The Next Next Generation

A new Star Trek television series is reportedly in development.David Foster of the company 1947 Entertainment revealed that he has already outlined a plan, not only for the show’s pilot, but for the entire series.

“The series concept is fully developed, subject to change of course, with a solid five to seven-year series plan, pilot script and a conceptualised finale that intends to define Star Trek for generations, extensive character bios, costume and ship/set designs, and more,” Foster told Trek Web.

Foster went on to insist that the plans are serious.

“This is a drastic departure from the typical eight to ten-page treatment of the previously pitchedStar Trek series ideas that have not included even a pilot script,” Foster said. “The series is highly energised with a much younger cast, and uses cutting-edge future technologies with newly envisioned special effects and designs.”

Foster teased the theme for the prospective series, declaring: “If evil wore the face of a hero, would you recognize it? If freedom came in the likeness of your oppressors, would you accept it? If you were your own enemy, who would be victorious?”

The project, which is still looking for an executive producer, will eventually be pitched to CBS

Now, I’d question the likelihood of this project becoming a reality, assuming the article even has any basis in fact. But assuming there is even a remote possibility of this seeing the light of day, would I want to see it happen?

I grew up with The Next Generation, and my Dad grew up with The Original Series. I want my child to grow up with a Star Trek series to watch, but that gives us a 10yr window for it to air.  Would now be to soon? Enterprise ended only 6years ago (7 by the time any series could make it to television). I liked Enterprise, but it definitely suffered from franchise fatigue.

On the other hand, a show arriving in 2012 would put it 18years after TNG ended, which is perfect since TNG aired 18yrs after TOS ended.

TNG was about exploration, and very akin to TOS. DS9 was about fleshing out a region more than TNG allowed. You really got to know the Bajorans, Cardassians and Dominion, along with the Klingons a bit better. Voyager was supposed to be about being lost far from home, but they really didn’t stick to that and do it well Enterprise was supposed to be about the first steps out into space, and the formation of the Federation. Season 1 and season 4 did that pretty well but they floundered some in S2 and S3. They should have set it to start in 2154, so that season 7 would have culminated with the end of the Romulan war and the formation of the Federation. The whole Temporal Cold War element was just stupid.

What would a new series be about? Akin to TNG/TOS or DS9? Would they try to do something different, and not have the action take place on a Starfleet ship/station? Instead of a crew, would be more ensemble cast and diverse situations?

I absolutely hate the quote in the article about a “much younger cast”. Why does a cast have to be young? Are they just trying to appeal to kids, if so, then it will suck. Make a good show, don’t try to pander.

However, the line about the theme, with some interesting questions may allow for some good story lines, if done well. Those ideas would suggest something more akin to a DS9 style show, where instead of a new alien race every week, there is more of a development of a particular region and people.

With the right show runners it could be awesome (think Dominion arc meets Best of Both Worlds)

With the wrong show runners it could be the worst parts of Voyager and Enterprise combined (think Temporal Cold War meets Threshold).