts. It does seems like we are on the same page and unlike myself you been around for a bit earlier when some of those shows were still in development which probably was a really exciting time. I came around mid-voyager - production wise - and beginning of Enterprise, but I have never had trouble embracing new Trek... until the these days. I am glad that those shows are still there for us and also inspire us to this day and forward. :)

David Desjardins link

29/11/2020 05:07:39

That's unfortunate, but the truth is not every Trek series is designed for 'everyone'. Nor are the owners of Trek required to make what you think is best for Trek.

Voyager generally sucked ass, and killed Trek for me for many years. Poorly written at best, Voyager for me was a waste of time. Ironically this was the time I had discovered clubbing and dating, so in the balance of things to do, Voyager wasn't good enough to hold my attention. It's been 25+ years, and I've only watched Voyager once (save for a few rewatches of Year of Hell - the highpoint for Voyager).

Enterprise was a travesty until the third season when it started to actually feel more like Trek.

For me the best classic Trek was DS9, and it's rewatched 2x a year. This says a lot for a guy who gave up counting how many times I've watched TOS in English and in German.

Fast forward to today, and I think we are in the Golden Age of science fiction for Streaming. Discovery was a huge change for me, and while i found the first season hard to get into because of the changes to Klingons (who the hell suggested all the changes?), the second series was must-see-tv and the third is absolutely upliftingly written reminding me about the good that can come from Starfleet. Lower Decks make me laugh, and Picard reminds me of the goodness from TNG.

I can't wait to see more. In fact, once COVID is handled better by the yanks, I look forward to spending thousands of dollars more on my Trek habit to join the official Star Trek convention planned for 2022.

My suggestion to you - back away from Trek for a bit of a rest like I did with the shit that was Voyager and Enterprise, and come back sometime in the future for some of the newer Trek yet to be made.

29/11/2020 11:00:05

Thank you for being upfront and personal David, this means a lot and yes... I'm kind of in the same place as you were with Voyager and Enterprise - clubbing / dating aside as I'm happily married now. :) I might will be back a few years to this new Trek, only time will tell.

Faust

30/11/2020 00:24:58

I'm curious here: what about Picard did you find uplifting that reminded you of the goodness of TNG? The only thing the shows have in common, to me, is that Picard has a Star Trek logo pasted on the side of it and they use familiar characters played by the same actors (though the characters seem wildly different).

I found Picard impossibly grim. There was no uplifting human spirit in it. The Federation's morality has eroded to the point of becoming a ridiculous mirror of current political affairs, an overused trope in today's science fiction. All I can think about is the gratuitous violence -- the beheading, the drilling into Hugh's eye.

New Star Trek seems like Game of Thrones, Marvel movies, and other popular elements that hit demographic markers for marketing teams, wearing a Starfleet uniform rather than actually possessing the spirit of Star Trek itself. It's like they poured a bunch of marketing research into a mold, stamped it out, and slapped a "Star Trek" brand sticker on the side of it.

Nunyabizness

2/12/2020 18:51:24

That wasn’t Hugh. That was Icheb, the character on voyager they put a good amount of time into fleshing out, and looked to be bound for a bright future. But the actor became guilty of wrongthink so they killed his character

Reez

5/12/2020 18:28:06

I'm with you. How people can like STP and even see anything remotely resembling TNG is beyond me. ST took and incredibly original route showing this future utopia, which made it extremely harder to write compelling stories, but ultimately much more satisfying. STP made it way easier by going the grim route, it's the lazy way to create conflict. Also for some reason someone decided that it's super funny to repeatedly demean the main character, the former role model now reduced to a silly weak old man everyone makes fun of and nobody remembers. I refuse to consider this canon.

Vinny

29/11/2020 09:46:08

The franchise owners think that the old Startrek fans are no longer important just because they have subscribers who are watching the new series like Discovery.

What the franchise doesn't realise that majority of those don't watch the new series as franchise fan does but for majority of them it's just another entertaining TV show.

What does that mean ?
There would be any real discussion on the cannon after the show is over
And majority of these watchers would eventually move on to more entertaining TV shows or movies
They would not wait for years to see the next release , they won't pay a premium to buy movie tickets and no would they wait in line outside the theatre for hours 😂
They won't have the same mad demand for Startrek merchandise

So the franchise won't see a dip in revnue now, but eventually they will see a slow decline in their revenue.

29/11/2020 11:02:34

Thank you Vinny. Really good points there and I can see that different show runners will do different things with the show, just as they did with Doctor Who. The new ones are still OK, but forgettable... at least for me, while I always come back to see the old ones.

Trillian

29/11/2020 10:21:07

I think, for me, the new shows have lost Rodenberry's original premise. Prior to TOS nearly all portrayals of aliens in tv and film were negative (is. Aliens are coming to invade or harm us in some way). Star Trek broke that mold in being the first real portrayal of alien beings in a positive light and working alongside humans for the greater good of the universe ultimately. That positivity gives hope for a better future. That combined with the ideal that we should all strive to be better than we are now so that we can make this great future happen!
The new various series are way darker and more negative in my opinion. This is supposed to be our future and, at least to me, it is depressing. I have enough crap in my real life, I don't need to see it onscreen too and see that the future is still bleak. It's depressing.

29/11/2020 11:05:29

Thank you Trillian for your input. I myself find the new show quite dark and alien myself and that's big as we have had dark moments in Trek before... just thinking about the Dominium War, but in retrospective that does feel more hopeful that we seen with Control or with the Klingons. Will Star Trek be ever the same? Only time will tell...

