All right now. Star Trek: Bridge Crew is on my agenda, and I couldn’t be happier about that. First and foremost, I get to write about two of the most prominent (and controversial) Star Trek shows.
Secondly, I’ll try to incorporate bits and pieces of my personal favorite Star Trek shows, just to complete the comparisons. And yes. I’m talking about Deep Space 9 and Voyager. But yeah. For the most part, I’ll focus on The Next Generation and Discovery. Why?
Well, because Star Trek™ Bridge Crew: The Next Generation is one source of inspiration for this particular post. And Discovery is another.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew And Combining The Past And Present
Indeed. As I mentioned earlier, I’ll focus (for the most part) on two very different TV shows. Star Trek: The New Generation and Star Trek Discovery. And although vastly different in almost every aspect, they’re connected to the same Star Trek Universe. One is from the late ’80s while the other was launched in 2017 and is still on the air. And while the former is a beloved and cherished TV show, the other one is controversial and polarizing. But let’s try and find the good and the bad in Discovery, shall we?
And yes. This is not my first Star Trek post here at IndieGala. Just months ago I devoted an entire post to the Star Trek film trilogy. Here it is again, if your care to check it out again. And frankly, I enjoyed every moment of it. But let’s try and focus on these two vastly different shows. And figure out why one is so beloved and respected show, while the other one is so controversial.
However, I simply can’t go any further with this post without mentioning a word or two about the game that inspired this post. Star Trek™ Bridge Crew: The Next Generation.
What’s Star Trek™ Bridge Crew: The Next Generation All About?
First and foremost Star Trek™: Bridge Crew, is playable in both VR and non-VR. A nice feature from Ubisoft, don’t you think? And will immerse you in the Star Trek universe for sure. Next, the game puts you and your friends in the heart of the U.S.S. Aegis. Your mission: explore a largely uncharted sector of space known as The Trench. In hopes of locating a suitable new home world for the decimated Vulcan populace. Not to mention, The Klingon Empire is also active in the region, and their purpose is a threat to the Federation’s plans.
The Next Generation allows you to make strategic decisions. And of course to coordinate actions with your crew to complete the mission. In co-op, you can form a crew of four players to serve in the roles of Captain, Helm, Tactical and Engineer. In addition to a dynamic storyline, the game features an “Ongoing Missions” mode. And procedurally generating missions for countless hours of Solo and Co-op adventure.
Not to mention it’s also available for purchase here at IndieGala. Just lick here, and do your thing.
Yeah. Some of the Steam comments speak for themselves.
– ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Good – says lordWiggins.
– Our captain had an emotional breakdown. 10/10. – adds Plattinum95
But what about the co-relation between The Next Generation and Discovery? What are the similarities and differences? And why are so vastly different in the audience acceptance metric?
Well, before I started with the writing, I consulted my notes about this particular post. And I found a whopping 14 pages of notes that I’ve scribbled along the way in my prep. Admittedly it would be hard for me to elaborate the complexity of these two shows in around 1500 words, but I shall try. Bear with me, and forgive me if I leave anything out. Oh, and I’d love to know your opinion on these two distinct shows. Don’t be shy. Hit that comment section and let me know.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew: Star Trek Always Has Been Woke!
Much like with another beloved show (Doctor Who) there’s a common misconception these days that Star Trek has become woke. Too woke even. Too liberal and progressive for its own good. And to that, I say…Hell no! Look. It’s nothing, new guys. I mean, even Gene Rodenberry himself was a staunch advocate for inclusion and representation in his creations. Even back in the ’60s, he was a fierce advocate for civil rights. And he transferred his ideals and convictions to his pride and joy. Star Trek.
And it was because of him that Star Trek has characters such as Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu and later on a Commanding Officers like Benjamin Sisco. Not to mention characters like Catherine Janeway and Chakotay from the mid to late ’90s. The former was the first female captain of a starship while the latter is the first Native American character in Star Trek. And they’re both awesome I might add. So, I see no problem having an openly gay characters (Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber) or a female character named Michael. Indeed. Star Trek has been progressive and dare I say it… WOKE since the ’60s. No. Discovery has a different set of problems and they have nothing to do with promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Poor Writing Is The Main Problem
Discovery has a striking contrast in the production values. Fantastic set pieces and incredible camera work (with fantastic CGI) on the one side. And there’s the poor writing on the other side. Good casting (for the most part) and poor character development (in the large portion of the characters). However, all of the problems I can name here stem from one source. The horrible writing. Whether it’s character-based, plot-driven, or simply in terms of the dialogues, and basic message. The show suffers because of that, and although there’s been a slight improvement in season 3, that remains the main issue. Even now.
But my biggest pet peeve is how the show (Diversity) makes a side turn on the basic premise. It stays clear from everything that Star Trek should represent. There are no morally driven problems and philosophical questions. And the inherent lack of optimism and Discovery is a large portion of the time has turned it into a strategy show. Because let’s face it… It’s a strategy-based TV show. While all of the previous Star Trek shows (especially TNG) showed the best of our humanity… And our desire to explore the unknown frontiers, to solve matters with diplomacy…. Discovery is the very opposite of that. It’s nothing more than a cold but shiny military vessel. Filled with characters that lack any depth, development, or progression. Not to mention, a show with too many plot holes to count, poor narrative and even worse storytelling. You have the writers to thank for that.
Let’s Bring DS9 In The Mix
While I try to focus on The Next Generation as a model for a good quality Star Trek series, I can’t help but go back to DS9. The best Star Trek series in my opinion and not even TNG can measure up to it. The dialogues served multiple purposes there. They were deep, intelligent and filled with charged tension. They told the story, yes. But most of their character development was a good base for the plot development. Even though the show got more dark and violent as the seasons progressed. But at the same time it was a beautiful union of creative writing and fantastic performances. Indeed characters like Garak, Dr. Bashir, Kira, Odo and yes Sisco relied heavily on dialogue for development. That’s not a bad thing too. With proper writers, it can work wonders.
But over here in Discovery, there’s no character development, and you barely get the impact of the crew. Who are they? What’s their background? What are their motives and stories? Oftentimes, there are hints of crumbs and of some inclining. But most of the time the characters are rather bland and underdeveloped. Event with their actions. If you recall DS9 introduced a nice chunk of the characters even in the first episode. And set up the premise nicely. Yes by making Michael a bit emotional and confused at times, they wanted to show of her human side. And I suppose the showrunners wanted to make her more relatable too. Oh, and vulnerable I guess… But it doesn’t seem to work here. I can’t put my finger on it as to why. Maybe you can fill me in on that.
Do Better Discovery!
In my finishing paragraph, I’d like to single out the poor visual presentation of the Klingons in Discovery. They’re very different from the Klingons I remember from back in the day… Let’s put in madly. And although there’s a fine talent in the cast (especially the incredible Doug Jones), I want to see a better material for that cast. With a better dialogue too! But that remains to be seen in the upcoming 4th season of Star Trek: Discovery. How about you?
Star Trek: Bridge Crew And Your Favorite Star Trek Show
What’s your favorite Star Trek Show? Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it.
