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Tag: Star Trek

August 23, 2026

Has “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Jumped the Shark?

If you’ve noticed that season 4 of “Strange New Worlds” has been warping through entirely different storytelling genres, you’re not alone. Confused? Is there some logic behind all this? Let’s explore…

What do the following movie and TV genres have in common?

  • Dinosaurs
  • Zombie ghosts
  • Piecing together a blackout night of mayhem
  • 1942’s “Casablanca”
  • And the Muppets

Yes, it would be the first half of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” season 4.

Based on the first five episodes, “Strange New Worlds” has settled into a certain genre-of-the-week groove. And it’s certainly not what you might say is classic Trek. 

Puppets in Space?

We just got the long-teased comedic puppet adventure. (Yes, the crew is turned into puppets by a transporter accident.) 

This comes after the film noir episode, the ‘Hangover’ homage, the horror episode and the time-travel dinosaur plot.

Boldy Go?

With the writers exploring a different genre each week, you might simply conclude the show is taking some big swings or alternately feel it’s become a bit gimmicky. 

It’s not that “Strange New Worlds” hasn’t explored varied storytelling genres before (such as season two’s musical episode). And even the original series had its comedic plots like the famous “The Trouble with Tribbles.”

But we’re halfway through this second-to-last season for “Strange New Worlds.” Except for the premiere, which was solid science fiction (the dinosaur-punch notwithstanding) the show is acting like it has all the time in the world to have its fun.

Lost in Space?

But the reality is we’ve only got 11 episodes left to the series finale. (Season five will contain only six episodes.)

Shouldn’t the writers be giving us more serious plots that try to push the boundaries of science fiction? Well, they’re certainly pushing “Star Trek” norms. 

So, you might conclude that “Strange New Worlds” is off course and jumped the shark.

But you’d be wrong, And I’ve got two reasons why…

Reason #1 
Look Under the Hood of the Gimmick

Sure, transforming the crew into puppets (via Jim Henson’ Creature Shop) may seems like a silly gimmick. But when you move beyond the plot device and realize it’s just a metaphor for what show is really about (just wait for the ‘aha moment’), you understand how clever this concept really is. 

Then, you can rewatch “Level-Five Transporter Accident” and enjoy the episode on a totally new level. 

Many great “Star Trek” stories are often just metaphors for something entirely different. Let’s not forget that.

Reason #2
Let the Show Have its Fun. The End is Near.

“Strange new Worlds” has already served up a variety of lighter plots in its first three seasons. We just happened to get a grouped set of these ‘unique’ episodes at the top of this season.

Let’s enjoy this fun… because we know it’s not going to last.

There’s a lot of ground to cover to get from Captain Pike’s Starship Enterprise to a very different Enterprise crew let by Kirk.

I imagine there’s going to be choppy waters ahead for this ship and crew. Plus, we already know Pike’s fate. And unless the writers are going to reveal a sci-fi deus ex machina to soften that blow (like the Klingon ‘time crystal’ from the season 1 finale), we’ll be shedding a few tears next year.

There’s a Method to this Madness

So why not enjoy some hijinks before we need to get to that finish line? Spock and Scotty are still in their formative years, which the writers are clearly leaning into. Every episode doesn’t have to be a universe-saving venture.

And despite the tonal swings, the writers are demonstrating intention with each episode’s messaging. Plus, they pull regularly from Star Trek canon. I love that. And I will trust there is some logic in the larger plan.

The Warp Core is Sound

I’ve read some critics’ conclusions that there are too few episodes left to waste on ‘fun’ episodes. And they may have a point.

But “Strange New Worlds” has already proven itself during the past three seasons. It’s earned the opportunity to take some creative license.

Enjoy the Last Days of Summer

Season 4 has been a perfect summer series. And don’t forget, winter’s coming.

For now, I’m going to sit back and happily enjoy my Trek.

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July 26, 2026

These are the Final Voyages of the Starship Enterprise

If Trekkies from the past had invented a time portal TV that could pull in shows from the future, they would have loved watching the season 4 premiere of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” And so did I. Just don’t tell them there are only 15 episodes left.

This has not exactly been a good year for the “Star Trek” franchise. 

“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” was immediately cancelled after its first season. (The second season had already been shot by that point. So, we will eventually get to see it.) 

The Kelvin timeline movie franchise by J.J. Abrams was officially cancelled after failing for many years to get a fourth film into production.

Arguably the jewel of the new Trek universe, “Strange New Worlds” got its decommission orders to wrap it up after five seasons (and a shorter 6-episode final season at that).

All this on the 60th anniversary of “Star Trek.”

This Trekkie is not celebrating.

The Beginning of the End of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”

No new series in the pipeline. There is some vague discussion about a movie reboot. (We’ve heard this before.)

Is the Federation breaking up? Are these the final voyages of the Starship Enterprise?

Well, we’ve known for almost 60 years how “Strange New Worlds” is supposed to end. And as much as any faithful Trekkie wants the writers to surprise us, they’ve already shown us the implications of changing the timeline.

Fate can be a bummer.

All this said, yes, I’m still clinging on to that Kirk line (quoting Spock) from the end of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”

“…there are always possibilities.”

So, it’s under this near-universal dark cloud that season 4 of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” launches…

My Thoughts on the Season 4 Premiere: “Valles Marineris”

Yes, of course, I immediately watched the season premiere. 

