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“Star Trek: Prodigy” is a kids’ show also made for adult Trekkies. Here’s why season 2 is so good.

It’s not logical. But they keep making animated versions of Star Trek. In yet another example, Netflix picked up the cancelled “Star Trek: Prodigy” from Paramount+ and has given us season 2.

Clearly intended for kids by Nickelodeon Animation and CBS’s Eye Animation, “Prodigy” focuses on a group of teens having the same types of Trek adventures usually reserved for the adults in the captain’s ready room.

Talk about watering down a classic science fiction property. Sounds insulting, right? But surprisingly, it’s not.

Star Trek: Prodigy
The writers are clearly Trekkies and have made full use of Federation history. They dig deep and bring back details and characters we all know and love… assuming you’ve been paying attention across these past decades.

The younger target audience couldn’t possibly catch all the easter eggs. Only the adults in the living room will appreciate all the Star Trek references.

And that’s why this series works so well for all ages.

Star Trek: The Animated Series
I must admit I’ve never entirely understood the whole Star Trek animation thing. The original animated series (1973-1975) felt like a cheat instead of bringing back the actual show. But the Saturday morning cartoon was at least something in a world and time that only had the original series’ 79 episodes. It was both terrible and wonderful. A juicy morsal.

Star Trek: Lower Decks
I was confused when I watched the first episode of “Star Trek: Lower Decks” (2020 to present). An adult comedy? But I quickly figured it out.

This series is poking fun at the entire Star Trek universe. But it’s not a parody. It’s smart, clever and spot on, brought to you by writers who really know their Trek.

And the crossover episode on “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” was pure genius.

Star Trek: Voyager Returns?
Then “Star Trek: Prodigy” showed up in 2021. I hardly paid attention. But when I finally checked out the first episode, the series quickly grew on me. Season 2 is even better.

As a Trekkie, how can you not love a show that after more than two decades brings back Captain (now Admiral) Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and our favorite Emergency Medical Hologram doctor (Robert Picardo). Plus, we’ve got a new USS Voyager and a rescue mission to find Chakotay (Robert Beltran) who’s marooned in another time.

Yes, there’s time travel. Plus, alternate universes. And surprise iconic cameos. You’ve got to break out your full Trekkie knowledge to take it all in. In fact, the plot is somewhat complex. (You may need a kid to help you keep track of it all.)

And this beautifully animated series is the only format that could have possibly made this “Star Trek: Voyager” reunion happen after so many years.

These are the Voyages of the Starship Protostar
Beyond the Voyager thread, there’s a new set of characters who drive the story. Led by young Dal (voiced by Brett Gray), six misfit teens from different worlds are thrown together by circumstance. Through a series of fortunate events, they’ve also got their own baby-sized starship (USS Protostar). And of course, the Protostar transports them through their many adventures.

They’re a silly bunch, but totally endearing… again designed for a younger audience.

This team’s journey through a complex and well-designed “Star Trek” storyline, fully emersed in Trek canon, makes it so enjoyable for any adult in the room. (Seasons 1 and 2 both contain 20 episodes.)

The Kid in All of Us
Yes, “Star Trek: Prodigy” is a cartoon for kids. But, if you’re a life-long Trekkie, it’ll latch onto you faster than a Borg implant.

Each nostalgic episode offers a little gift of Trekkie joy, as it taps into the optimism and can-do attitude that centers around everything Star Trek.

It’s not encumbered with the need to reimagine Starfleet into the darker and edgier versions reflected in “Discovery” or “Picard.” Dangers are presented, but we all know how it’s going to work out.

Live Long and Prosper
Some people practice meditation. Others work out to maintain their balance. Watching a geeky dose of “Prodigy” fuels my Zen.

It’s entirely uplifting and continues what is an illogical but successful tradition of Star Trek animation.

I shouldn’t admit that I’m watching “Star Trek: Prodigy.” But I am. Each short episode, which I often stream after dinner has left me with a smile on my face and a little less stress to end my day.

If you know the difference between a Klingon and a Cardassian, I present “Prodigy” for your pointy-eared consideration.