Astounding Animated Star Trek Crossover Transcends Boundaries of Canon

Summary

The crossover episode definitively proves that animated Star Trek is part of the official canon, demonstrating that both formats can coexist within a single episode and the shared fictional universe.

By utilizing the animated format, both Lower Decks and Prodigy are able to take advantage of creative opportunities and delve into characters' past timelines, effectively bridging the gap between various Star Trek series.

The crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, titled "Those Old Scientists," showcases the seamless combination of live-action and animation, confirming their coexistence within the Star Trek universe. Ensigns Brad Boimler and Beckett Mariner from Star Trek: Lower Decks are transported back in time to meet Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise in this episode of Strange New Worlds season 2. Directed by Star Trek legend Jonathan Frakes, the episode flawlessly blends the animation style of Lower Decks with the live-action medium of Strange New Worlds, effectively debunking the notion that these two formats exist separately.

The unnecessary division between live-action and animated Star Trek was originally established by Gene Roddenberry when he declared that Star Trek: The Animated Series from 1973 was not canon. Unfortunately, this decision has had a lingering impact as Star Trek has embraced the animated medium in recent years. Despite the excellence of both Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Prodigy, a faction of fans still perceives them as existing outside the extensive Star Trek canon. However, "Those Old Scientists" definitively settles this tiresome debate through various inventive and enjoyable means.

Strange New Worlds’ Crossover Settled The Debate That Animated Star Trek Isn’t Canon

The crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds concluded with a delightfully silly ending, featuring the cast transformed into animated characters reminiscent of Star Trek: Lower Decks. This momentous event not only demonstrated that live-action and animated Star Trek can coexist within the same episode, but also within the same canon. The inclusion of a unique and animated opening credits sequence for this particular episode further reinforced this commitment, solidifying the notion that whether it be live-action or animation, it all belongs to the vast Star Trek universe.

Star Trek: Lower Decks has been progressively breaking down barriers since its inception, introducing beloved characters like Captain William T. Riker and Colonel Kira Nerys throughout its run. Likewise, Star Trek: Prodigy has continued the stories of revered figures such as Admiral Kathryn Janeway and Captain Chakotay. However, the introduction of Boimler and Mariner from Lower Decks into the live-action Star Trek realm, specifically on the USS Enterprise, unequivocally confirms that all of these shows coexist within the same fictional universe.

Why Star Trek Fans Should Watch Lower Decks & Prodigy

Despite being removed from Paramount+, Star Trek: Prodigy is a show that is definitely worth catching up on. The use of animation in Prodigy allows for creative possibilities that would be difficult to achieve in live-action Star Trek. One of the standout elements is the character Dal R'El, who is an Augment and briefly gains the abilities of various alien species. This storyline would be too expensive to execute convincingly in live-action due to the extensive prosthetics required. Additionally, the animated format allows both Prodigy and Lower Decks to revisit earlier points in the characters' timelines, including appearances by Riker and Janeway. This allows the shows to bridge the gap between the end of '90s Star Trek and the 25th century of Star Trek: Picard. With the upcoming appearance of Boimler and Mariner in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, it is hoped that more skeptics will recognize and appreciate these underrated Star Trek gems.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.