Randall

3/12/2020 23:49:21

Trillian, I think that you have hit the nail on the head. I'm an old fogey, and I can remember as a child watching the first broadcasts of TOS. A perfect example of what you are talking about is in the classic episode "Balance of Terror", where we first meet the Romulans.

This aired in the heart of the Cold War and during the Civil Rights era, and we can see that for at least one crew member he openly begins to hate Spock solely because he physicially looks like the Romulans.

And the Romulans themselves are not portrayed as one-dimensional villains -- the Captain of the Romulan ship is very much a noble and deep-thinking person, who however is trapped within a political system that allows no real dissent. So the viewer is shown that it isn't some genetic or inherent cultural factor that makes the Romulans a threat, but simply the political machine which controls their society at that time.

In place of that, with Nu-Trek, you can automatically tell who the "good" characters are simply by their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Sure, the Emperor may have murdered, tortured, and enslaved literally millions of innocent people, but she is a Woman of Color befriended by the Mary Sue Mikey Spock and therefore a heroine.

Captain Lorca sleeping with a phaser under his pillow after he had been kidnapped and tortured by Klingons is by the show's standards clear evidence that he is a deranged and dangerous lunatic incapable of a command position -- but when his lover the Admiral sets a phaser to kill and uses it to disintegrate a bowl of Lorca's fortune cookies in front of all of the Bridge Crew, that isn't at all unstable or dangerous, it "proves" that she is a "great wamen leader".

I miss the Old Trek.

https://youtu.be/TsLxO7-7e0o

David STSA Navarro

29/11/2020 10:25:44

You are spot on. It feels flashy and awkward and all over the place. It feels like click bait... And although Picard was great ... I desperately yern for the character depts...the less than flashy episodic television that TNG DS9 and Boy. provided.
As a kid in the 80's and 90's...Star Trek taught me about morals ethics integrity and values. These new series educate on mutiny, insubordination, retaliation, vengeance ... I love the world of trek - just disappointed with where it is now.

29/11/2020 11:07:57

Thank you David. As a 90's kid myself I totally agree with you - just as I mentioned in the blog - as Star Trek showed a standard before that I cannot see or feel any more. I love the world of Trek too and I do feel "uncomfortable" with where it is morally. _\\//

Lola

29/11/2020 12:41:38

Maybe the next time you post something like this, try to not use outdated vocabulary like "Coloured". Also saying that you don't see colours and races is still part of the problem. It's not as progressive as you think, because we DO need to see differences in privilege to help change the system. Also moving yourself into the victim role because of your whiteness, that's just bad taste.
Disliking new Trek, that's fine and dandy, but there is no need to talk down to its fans or the people who enjoy representation.

Wayne link

29/11/2020 14:34:29

I think your missing the entire point of that section of his post.

Gary states that he "instantly get called racist and sexist and also being called out "as a white male" who does not feel himself represented" rather than being judged on his criticisms of the show. It's an observation on other fans comments, not his fishing for sympathy and moving himself into the victim role. He never talks down to anyone once in this article like you have claimed.

It is impossible to make a negative comment about Discovery without being attacked with the same wild and unfounded accusations.

Your comment only reaffirms his point in that paragraph.

29/11/2020 15:16:45

So you're excusing his racist vocabulary without even letting him comment on it?
As I said, and evidently what YOU'RE missing here, it's okay to not like DISCO.
But when we comment on modern Star Trek we also have to check why we criticize it the way we do, especially if I make a huge blogpost about it.
Also saying "I'm a white male" shouldn't act as a shield when u then go ahead and say fucked up shit like "coloured"

Stevenson

29/11/2020 17:42:07

He wouldn't feel called out as a white male if he educated himself. Coloured is unacceptable in any context.

Why would he not feel represented? Does Stamets not count? Pike, who helmed Discovery for half of season 2? Congrats - you now know how it feels for other people to be sidelined. Treat it as an opportunity to contemplate your discomfort.

29/11/2020 18:27:05

Yeah, you've totally missed the point and I think it's on purpose to shift the subject from why he has problems with nuTrek into racism and bigotry. NuTrek fans see racism where there is none.

Captain PANTS

29/11/2020 21:25:33

Yeah, he never said 'coloured'.

Not once.

Next

29/11/2020 21:42:44

Ah, caught up now. Never mind

K7tov

30/11/2020 06:20:11

I love how certain, and arrogant, you were by saying "Not once" and "Next"

Were there a few too many words to read?

Nunya

2/12/2020 18:57:10

Just because there’s representation that doesn’t make it good. You can like shows that don’t represent you, I loved DS9 and it’s primary characters were a black man and a woman. Funny, I just saw them as people, I forgot to remember to only look at the white men for feels.

4/12/2020 18:30:03

If you think about it for most of the Modern Treks White Men we not the primary actors so i don't see any legitimacy in accusing White men being pissed at Discovery because they are not well represented.

In DS9 the only White Man Primary Characters was Miles. You had a Black Single father for the Lead, A Woman Alien for his second in command, An alien Woman Science officer who was clearly Bi-Sexual and could be argued as Trans in the sense that she could easily identify as a man, Indian Doctor, Alien Bar Owner, Alien Security, Alien Taylor, A black child who befriended an Alien his age who was a trouble maker and that Black child inspired the Alien troublemaker to become a War Hero.

