Future of Trek - TV

[KingVoyeur]

So where does Trek go from here? With Enterprise being so hit-or-miss (not to mention having the shortest run of seasons since TOS), the future looks uncertain. I think that the series is going to have to reinvent itself if it is to survive. Where do you think it should go? I've provided a poll with some possible directions, including an "other" choice so you can provide your own!

[Space Tycoon]

I like the idea of a far-future Starfleet vessel with Transwarp drive, getting well out of the Milky Way and exploring other galaxies in the universe. The aliens wouldn't have to be humanoid, so that would free up some ideas for some truly unique species.

[Kaeos]

I've said all along that the future is where this franchise can redeem itself.

I really dig the idea of taking the story into other galaxies - other realms - other universes - other realities. I think the various Trek based novels over the last 10 years have taken advantage of the mirror universe and done a hell of a job with it. Emporer Tiberius kicks a ss....(sorry off topic)

But a new show could take advantage of so much more universe to "trek" around in. Tycoon hit the nail on the head. Where is Wes Crusher and his Traveler dude? A lot more creativity is needed

My money is on the 26th Century. But for the love of Kahless please not another Soap Opera like DS9, and don't waste your time trying to make a political "24 meets The West Wing meets Alias meets every other political drama on network TV" - Battlestar Galactica has it covered and has done a decent job with it.

[KingVoyeur]

I agree that BSG covers some great ground in the political drama area, however I've got to argue that a political drama set in the Trek universe would definitely be fascinating because while BSG looks at different sides of the same politics (and believe me, I'm not trying to bash BSG in any way, I love that show) the politics of Trek would have to span worlds and radically different alien cultures and the clash of their societies. It would also give us a closer look at the environments and inner-workings of the major players (granted, we've seen several scenes set in various alien political locales, but it's usually the same main inner sanctum, and I don't ever rememeber seeing a future city on Earth except in Star Trek IV). I've been dying for a really close look at these places, but due to the very mobile aspects of the starship crews, we usually only get glimpses.

As for DS9, I enjoyed the fact that we didn't have to meet a new species or go to a different planet every week. It gave the show a chance to really explore the depths of the characters, and instead of being threatened by some external alien or natural phenomenon, the threats came from the people close to you. Instead of being able to simply fly to another area of the galaxy, the people on DS9 had to live with the consequences of their actions, and one event could affect the storyline of an episode 3 seasons later.

[Kaeos]

I've got to argue that a political drama set in the Trek universe would definitely be fascinating because while BSG looks at different sides of the same politics (and believe me, I'm not trying to bash BSG in any way, I love that show) the politics of Trek would have to span worlds and radically different alien cultures and the clash of their societies.

I'm crossing lines here, I know, but I've seen (or at least read) what your describing. The Star Wars - The New Jedi Order series covers exactly what you are talking about. I'd rather see that on screen.

I don't ever rememeber seeing a future city on Earth except in Star Trek IV). I've been dying for a really close look at these places, but due to the very mobile aspects of the starship crews, we usually only get glimpses.

Not that I can honestly remember episode names, but I seem to recall quite a few episodes where the future San Francisco is depicted in TNG

As for DS9, I enjoyed the fact that we didn't have to meet a new species or go to a different planet every week. It gave the show a chance to really explore the depths of the characters, and instead of being threatened by some external alien or natural phenomenon, the threats came from the people close to you.

Very true. It all comes down to individual preference. But at the end of the day, it has to have viable market appeal AND be well written or it's just another Enterprise.

[American]

I would like to see a Star Trek post-Voyager but with Enterprise and how hard it went down, i don't think any new Star Trek series will take off.

Maybe the Series should be left alone while it still has some dignity left

[Bark]

I have an idea about a Section 31 show, based on a specific starship of that organization and it's crew. The captain is a morally conflicted man. The time period would be post-Voyager, cold-war scenario between the Romulans and the Federation.

[CaptPike]

I went with "out of bounds". I also say, let's take the show out of the Milky Way. Perhaps a multi-generational ship, like the Kelvans. Head straight for M31 and see what happens.

[Space Tycoon]

Does anyone but me think that the 21st century could be a possible time period for a series? Or at least a mini-series. Possibly Col. Green, or the Eugenics Wars. Or a story about humanity's early, pre-warp space efforts.

[Kaeos]

I read the rise and fall of Khan Noonien Singh.....

Yawn.

