What to Watch: New Star Trek Verse

Now I am going to admit, growing up, I hated Star Trek because in order to watch any of my shows, I had endure the original Star Trek because it was my brothers favorite show. Fast forward to the 90’s, I did enjoy rebirth with Next Generation but sadly all the subsequent story arcs like Deep Space Nine and Voyager, I never found any interest. Then came the reboot of all the Star Trek movies with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, my love for Star Trek was reborn. Three movies under their belt and fourth announced in late 2019. I was pretty set with Star Trek but then CBS decided to reboot the Star Trek universe with two shows back in 2018.

First came the amazing show that is about to start it’s 3 rd season, Star Trek: Discovery. A prequel story line that involves Spock and his family, and roots the main character into his adopted sister Michael Burhman. This series takes you on a serious roller coaster ride in the first two seasons. From story arcs that are probably in the 20’s by the end of the second season. To the amazing cast the producers put together. There are so many unique and amazing actors in this cast. From Sonequa Martin-Green as the Burhman to the hilarious and lovable Mary Wiseman as a lead engineer on the ship. Now I will admit I am not the biggest fan of Anthony Rapp but I will say he really launches in the show and the loving relationship between his Wilson Cruz is emotional for the viewers. No spoilers here though.

Then there are iconic actors gracing the show over the first two seasons. Like the amazing Jason Issac’s, who many of you know from the Harry Potter films as Lucius Malfoy. Then there is Anson Mount, now Mount’s failed Marvel series InHumans was sad. I watched the whole first season and I will say the show failed to the poor casting. I’ve enjoyed seeing Mount in many of there shows and movies but Black Bolt was not his character. More importantly there was no chemistry between him and Medusa from the beginning to the end of the series. As Capt. Christopher Pike on Discovery, Mount shined bright in this already talent heavy cast. After the second season finale, there is already talk of a spin-off for Mount as Capt. Pike, which I am on board with. 

Then there is Star Trek: Picard. As in Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek Next Generation. He’s back and still the amazing actor he was back in the early 90’s when Next Gen launched. The new series picks up where the original left him to some degree. A subsequent was is the theme for his retirement but we start the season with Jean-Luc in retirement on a Italian winery. This show just blasts off from the very first episode and I am happy to say, it’s a very short season with only 10 episodes, and well worth the watch. What I love about this show is that the producers brought back many Next Gen characters from Deanna Troi, Seven of Nine and even Data in various incarnations. The story line is pretty fluid and fast and the new team of bandits including Michelle Hurd (The Glades & ER) and Santiago Cabrera who I fell in love with the two seasons of the now cancelled Salvation. Picard has already be renewed for a second season and they’ve already asked Whoopi Goldberg to return as Guinan and I am hoping that Tasha Year walks on for at least one episode. 

Of coarse Wesley Crusher is pounding on the producers doors begging to return. MEH! I’d much rather Gates McFadden return, since really she was the one who had a love affair with Picard. So if you are a sci-fi fan and you like good acting. These two series are a great binge watch while you are sheltering. Picard is only 10 episodes and Discovery is only 19 episodes right now. For the kids, CBS is about to release a new animated series titled Star Trek: Lower Decks. The new animated series revolves around the world outside of the bridge and a simpler storyline for the younger folk. Less sex talk, probably.