In Voyager you had a White Woman Captain, a Native American Second in Command, Asian Male Ops Officer, Black Vulcan Security Officer, Half Klingon / Half Hispanic Female Chief of Engineering. Actually if you think about it Tom Paris was pretty much the only White guy aside from the EMH.

Bottom line is that Star Trek was always ahead of its time when it came to many Social issues but they addressed those issues in a thought provoking story instead of Bashing you over the head with their SJW stuff like its something new to Star Trek fans and that we need to be educated on the Social Norms of today.

It's sort of like Lolas comment above which whose viewpoint I respect even if I don't agree with.

See Lola says by typing the word Coloured it is racist. A person could be the most fair minded individual who treats anyone no matter what their race, gender, religion or sexual preference may be equally without any preconceived judgements and would still be considered racist simply by using the wrong word.

Discovery is in a way a reflection of this mindset. Instead of helping the viewers see things from a different perspective in hopes that it will help them see things in a more enlightened way it just wants you to know that you have to accept these things like it or not otherwise you are a piece of crap and society will reject and ruin you.

You can't turn a racist into a non-racist by telling them racism is wrong. Racism in most people is a held belief that many were raised with and may not even be aware that they are racist. Its like people who smoke don't realise they and their clothes, house and other items stink. People can't just change who they are at their core simply because you tell them they are a bad person for believing what they were raised to believe.

Older Star Trek told a story to show people a different perspective.Sometimes It was subtle and sometimes it was obvious but either was it always had a huge impact.

Instead of telling people that they are wrong for what they believed in it told a story in a clever way so viewers may suddenly look at things from a different perspective and hopefully that new perspective will instill change in how they view others around them. That was the Magic of Star Trek.

In today's society people try to shame someone into thinking "Correctly". In the end these people who were shamed for bad behavior may walk the walk and talk the talk but it doesn't necessarily change what is in their heart. They may be less likely to say something racist but it doesn't mean that they still won't think it and act upon those beliefs to treat others poorly only this time it would more than likely be in more sinister and subtle ways.

So this new era we are in to force someone to change beliefs that they may have held all their lives due to their upbringing really doesn't work but being creative and telling a story that provokes thought can easily help change the perspective and as a result the heart and mind toward the values that specific story was trying to tell.

I am not trying to bring religion into this or derail the topic but even if you don't believe Jesus existed look at him as a fictional character but still see how he taught people in the bible. Instead of just saying this or that is bad and your a bad person for doing whatever bad thing he may be referring to, he would instead tell a story to help the unwashed masses see his perspective to help change theirs.

That brings me to another point between the differences of then and now....Old Trek you got episodes that focused on a specific issue and the story was built around that. That story would stick with you and for myself many had lessons that I remember well. Like in TOS "Let that Be Your Last Battlefield" we had two groups of people who were black on one side and white on the other and they hated each other because one group had black on the left and white on the right while other group was black on the right and white on the left.

To the viewer it seemed absurd that two groups of people hated each other just for that reason and the story kinda had a way of teaching some people into changing their views on racism.

When you saw that episode and the absurdity of why these groups hated each other, suddenly it could be com

4/12/2020 18:36:04

My Comment Continued...

That brings me to another point between the differences of then and now....Old Trek you got episodes that focused on a specific issue and the story was built around that. That story would stick with you and for myself many had lessons that I remember well. Like in TOS "Let that Be Your Last Battlefield" we had two groups of people who were black on one side and white on the other and they hated each other because one group had black on the left and white on the right while other group was black on the right and white on the left.

To the viewer it seemed absurd that two groups of people hated each other just for that reason and the story kinda had a way of teaching some people into changing their views on racism.

When you saw that episode and the absurdity of why these groups hated each other, suddenly it could be compared to those who many of that time, didn't like other races just because they looked different. Maybe they would then see how absurd they were in their beliefs and helped guide them into making a positive change in their life.

If that episode was a Discovery Episode it would just say they were racist and that it was bad to be racist and they would be right but would it change the hearts of those who were racist ? More than likely not because Discovery rarely provides a thought provoking way for these people to suddenly see why it was bad.

In most shows today the racist, misogynist, or homophobe now would just be portrayed as a irredeemable bad guy. You rarely see someone portrayed in these shows as being a good person who just needed to be shown why what they are doing is wrong and in building those lessons in a good story it provokes thought in those people to see the light and change their wicked way.

One last thing I will mention is a great example the differences in between Proper Trek and Nu Trek or NUT-rek as I like to call it.

I am soon about to turn 46 and I remember when TNG came out. I didn't like the new enterprise compared to the old one and even though as a 80's kid I was more partial to the TOS ship and crew. I knew them better and could relate to them more.

Then I got a horrible flu and was home from school for several days, We did not have cable at the time and I was sick on the couch with little to do or watch. Someone gave me 4 VHS tapes loaded with TNG episodes to watch. Since I didn't have anything else to do I watch them and as I got to know the characters I was completely hooked.

At my 13 year old age it was not the Pew Pew and flashy tech the got me into the show..it was the characters and how they interacted with each other. As I got to know them I was able to pick up on and appreciate the subtle humor or inside jokes between the characters.

I have seen every episode of Discovery and I still don't know most of the crews names. I know the names have been said but they are just not memorable.

In TNG after first season crew members started to group up and build close friendships. Geordie and Data, Picard and Beverly, Riker and Troi. There were individual friendships and those created a lot of fun sub plots that made you feel like your not only part of the crew but kinda part of the story.

In Discovery every friendship is with Michael. Michael and Tilly, Michael and Saru, Michael and Georgio, Michael and the guy she met and has rescued.

