Q & A: "Star Trek: Discovery"

Q: Why is "Star Trek: Discovery" so hated by fans compared to other shows in the franchise like “Picard” and “Strange New Worlds”?

A: "Star Trek: Discovery" has faced significant criticism from fans for various reasons, leading to it being less favoured compared to other shows in the franchise like "Star Trek: Picard" and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." Here are some of the key reasons why "Star Trek: Discovery" is often disliked by fans:

1. Deviation from Canon and Established Lore

Many fans feel that "Discovery" takes too many liberties with established "Star Trek" canon. The series is set before the original series (TOS), but it introduces technologies and design elements that seem far more advanced than what is seen in TOS, causing continuity issues.

2. Character and Story Development

Some fans criticize the show for its focus on Michael Burnham, feeling that it sidelines other characters and does not provide the ensemble dynamic that previous "Star Trek" series were known for. Additionally, there are complaints about inconsistent character development and story arcs that feel disjointed or incomplete.

3. Tone and Style

"Discovery" has a darker, more serialized narrative compared to the episodic and often optimistic tone of earlier "Star Trek" series. This shift in tone has alienated fans who prefer the more hopeful and exploratory spirit of classic "Star Trek."

4. Visual and Design Choices

The visual style of "Discovery" is quite different from previous "Star Trek" series, with a more modern, cinematic look. While this appeals to some viewers, others feel it strays too far from the aesthetic of the franchise. The redesign of familiar elements, such as the Klingons, has also been a point of contention.

5. Diversity and Representation

While many fans appreciate the diverse cast and progressive themes, there is a segment of the audience that criticizes "Discovery" for what they perceive as forced diversity or "political correctness." These criticisms often lead to heated debates within the fan community.

6. Writing and Plot

There are complaints about the writing quality, with some fans feeling that the plots are convoluted or rely too heavily on shock value and spectacle rather than coherent storytelling. The use of certain tropes and the handling of key plot points have also been points of criticism.

7. Comparisons to Other Series

Comparisons to other "Star Trek" series are inevitable. Shows like "Star Trek: Picard" and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" have been received more favourably for various reasons:

• "Picard": Nostalgia plays a significant role here, as it brings back a beloved character and connects deeply with the established lore of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
• "Strange New Worlds": This series is praised for its return to episodic storytelling and a tone that many fans feel aligns more closely with the spirit of the original series and "The Next Generation."

"Star Trek: Discovery" is disliked by some fans due to its deviations from established canon, changes in tone and style, character focus, and other creative decisions that differ from traditional "Star Trek" values and aesthetics. While it has its supporters, these factors contribute to its polarizing reception compared to other recent "Star Trek" offerings.

The Wizard just can't get into "Star Trek: Discovery". I find it obtuse and difficult to follow, unlike all other "Star Trek" series.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model