[Space Tycoon]

But it's not canon! :p

A back-to-the-basics reworking of the story of Khan, set in an alternate version of the 1990's, could be an interesting direction for the Trek franchise.

A mini-series would be less risky than a full-blown series or even a movie. And it would have a built-in fan base, made up of young and old alike-- unlike an all-new series, which would be an untested quantity.

[Kaeos]

But it's not canon! :p

A back-to-the-basics reworking of the story of Khan, set in an alternate version of the 1990's, could be an interesting direction for the Trek franchise.

Then it's just not Trek, man. That might make an interesting novel series though.

A mini-series would be less risky than a full-blown series or even a movie.

Now your on to something!:jumpie2: boing I can see it.

*Don LaFontain's voice*
"Coming, in three weeks to NBC..."
*queue trek-ish score - maybe updated version of TOS score*
{sun rises over a planet horizon}
"Get ready for the television event of the decade"
*Insert...let's say Eriq La Salle in a Captain's uniform, a-la 26th century*
"All hands to battle stations!"
{flash a vision of alien warships advancing, red alert klaxon going off}
"I will not sacrifice this ship!"
{flash to sup'd up futuristic Enterprise firing phaser banks}
*insert David Cassidy in an Admiral's uniform*
"The Federation is lost Joseph, we have no where to turn"
*La Salle facing down a BIG gruesome CG alien. Maybe species 8472?*
"Get the hell off my ship!"
{flash to a planet exploding - could be earth?}
*Jeanne Tripplehorn is the first officer*
"Oh my god no!"
*How's about Chad Michael Murray in a gold uniform*
"Captain, what are your orders?"
{flash to La Salle, Flash to other key characters, flash to actions shots to build suspense, end on La Salle, fallen to one knee and clutching the helm for support}
"God help us."
{muted boom as screen goes black, fade in sup'd up Star Fleet logo}
*back to La Fontaine*
"In 3 weeks, a mini series event. Star Trek Horizons, Only...on NBC"




:cool:

[Space Tycoon]

That's what I had in mind. The mini-series is the way to go for Trek. Given time, of course.

[American]

What about a series or mini-series based during the Earth-Romulan war?

[Space Tycoon]

Why not? I would even include some members of the Enterprise cast.

[Sgt. Awesome]

I don't know... I like "The Petak Wing"


The idea of a section 31 show would also be pretty cool.

Star Fleet Medical Corps? ER... Grey's Anatomy?

[Lavoruis]

I rather have far future trek like two part ep, in Voyager:winks:

[Sgt. Awesome]

Wow... it's been a while. I can't remember which two part it is that you speak of...

[demodred]

Have any of you guys read the new frontier books by Peter David? They could make a very cool show

[tstone]

I agree. Peter David's "Excaliber" series rox the casbah, it does.

[Sgt. Awesome]

Or a Star Trek version of "The West Wing" would also be interesting. But would need some seriously good writing and producing.

[Sgt. Awesome]

Yeah, so more like a space age version of 24.

[Bark]

How about a show set on a ship named "Enterprise". :smirks:

[TrekSucksHard]

I think our mod was being sarcastic there...

[Bark]

I think our mod was being sarcastic there...

What I think is "Star Trek" is the crew of a ship named "Enterprise". F' with that formula, and you're asking for trouble. That's why the franchise went downhill. The show "Enterprise" doesn't count though because they made it a prequel.

The problem is the Trek writers are so burned out, they use gimmicks now. The writing therefore sucks, so then they blame the franchise and "viewer fatigue". Since when do viewers get tired of GOOD programming?

Set the show in the 25th Century. Set it on the Enterprise. No gimmicks. And for the love of God, no "transdimensional aliens" of any kind!

[Bark]

The first two seasons right? If so, I think you missed out on season 4. IMHO, that season 4 was the single best season of any Star Trek show.

[Bark]

Sheesh man, the Borg episode was at the end of Season 2! :D

For the 4th Season, Berman and Braga took more of a back seat and a man by the name of Manny Coto took control of the series direction. He's now working on "24". Anyway, he's a big Trek fan and was able to iron out the mistakes B&B did with Trek canon. He actually did a better job than I thought possible. He showed me that Trek still has life, in the right hands. Unfortunately it was too late to help. Many Trek fans, yourself included, gave up and never saw his efforts.

I recommend renting some Season 4 episodes, but beware the first one. Coto had to end B&B's "Temporal Cold War" idea, and he used the first show to do it.