In fairness there are some signs of friendships building in Discovery but this is well into Season 3. Saru and Tilly seem to be connecting a bit. You also saw Tilly starting to connect with Stamets and now its the new Trill and the other Engineer they found on that wreck that seem to be making friends with Stamets. The point is we are well into this show and there are hardly any interpersonal relationships between the crew members and as a result it makes these members somewhat 2 dimensional.

There was a formula you could see on most first season Star Trek shows. That formula was the Pilot episode to set the tone and then the next 6-10 episodes of season one usually focused around one of the characters to help you get to know them.

In discovery its all about Michael. When they had the episode about the cyborg crew member who died in the Airlock I thought at first to myself ..."Finally some character development" and figured she must be a staple crew member since they are focusing on her instead of Michael only to have her die in her one Episode that focused on her.

At least Tasha Yar from TNG had some character development before she died. We knew where she was from, we new the life she grew up with and knew why she became a Starfleet officer and also why she was such a strong willed character. Then they killed her off. Imagine they try to force all of Tasha's back story in the one episode in which she died in.

Anyway I have gone on long enough but I hope you get my point.

Sorry for the long read.

Deb

29/11/2020 13:06:07

Thank you for putting into words the angst I have felt while forcing myself to continue watching the new Trek and attempting to engage the new fans. It’s as if you are reading my mind. I have tried to comply and live in lockstep as an adoring fan of new Trek, but I cannot for all the reasons you stated. I have blamed myself for somehow just not getting it while all along I knew something was just not right with it. Thank you for the validation that I am not alone in feeling this way.

Mauricio

29/11/2020 15:04:40

I watched until the fifth episode of the first season of discovery. Picard I watched it all. And honestly, nothing makes sense in these series. Picard is the antithesis of what it has always been, and human society has also degenerated into a kind of "mirror universe" that for me, symbolizes the minds of kurtzman´s writers. The scripts and dialogues are terrible, any Mexican soap opera is better. They are trying to deconstruct Star Trek.

Joel

29/11/2020 15:06:10

I also grew up watching TNG, Voyager, DS9 and Enterprise. And I am also starting to feel the way like most of you guys about the NuTreks. It's like there is no more Sci-Fi and it's becoming like a telenovela or a drama series with great visual effects. But cheer up guys maybe we have a chance with Captain Pike, Number One and Spock with "Strange New Worlds" (SNW) ;-)

ZGottlieb

29/11/2020 18:42:32

I agree with many of the comments you have made. I blame the Star trek mess on Les Moonves who hated Star Trek, and didn't understand it at all. It was obvious that there was an attempt to bring it back into line with Star Trek and now discovery has its own story line but there still are issues. No one the actress who plays Michael Burnham. I hate her "whisper" drama style because I miss many of the lines being said. The bridge crew is ignored. I don't even know who the new security officer is. Tilly the most junior officer was recently promoted to acting first officer having not accomplished anything more than the helmsman's awesome flying, the navigator, weapons officer or the two senior engineers. A twitter follower said I needed to see how the story played out. We might find out a distant cousin of hers by the name of James t. Kirk followed her to the Academy. It was said seeing the senior officers ignored.

As for Picard, throughout the show the viewers are reminded this isn't your Star Trek. It does become more star trek in the last 15 min of the last show. It will be interesting to see how the next season proceeds.

Finally, I agree the Orville is more Star Trek than Star Trek itself. Seth McFarland has done a fabulous job in bring the humor and drama together as well as addressing the social issues we face today. Thank you for your Blog.

Z.

Ben Berwick link

29/11/2020 21:01:12

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's as regrettable that you've had negative experiences with 'NuTrek' fans as fans of DSC, PIC and the new shows have had negative experiences with older fans. There's plenty of room for different perspectives and types of fan, and we all need to relearn that a little bit.

30/11/2020 01:57:32

I'm still watching it. But I wish Sonequa Martin-Green would not do that "whisper drama", I'm missing the show.

Keith B

29/11/2020 22:41:21

I respect your decision and your perspective. However, I often feel that those of us who like the new Treks are looked down upon by many persons in Trek fandom. I loved TOS, TNG, and DS9. However, I watched very little of Voyager and Enterprise, which felt like bland imitations of TNG. While not perfect, I've generally found the new shows to be a refreshing change from the later Berman era Trek.

Social media just generates incredible toxicity that didn't exist before. I can only imagine what things would have been like if it had existed during the early days of TNG, when there was tons of turmoil in the production and a mostly mediocre product for viewers.

30/11/2020 02:06:02

CBS would have been better off if they did not do another prequel, but started after Voyager with the new mycelium drive. It was hard to believe Spock had a 1/2 sister and the "technology" was past what we knew.

They did do some cute things like when Enterprise crew showed up with the comment "colorful uniforms" and Klingons growing their hair back. .

It took a few seasons for Voyager and Enterprise to find their own footing.

People might be upset they have to pay to watch now.

Cear Rydders

30/11/2020 02:57:49

I think folks who talk like this are a joke. I mean it would be a "Freelance Graphic Designer; part-time Artist, Blogger and YouTuber! _\\//" who would talk about it breaking his heart that "new" Trek doesn't meet his fantasy of what he thinks he's entitled to in a new series. This is the type of joke that comes from someone I'd expect to have only watched top tens or themed boxes.

I have ocd so I've watched every run through of every show multiple times to sedate that. I get that following one main person is a different format and I get that there are some discrepancies.

