The Incredible Star Trek Animated Show: A Galactic Game-Changer

Paramount Plus boasts an extensive collection of Star Trek content, including the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. However, creating this particular series presented unexpected challenges for the creative team. In an exciting crossover event with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, select members from the cast of Lower Decks will be invited to the prestigious U.S.S. Enterprise. Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome, who portray characters in the animated series, will make their live-action debut and interact directly with the iconic Captain Pike, played by Ansom Mount.

While Lower Decks is not the sole Star Trek animated series on Paramount Plus, it stands out as one of the most unconventional. Originally launching on CBS All Access, this comedy follows Quaid and Newsome's characters as ensigns aboard the less significant U.S.S. Cerritos. The use of animation allows the series to diverge from the traditional Star Trek tone, as the lower ranks and insignificance of the ship provide an opportunity for raunchier and more comedic scenes in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

This posed as a challenge for executive producers Akiva Goldman and Henry Alonso Myers when they made the decision to bring Ensign Brad Boimler and Beckett Mariner aboard the Enterprise. "It turned out to be more complex than we had initially anticipated, especially in terms of maintaining the right tone," Goldsman revealed to StarTrek.com. Despite the difficulties, they managed to overcome them. "We were able to achieve something truly beautiful thanks to the dedication and talent of Tawny and Jack, as well as the direction provided by Jonathan Frakes. We definitely had a group of hilarious individuals on set."

With Frakes in the director's chair, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief. Known for his role as Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the actor brings with him four decades of experience. He previously directed Star Trek: First Contact and made a memorable return in the final season of Star Trek: Picard. As a Star Trek veteran, Frakes ensured a smooth-running set and decided that adding humor would be the best approach. Despite the typically serious nature of Pike and Spock's characters, Frakes teased the Star Trek crossover episode as a comedy. Mount also chimed in, expressing his excitement for the rare opportunity to showcase his comedy skills.

Considering the possibilities, Frakes' instincts are spot-on. It would defeat the purpose of introducing these hilarious characters if Boimler and Mariner were toned down. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Spock out of his element, surrounded by uproariously funny people. The biggest challenge of the episode lies in translating animated characters into live-action without becoming caricatures. Fortunately, Quaid and Newsome bear a strong resemblance to their characters, making the task less daunting. In the teaser, Quaid is shown sporting dark hair with a purple sheen, reminiscent of his character, while Newsome dons Mariner's signature ponytail. Fans will have to wait until Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 to see if this ambitious endeavor proves successful for the Lower Decks crew.

Star Trek: Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds is currently airing on Paramount Plus

Source: StarTrek.com