Jonathan Frakes Unleashes Epic Comeback: Star Trek Fans and Critics Stunned!

Summary

The reception of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been largely positive, according to Jonathan Frakes. However, in expressing their admiration, fans and critics inadvertently made derogatory comments about Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard.

Frakes considers himself lucky to have been involved in Strange New Worlds during its positive reception, especially since he has also worked on Discovery and Picard where he witnessed the derogatory remarks aimed at those series. It is unfortunate that certain Star Trek fans and critics choose to insult other shows while expressing their enthusiasm for a particular version of the series. This behavior can be frustrating for those who appreciate all aspects of the franchise.

Star Trek legend Jonathan Frakes has called out fans and critics who indirectly insult Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard while praising Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Frakes, who had a stellar year in 2023 with his work on Star Trek, including his outstanding performance as Captain Will Riker in Picard season 3, also directed the highly-acclaimed crossover episode between Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks.

During a recent interview with Star Trek Explorer magazine (excerpt published by StarTrek.com), Frakes was asked about his experience directing the crossover episode. Before delving into it, he first acknowledged the positive reception Strange New Worlds received upon its premiere in 2022, which unfortunately came with subtle insults aimed at Discovery and Picard. Here is what he said:

Jonathan Frakes Is Part Of Star Trek: Picard, Strange New Worlds, Discovery & Lower Decks

: What an incredible show! I had the privilege of being present at its premiere, and to my delight, it instantly captivated both the fans and the critics. However, amidst the excitement, there was a shared sentiment among them, unspoken or otherwise, that proclaimed, "Finally, this is the Star Trek we've been eagerly anticipating." It was as if they were subtly declaring, "Not Discovery or Picard" in their minds. It was a curious blend of admiration and criticism in one fell swoop. Fortunately, I had the good fortune, as I often do with my impeccable timing, of being involved in Strange New Worlds when all the extraordinary events unfolded.

When Strange New Worlds premiered in May 2022, season 2 was already in production, with Jonathan Frakes directing the crossover episode alongside Star Trek: Lower Decks. According to Frakes, who has been involved in directing episodes and acting in all three series (Strange New Worlds, Discovery, and Picard), he witnessed the enthusiastic reception of Strange New Worlds as a nostalgic throwback to classic, episodic Star Trek. However, along with the praise came thinly veiled insults directed at the more serialized Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard, with comments stating that they were not "the Star Trek we've been waiting for." This unfortunate trend of fans and critics expressing their enthusiasm for a particular version of Star Trek by insulting or belittling other series is disheartening. Interestingly, even Star Trek: Picard season 3 received similar praise as "the Star Trek we've been waiting for," implying that the preceding seasons were somehow lacking. For someone like Jonathan Frakes, who has a deep-rooted connection to the Star Trek franchise and who wishes success for everyone involved, and for fans appreciating the diverse contributions each series brings to the Star Trek canon, these backhanded compliments can be incredibly frustrating.

Source: StarTrek.com, Star Trek Explorer