Klingons are a great example of them changing something outright between series and if you can't suspend your disbelief for that how did you reconcile the change from tos to next gen? That must have blown your mind. I'm sure you stopped watching for that too. Sure tech doesn't line up like you want. You expect an exploration ship to have the same tech as a science vessel? A ship dedicated to pushing boundaries on tech advances. Sure I bet you stopped watching when DS9 introduced a Federation ship with a completely different lay out with tech that was literally illegal for other ships to have.

Star Trek has always been about "that's freaking awesome and I bet that could happen, let's see new worlds and things, and exploring deep issues."

If you can't enjoy that any more maybe Trek isn't for you but the "new" trek is Star Trek at its core, even if it doesn't follow the format you want.

I listened to people talk about how each series after next gen (I started watching at next gen when I was little) wasn't star trek. I got to hear about how Klingons changed, how ds9 was a station so we lost all the exploration, how Voyager was awful because we lost the fleet in star fleet, how enterprise didn't have phasers and was too slow. Every series has had people saying this'll end star trek because of all the mistakes it makes. It doesn't, 10 years from now when a new idiot is complaining about a new series this set of trek will be on that idiots list of ones he loves. If you want more Trek don't bash what we have, enjoy what you do get they could have ended after TOS if some folks had their way.

Enterprise-4
Disc- 3
TOS-2
TNG - 7
Lower decks- 1
DS9- 5
Voyager - 6
Picard - 2

All the movies at least 3 times much more for some.

I'm happy I have more of everything even if it's not what my expectations of Trek is. I'm not so egotistical that I think they need to bend Star Trek to what my interpretation of it is. They can't please every fan. Go watch your reruns and mend that broken heart of yours pal.

30/11/2020 17:08:56

"if you can't suspend your disbelief for that how did you reconcile the change from tos to next gen?"
Through Enterprise's Affliction and Divergence episodes.

"You expect an exploration ship to have the same tech as a science vessel? A ship dedicated to pushing boundaries on tech advances."
Actually, yes.

"Sure I bet you stopped watching when DS9 introduced a Federation ship with a completely different lay out with tech that was literally illegal for other ships to have."
No because they made an agreement with the Romulans, so that was cool.

Your rebuttal to his claim that the fandom is divided is to completely dismiss his argument, throw out a bunch of strawmen arguments to change the subject and call him names. You've literally proven his point.

ScorpionKing

1/12/2020 05:16:07

LOL this. ^^^^^
Spot on.

Lew

2/12/2020 19:27:33

Sisko helped build and develop the Defiant, it and the Sovereign class (Enterprise E) were the first federation ships designed solely to defend against the Borg. Aside from the smaller fighter craft, the federation don't build ships for battle, they build ships for scientific and diplomatic exploration, that's the entire point in the federation.

Unfortunately NuTrek has rewritten all of that into a "military and humanitarian armada", which couldn't be more wrong.

It's important to understand the points you're making before committing them to a comments section you can't edit.

One thing you will find in Trek is that each era had a very specific feel and artistic visual appearance to all the others. There would often be time travel episodes where crews from one series would end up in another time period, and it is immediately obvious where and when they are as the production would accurately recreate that particular style. Show a fan a control panel and they'll tell you what ship it's from, and what time period it's placed in. This holds true even when the cast of a 1990's or 2002 show go as far back as the 60's.

Nu Trek doesn't do that, it doesn't respect that, it simply rewrites everything into it's own style as if the previous didn't exist, and that is it's fatal flaw as Star Trek so far as those who have watched Trek on their first runs across multiple different series of the franchise. It feels completely disconnected to the extent that removing star trek logos and branding and no one would have a clue that it is supposed to be a Star Trek spin off.

As for the rest of your commentary, you've proven exactly the OP's point in the way fans such as your self attack and belittle those who dare make constructive criticism, and those who explain why they can no longer support it. Your reaction shows the emotional immaturity that isn't attributed to any fans before these gory and bleak reboots were written into being by people who largely have never sat through a season of Star Trek to know that what they've produced bears the name in name only.

Michael L. Podratz

30/11/2020 03:22:42

I will always love Star Trek no matter what variation. My least favorite though was Enterprise. Read today that on Dec 31st 2020 will be the 800 episode of Star Trek, including all variations and movies. Accomplished in 54 years. That's something. That's something I don't think any other fictionalized show has ever done. Bravo to all who keep it alive for those who enjoy it. BTW I'm 62yo and remember the first being shown on tv originally.

Stephanie D Voy

30/11/2020 05:02:28

As a individual who's almost 70 year's old I love Star Trek from Classic Trek to Star Trek Discovery, I own all of the series, the movies, and books about the design of the different ships and so forth and can't wait to get more. Star Trek has a evolved and it seems some individuals can't deal with that, of course how you saw something as a youth is going to be totally different as a adult. Apparently Star Trek has evolved while a lot of it's fans haven't and that's a shame, on the other hand it's a really good analogy of what's exactly going on in America and the world!

