How STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Can Change Course in Season 4

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1. Stick with the strengths of the original Star Trek series by focusing on thought-provoking and character-driven stories that explore new and intriguing worlds.
2. Improve consistency in storytelling across episodes, ensuring each one contributes to the overall arc and progression of the characters and the universe.
3. Develop memorable and engaging villains or conflicts to challenge our heroes and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
4. Diversify the types of stories presented within the series, with a balance between action, drama, comedy, and suspense, to cater to a wider audience and maintain viewer interest.
5. Continue to explore the unique aspects of the Enterprise crew, allowing for character development and growth while also delving into their relationships and dynamics.

Less Gimmicky and Goofy

In every season of the Star Trek series, there’s usually a handful of comical episodes. Going all the way back to the original, with gems like “The Trouble with Tribbles.” However, this most recent ten-episode season featured four out of ten episodes that were lighthearted and somewhat formulaic. An episode titled “Four and a Half Vulcans” was particularly awkward, and even the holodeck “murder mystery” episode “A Space Adventure Hour” left us cringing. While comedic episodes can be a nice change of pace from the heavy sci-fi content in Star Trek, it seems like this year, they dominated the storylines too much – especially when many of them weren’t particularly good. We’re looking forward to next year’s puppet episode, as it looks entertaining, but let’s try to keep the goofy episodes in moderation, okay?

Tone Down the Soap Opera

Each Star Trek series has incorporated a touch of soap opera-like elements. For instance, “The Next Generation” delved into the ongoing romantic tension between Riker and Troi, as well as Picard and Dr. Crusher, while “Deep Space Nine” focused on Dax and Worf, and “Voyager” explored B’Elanna and Tom Paris’s relationship. However, these romances were usually secondary to the main, more intriguing storylines.

In this current season, however, the show has chosen to concentrate heavily on Spock’s (Ethan Peck) love life, where the emotionless Vulcan appears to be unable to make a choice between the female crew members he encounters. This focus feels as if the writers are overemphasizing these romantic entanglements because they are struggling to develop compelling main storylines. The soap opera aspects should serve as seasoning, not the primary dish.

Less Captain Kirk, Please

Initially, when Paul Wesley made his debut on “Strange New Worlds” as James T. Kirk, some of us were hesitant due to the large footsteps he was following, both from William Shatner and Chris Pine. However, as he settled into the role, he won us over. Throughout this season, James T. Kirk makes an appearance four times, but for now, it’s important to remember that Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) is leading the “Enterprise”.

Let’s savor and appreciate the current series-the crew of Captain Pike’s “Enterprise”-instead of constantly anticipating a potential spin-off focusing on a young Kirk and Spock. The show should focus on what it already offers rather than rushing ahead to such a series.

More Science Fiction, Less Science Fantasy

Star Trek sometimes veers towards science-fantasy rather than traditional science fiction, as shown in the Q Continuum’s godlike powers or this season’s episodes featuring possessed characters, zombies, and other elements bordering on fantasy. Although these elements are not new to the franchise, they differ from the series’ roots in genuine science fiction. For instance, the original series had renowned science fiction writers on staff, while TNG had science advisors to ensure a balance between science and fiction. It seems that Strange New Worlds lacks this commitment to authentic science fiction. In season four, we hope for a return to more brain-teasing, purely scientific episodes, and less reliance on possession by ancient cosmic deities.

As a die-hard fan of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” I can’t help but express my deepest desire for its success in its remaining two seasons. The extraordinary cast on this series truly deserves the finest material to bring their characters to life. The original “Star Trek” had an incredible first and second season, only to stumble in its third. Unfortunately, the original didn’t get a fourth season to right its course; instead, it waited a whole decade for the films. However, “Strange New Worlds” has the chance to learn from the past and make adjustments. Here’s hoping they seize this opportunity!

All three seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are currently streaming on Paramount+.

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2025-09-12 22:33