The Untold Truth Behind Star Trek: Exploring the Everlasting Fan Controversies
Unleashing a new era of space exploration, Star Trek: The Next Generation faced fierce resistance from die-hard fans of the original series Explore why fan hate towards new Star Trek shows persists, unearthing the complexities of a beloved franchise
Summary
Star Trek: The Next Generation faced backlash from TOS fans who tried to get it canceled, fearing it couldn't capture the magic of its predecessor.
TNG initially struggled in its first season but eventually found its stride, transforming into one of the greatest science fiction series ever created, truly living up to its predecessor.
Criticism and skepticism towards new Star Trek series are not uncommon among fans; throughout its history, Star Trek has consistently pushed boundaries and taken risks, exploring narratives that mirror the world in which it was produced.
Star Trek: The Next Generation, although highly respected today, initially faced significant backlash upon its premiere in 1987. Prior to the launch of TNG, Star Trek: The Original Series fans expressed their concerns about the new USS Enterprise crew through a newspaper article. Some fans even launched a write-in campaign in an attempt to have TNG canceled before it even started, describing it as a "rip-off series" that would be regrettable to see on the air. There was a genuine fear among fans that TNG wouldn't be able to capture the same enchantment that the cast and crew of TOS had achieved.
Even after watching the feature-length pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled "Encounter at Farpoint," some fans were still skeptical. A reviewer from the New York Times in October 1987 declared that the Enterprise and its new crew failed to reach the anticipated heights on this initial journey. Additionally, the reviewer expressed hope that future episodes would bring more excitement and energy to the series. Generally, the first season of TNG is considered its weakest, and it took approximately three seasons for the show to resonate truly with viewers.
Star Trek TOS Fans Tried to Get TNG Canceled Before It Began
At the inception of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the majority of the actors were relatively unknown. The aforementioned news article describes Patrick Stewart as "a British Shakespearean actor of obscurity" and suggests that Geordi La Forge, played by LeVar Burton, would assume the role akin to "the new Spock," despite the android character Data (Brent Spiner) being a more fitting comparison. Significantly, the article overlooks the contributions of Worf (Michael Dorn) and Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), both of whom would go on to play vital roles. The ensemble cast of Picard's Enterprise would ultimately emerge as one of the Star Trek franchise's most cherished, with several members reuniting three decades later for the nostalgia-filled third season of Star Trek: Picard.
All things considered, it's quite miraculous that Star Trek: The Next Generation managed to overcome the challenges of its divisive first season. While it initially struggled to find its footing, the TNG cast managed to capture the same captivating magic that enthralled fans of the original series. The second season showcased a few bright moments, including the exceptional episode "Measure of a Man," but it was during the third season that the show truly hit its stride. From that point forward, TNG went on to create some of the most exceptional science fiction television ever produced, surpassing even its esteemed predecessor.
New Star Trek Shows Always Get Hate From Some Fans
The announcement of a new Star Trek series or film consistently elicits a range of reactions from fans – from excitement and anticipation to doubt and even anger. Star Trek: Discovery, in particular, has encountered significant criticism throughout its entire airing. Whether it's the inclusion of different genres or innovative storytelling approaches like the recent musical episode in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, certain fans may dismiss it, claiming it does not embody the true essence of Star Trek. However, what people seem to have forgotten is that Star Trek has always thrived on its progressiveness and willingness to explore new territories.
Star Trek: The Original Series explored a variety of genres, including Westerns, 1920s gangster stories, and even space Nazis. Similarly, Star Trek: The Next Generation had its fair share of holodeck adventures that incorporated different genres. While some viewers questioned if Star Trek: Deep Space Nine could be considered "real Star Trek" because it didn't take place on a ship, both Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise faced their own criticisms. However, over time, these Star Trek shows have gained greater appreciation.
Criticism towards new Trek shows is not a new occurrence. Star Trek has always been political and has always told stories that reflect the society in which it was created. The vast universe of Star Trek allows for the telling of diverse stories from various perspectives. Certain stories may resonate more with certain audiences than others. It took approximately three seasons for fans to develop a deep affection for Star Trek: The Next Generation, which is now widely considered not only a great Star Trek series but also one of the finest science fiction shows ever created.