Babs

30/11/2020 17:00:41

I'm 63 and agree with you completely. Obviously, everyone thinks for themself, and has their own taste. But I think that the older fans are more flexible and accepting of the differences and new developments. Just like our world has changed since 1966, the future universe of Star Trek has responded to the reality of the last 54 years, instead of relying on the fiction history of the 21st and 22nd centuries.
I watched the prime time airings of TOS in real time, on a black and white TV, as an eight-year-old girl. I saw diversity. I saw women in important positions ( would have loved to have the female Number One).
I saw very cool technology, some of which became reality.
At the same time, we had televisions wheeled into our classrooms every time NASA sent a rocket into space.
Frankly, younger generations whining about Trek no longer being the Trek THEY know and love just leaves me to shrug. Don't let the door hit you on your way out.
And I will say, I don't disagree about Burnham's whispering. I recently noticed this on a couple of shows, and I'd like to hear the reason for this stylistic choice from both actors and directors. That said, Burnham is right more often than wrong. If Georgiou had taken her advice, the federation would have had a better outcome with the Klingons. Although without Georgiou's death, we wouldn't have gotten the ruthless and wonderful Empress with the heart of gold encased in tritaineum.

Anonymous Trekkie

30/11/2020 10:02:45

I want to first of all send my regards as a fellow Trekkie and fan. I've seen your content on YouTube and admire all the time and effort you put in your blog. Due to recent events I've been through in the fandom, I have my name as "anonymous trekkie". Less than two months ago I was harrassed and bullied online to the point where I almost deleted my Twitter account. In lieu of deleting, I purged half my followers and then witnessed people taking screenshots of my "fall from grace" and that "I had it coming." The reason? Well....two: #1. My past opinions on "Picard" and #2. I shared some political opinions. For months on end I had people talking behind my back and even making up lies about me. Almost each individual who did this had a common hashtag and admiration for the newer series. Do I go after them for their opinions? No. Twitter is supposed to be a place for all opinions, especially Star Trek and the infamous "IDIC" which has now regressed to our way or the highway. When I became a Trekkie less than a few years ago I was fascinated with the fandom and the opportunity to share my love for the franchise, particularly Voyager with others. I joined Twitter and began to make some friends. Unfortunately, within time things began to change. I tried the series Discovery, but stopped mid season 1 after having to hear the "F" word and later witnessing an inappropriate scene with Georgiou and some Orions. During that time, news came that a new series was being filmed called "Star Trek: Picard". For weeks on end, I tweeted, promoted and waited for this series to premiere. After the first episode aired, I was happy, but internally I felt hollow. By the time of episode 5 "Stardust City Rag", my heart sank. The character of Seven of Nine had been my favorite in the franchise. She was beautiful, inspiring and showed me that you can go through hardship and remain dignified and hold integrity. Her mentor in Captain Janeway also showed that blood relation doesn't choose who is family, because family is more than blood. Seven of Nine had become my hero. After going through hardships and inner struggles, I saw myself in her. From "Scorpion" to "Endgame", I watched a woman find herself, show her smarts and eventually find love in a tender manner. What I would watch in her "comeback" in Picard would be something I'll never forget. To see a woman be turned into a hard drinking, smack talking, brawling and murderous vigilante was a slap to everything I held dear in that character. Sure for the first few weeks I tried to say I liked it to please my friends, but enternally I knew I was lying to myself. I remained positive until the season finale and that was my breaking point. The coup de grais would come when the showrunner would call the character of Chakotay (Seven's husband) "a long time ago" and Captain Janeway's relationship (Seven's mentor) "not compelling" was it for me. After the final, I would tweet and eventually published a long and detailed review on what this series did to me as a fan. It not only broke my heart, but also caused a form of depressing attitude. When I would go to debate someone on the series, I would be called every name in the book (yes, every name) and be thrown the words "ist" or "phobe". What happened to diversity? Where is the tolerance of different ideas? Answer: the millennial age has destroyed such ideologies. When I would call out a characters drug use and abandoning of their child, I would be deemed "racist". Say anything against the weakened shadow of "Jean-Luc", I have "privilege". What did I do in response? I would try my best to defend my statements, reacted harshly to some, but mob mentality is quite powerful. To have people screenshot your face everywhere and warn others because you share an opinion not condoned by the masses is something I would never wish on anyone. I was called everything from "gold covered s**t" to "not a fan". I don't care who you are, or what your backround is. We are all humans and this is a fictional franchise we hope one day can be a reality. Fighting people over shipping characters. Calling people "delusional" for sticking up for an unpopular pairing? Saying that if you don't like a certain character your a "bigot"? No, my friends that is not how a fandom works.

In regards to Discovery season 2, I returned and watched it. I thought Captain Pike catapulted the series. However, like Picard, there was something missing. I watched some clips and the first episode of Lower Decks. This is when I would make my break from this era. When I watch Star Trek, I want to feel happy. With Lower Decks, I felt I was watching 5-ywar old bratty children in space. The cursing, 21st century slag and disrespect to authority was it for me. Was the aesthetic nice? Yes. A reference here and there acceptable? Sure. But do I need that each week? No. I won't judge anyone who likes the newer series, I have many a friend who enjoys them and listen to both positive and negative reviews

30/11/2020 10:17:45

In any case, I want to let you know that you're opinion is valid and you deserve to share your voice. We are all Star Trek fans. I look at writers like Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, Michael Pillar, Ira Behr and others. They understood what Trek was. Your politics, social views or differences did not matter. We all came together to watch a great show. We did not need "have you f****d any of them" or "this is so f*****g cool" to get a point across. Yiu had inspring speeches by Janeway and Kirk, Sisko and Archer. The stories were inspiring and showed a better tomarrow. An enlightened humanity who cared. Gene Roddenberry created this franchise for the betterment of entertainment and humanity's views toward eachother. There was no making a show to "p**s off fans and cause division." It was the complete opposite. Class is class, crass is crass. From TOS to TNG to Voyager, each classic series was unique and gave the common element: humanity, camaraderie and family. I was inspired to be a better person because of that. No one is perfect, but as long as we try our best and respect our peers, we will be blessed. Unfortunately, with the newer shows I do not feel that way. I've tried my best to like them, but I can't lie to myself. If something is not for me, I'll plainly say it and share why. We all have a voice in this I franchise. What this year on social media taught me was that mob mentality cannot silence me. They'll beat you down, make you feel worthless. But in the end, they do that because they can't control you. Like you, I now spend my time celebrating what I love. I'm glad to have friends who enjoy new Trek and old Trek, or even just old Trek like me. I am proud and stand by you for your posts. Thank-you for sharing and LLAP.

30/11/2020 17:09:50

I agree why is there "crass cussing". You can't curl up on a couch with your children or grandchildren to watch and say ok.

It used to be a family show. Most of us started watching as children or teens. But we can't condone it now.

I'd rather children use language to express their excitement or disappointment vs. one word. Who do we complain to on this point?

Tiff

30/11/2020 11:06:30

This reminds me of a history paper I had to write , discussing how as each generation get older, they become less open to new things and more nostalgic for old things. We see it in politics, economics, human rights, and yup...entertainment. My husband acts like most music stopped in the 1990’s. He’ll RARELY likes music written in the last 20 yrs and oftentimes , that “new artist” is just trying to mimic someone from 20+ years ago. He loves jam bands and classic rock. But if a NEW form of a jam band came out? He’d prob instantly dislike it. His bias is already set. He has preconceived opinions about it before even listening. He’s set himself up to NOT like it. Mostly because he gets way too nostalgic for his youth and what he liked then. We all see the past in different ways....and can hang on to them with a lot of confirmation bias. As a kid I LOVED Little Debbies Zebra Cakes, I mean 10 yr old me thought those things tasted like fucking manna from heaven. I tried it again as I was older. When I didn’t get the same warm & fuzzies and *WOW this tastes amazing* feeling that I did as a kid, I didn’t automatically think “oh this must be a new company with a new recipe and isn’t anything like the ones I had 25 yrs ago! It’s not even close!”. .......nope I just realized “huh, you see things differently as a kid”.

This is the same thing I’ve noticed from older trekkies or those who’ve become so attached to the old treks, they can’t possibly see anything new ever meet their requirements. They would rather watch a show that basically rehashes old tropes and tries to mimic, than open themselves up to newer & original of “trekking”. I mean, the fact that a “warm blanket” is mentioned here....kinda says a lot. It’s a security blanket and like kids - they don’t want a new blankie - they want their old one or something that looks sooooo close they really can’t tell the difference. I get it a little. I mean, I grew up in love with Peter Jackson‘s LOTR movies. I watched STNG reruns all the time , but before bed? I’d throw in a DVD of Fellowship, Two Towers, or Return of the King and fall asleep to it. If someone tried to redo LOTR now and made it more modern and original? I’d prob be like NO!!!!.....LOTR was my “blankie”. So, for some oldies and those too attached to old treks, they are acting very toddler like. I mean, sure I guess we could all get that way about specific things....but seeing it happen to Trekkies who should be able to think outside the box and be open to new ideas like Science is....it’s pretty disappointing to see...and it kinda tells me maybe they still don’t understand the line of “boldly going”.

30/11/2020 17:04:55

Disagree. I'm 63 and welcome with relish and delight
the new developments.
Although I'm not so sure about that Cardassian reality show set in LA. Those guys are the worst sci-fo ever, and they're so greedy, they must have s Ferengi ancestor.
😉

Sikozu

2/12/2020 00:11:00

This is an example of one of the lazier ways to write off criticism from long time fans. It can't possibly be that NuTrek strikes them as lacking the spirit and quality of the older shows, nope it's because they want exact recreations of what came before... because nostalgia.

It's as if we're complaining about getting slapped in the face and you're like, "You're just nostalgic for back when you weren't getting slapped in the face." And you know what? Life WAS pretty sweet back when our faces went unslapped, but that doesn't change the fact that the current face-slapping still sucks balls.

So yeah we are nostalgic for the old stuff, and it is warm blankie like. That doesn't change the fact that the new series are poorly written and antithetical to the longstanding spirit of the franchise.

DKoW

2/12/2020 19:06:15

Like the last reply, this just a lazy explanation.

The problem with NuTrek, is that it feels like a generic Sci-Fi. Its not Star Trek. I could only watch 9 episodes of Season 1 before I crashed out (I believe that was the mid-season break, but I never went back to it).
My sister, on the other hand, has watched every season and when I asked her how she could stand to watch it that long? Her reply, you ask? "Oh, you just have to not think of it as Star Trek. Do that and its fairly good."

I dont care who you are, but if you have to pretend that a show with Star Trek in the name is not Star Trek, the producers have fucked up badly. And my family are Trekkies through and through, so to hear my sister say that you have to pretend its not Star Trek, was a big deal.

NuTrek is just not what Star Trek should be. The Orville proves that the old Star Trek format still works and the stories in it are much more memorable. I can tell you more about what happened in an early episode of the Orville that I havent seen in about a year, than I can tell you of what went on in one of the episodes of STD I did watch 3 years ago.

The big difference is that the Orville is run by people who either love, or at least know what Star Trek is and know how to make it. NuTrek is being run by people who could care less about what Star Trek was. They are there to make a by the numbers, generic sci-fi and slapping Star Trek onto the box for brand recognition.

Elle

30/11/2020 13:06:28

I love all things Star Trek, no matter what anyone says. All the shows, all the movies. Some of them have a different flavor, but they each have their own merits, IMO. I'm enjoying Discovery and sooo looking forward to Strange New Worlds! Star Trek is my favorite escape. Watching it gives me great joy and, at times, great comfort. I've been watching it all my life, starting with TOS when I was a kid.

Rok

30/11/2020 13:34:28

I agree with your opinion 100%.

I personally stopped watching after S1 of Discovery due to bad writing (unlikable characters and story) and had no faith in Kurtzman to continue with the modern shows. Even the recent movies felt nothing like ST to me, out of all of them I liked Beyond, the most, go figure.

Just recently started rewatching TNG and while it starts a bit weakly it's infinitely more enjoyable.

PS: my favorite is DS9 with TNG closely behind and TOS, VOY and ENT all in the 3rd spot, big fan of all of them really

René

1/12/2020 00:10:24

Man, I’ve just got to know your work a few days ago, since I was in a quest for information about the different Star Trek timelines... and then I saw the diagram you made with some of the timelines and events that made Star Trek. I used a lot of info from that diagram of my own (I mentioned you and Kurtzman when I posted my draft on Twitter days ago).
I know what are feeling. The new shows don’t make me say “I’m Starfleet” when I finish watching them... it’s just not the same. But I was so thirsty of new Star Trek that I kinda accepted it - but feeling odd at the same time.
I’ll continue to follow your work and content. After all, I’ve just arrived. Thanks for being a true believer. 😃

Best,

@reneabe

Nicholas Sergi

1/12/2020 03:06:50

I feel the same way. Discovery is a melodrama, devoid of wit, charm and actual problem solving, with a Mary Sue lead that is insufferable. Every time I watch a Disco episode, I watch an Orville episode just to remind me. Orville is so good.. a nostalgia trip 20 years on.. many people that worked behind the camera on Berman Trek are back and you get all the staples.. the great beauty pass ship fly bies, the cultural contamination episodes, spending time with characters in their quarters or in the "ten forward", you get the same kind of music, the same boring (mean that as a compliment compared to Discovery) 2 camera set-ups. Sure, 20 years on, it's kind of fun that they put in a few jokes that Trek would not put in, but by the time you get a few episodes in you will start to feel right at home. "Sanctuary" form season 2 is the best Trek episode I've seen in 30 years despite technically not being Trek, as it is Trek in all ways but the brand name, with action and challenging ethical debates .. but I even like lower key episodes like New Horizons where the Captain takes a shuttle mission with a prospective new chief engineer candidate and has a heart to heart while simultaneously examining an anomaly (yeah.. Voyager's Parallax, dome again only better) and they low-stakes remind us that good drama, characters, and writing can sustain a series more than overly-serialized and contrived galactic stakes stories Let me know if you wanna chat about any of this stuff

Rene Abe

1/12/2020 03:26:24

I remembered about this video. For you:

https://youtu.be/sfhFA2ORTZ8

1/12/2020 03:30:34

Why do they insist on tearing down Spock as a legacy character to prop up Michael Burnham?

Neill Stringer

1/12/2020 08:13:19

I am a lifelong Trek fan and always will be but DSC has been only show I struggle with. I think I am only watching it now to support new Trek, I prefer rewatching past Trek at moment.

The problem with Burnham is how she is written, yes she is the lead character and it has nothing to do with race or colour, and making her the centre of the universe is too much. She single handedly is seeking to find the cause of the burn even though it happened over a century before she arrived so instantly is smarter than everyone else.

Apparently Spock became the man he was because if her. She is disobedient and sets a bad example too often, it be ok if just the odd time, but not all the time.

Also Tilly is a great idea but badly written, Barclay I relate to more Making Tilly number one is the dumbest thing ever on show and it shows they don't grasp a chain of command. It's like Picard making Wesley number one.

Also are you telling me those characters who barely have much screen time than Tilly, who are lieutenants, are happy for the ensign to give them orders. The "say yes" scene was too cheesy.

Orville feels more Trek to me.

Rewatching TNG is still more enjoyable than Picard, great seeing Patrick Stewart but it's sad seeing my fav Captain get shafted and shouted at.

T. Ross

3/12/2020 22:22:05

I too am a fan from the beginning of Trek. My father and I would sit on the floor in front of the TV and watch TOS together. We watched all of the movies first run in the theaters, and i remember watching TNG, DS9 and VOY all all first run on air. I share many of the sentiments stated in this thread on the new encanations of Trek. Not here to bash. I understand that change is inevitable, I remember when there was resistance to TNG before it aired! I only wish that those writers and producers of new Trek were fans. I think that would give the perspective to treat it respectfully and would grant common ground to build new stories! I like the first episodes of Discovery season 3 but I dear the filler stories are going to sideline the progress. Anyway thanks for posting your tellings, you are not alone! LLAP🖖🏿

MercerCreate

3/12/2020 23:52:51

I remember when Trek used to be about.. something.. things like wit and humor, and adventure, and sci fi allegory. Now it is trying so hard to hammer messages in our heads that have little to do with the story it's actually telling

das411

5/12/2020 04:10:48

Wow is this well said, and articulates just about all of the problems i've had with those shows. The only thing i would add is - the old, thoughtful, well-written, actually paid attention to canon TOS/movie/even TNG and after paperbacks are not hard to find or expensive if you shop around and want to find out what they've been up to! :)

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