What’s the plot about? I’ll only say that (slight spoiler) it involves time travel… and dinosaurs. But it was really about purpose, ethics and destiny.  

Yep… classic Trek.

An hour later, I turned off the TV as the credits rolled. I stood up from my couch and smiled. I felt like a kid again. Wow.

This was a really good episode. In fact, it was fantastic! Most importantly, it was solid science fiction with strong writing.

We’ve already got an excellent cast of established characters, led by Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike. You just need a script that makes you think a bit and then say, “Whoa!”That’s always been the promise of “Star Trek.” And that’s what “Valles Marineris.” gave us.

This is as Good as It Gets

And to all those reviewers who pulverized “Starfleet Academy” to a quick demise earlier this year (and not entirely undeservedly), let me say this:

You must admit that “Strange New Worlds” is as close to capturing the core spirit of classic Trek as any of the newer series. Yes, this is as good as it gets. It takes big swings, and I believe it’s worth watching. No, every episode isn’t perfect, and the writing has sometimes been uneven.

But remember, every episode of the original series or “The Next Generation” wasn’t a gem either.

The Needs of the Many

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is deserving of way more support.

Because the alternative is… nothing. No “Star Trek.” And that’s currently what’s in the pipeline.

I think we can all agree that we need a little ongoing optimistic “Star Trek” in our lives.

Sure, it might be fun to pick at little problems in the remaining episodes, and that may get reviewers more readers or clicks. 

But any true Trekkie must acknowledge this series continues to successfully ‘hit it’ most of the time. (It’s the only logical conclusion.)

“Strange New Worlds” has always been a shining beacon for the new “Trek” era. 

Fate and Season 5

Season 5 will have to focus on wrapping it all up to the point when Captain Kirk takes command. And that’s going to be bittersweet. I really like this crew, but we know that a few aren’t part of Kirk’s bridge. So, their futures are a huge question mark.

And we also know Pike’s fate as explained in “The Menagerie” from the original series. But that’s for season 5 to work through.

So, this 10-episode fourth season is the last time we can simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

Trekkies Unite!

Both seasons 4 and 5 of “Strange New Worlds” are in the can. This series is ‘officially’ over with 15 episodes left to watch.

But after watching the confident season 4 premiere, I can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come. 

And I hope that the ratings skyrocket for these final voyages of Pike’s Starship Enterprise.

Because if that happens… there are always possibilities.

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April 5, 2026

Why I’m Sad “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” Got Cancelled So Quickly

This fledgling series barely got off its launch pad before Paramount flipped the abort switch. Here’s what I think went wrong.

Sure, it might have been fun to trash “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” over the past months as many reviewers did. If their goal was to help get the series cancelled, then I suppose they’re happy now. But no true Trekkie can be pleased with the resulting void.

As a core fan throughout my life, I must admit there were a few ‘details’ to complain about with this show. The freshman season of “Starfleet Academy” was certainly a mixed bag.

A Bumpy Freshman Year

The series began slowly and introduced us to a batch of unknown Starfleet Academy cadets. We also had fragments from the Discovery crew and an unusual captain Aki (played by Holly Hunter) who liked to walk around in her bare feet. Then, there was the return of the famous Doctor from “Star Trek: Voyager” (played by Robert Picardo).

So, there were some interesting ingredients here, even without a break-out star character. 

But the storytelling is what’s always most important…. Was it any good?

Well, the first half of the season focused primarily on cadet backstories, and we really didn’t get into compelling “Star Trek” plots until the last few episodes.

By then, it was too late.

It’s Dead, Jim 

The viewers apparently never showed up. Season 1 finished its run. And Paramount promptly announced the series had been cancelled.

Season 2 had already been shot. (Principal photography was mostly wrapped before season 1’s first episode even premiered.) But it didn’t matter.

Yes, we’ll eventually get to see season 2, but our cadets from “Starfleet Academy” won’t get past their sophomore year on Paramount+.

There’s really no way to spin this other than “Starfleet Academy” failed.

How could the warp core implode like this?

Navigating in the Dark

You can take issue with the characters and the storytelling. You might debate that the style was a parsec too far from traditional “Star Trek” we know and love. And you can say the producers abandoned the Trekkie base in search of a younger demographic that never showed up.

Fine. There’s plenty to quibble about.

But how strong was the first season of “Star Trek: The Next Generation?” 

“Star Trek: Discovery” needed a total retrofit after its first season.

Said another way, the producers fixed those problems. They were offered some time to do that. 

But “Starfleet Academy” was set up to navigate its fate without the benefit of any viewer feedback. No ratings. No chance to course correct. 

Absence of Strong Scripts

In time, one could see this show find its footing. But time was the one variable “Starfleet Academy” didn’t have.

You can blame this on Alex Kurtzman, who’s been behind all new “Trek” over the past nine years. You can blame Paramount. You can blame the high cost per episode.

Ultimately, I blame the writers. Strong storytelling and good science fiction plots are critical for any successful “Star Trek” series. And I would say there wasn’t enough of either in season 1.

There are likely any number of reasons that I’m not privy to which contributed to “Starfleet Academy’s” early demise. But I believe my core logic as a simple ‘consumer’ still holds.

It’s All Cancelled

So where does this leave us? “Star Trek” as we currently know it has ended.

  • “Starfleet Academy” is now a dead series walking with one more season.
  • “Strange New Worlds” has wrapped shooting its fifth and final season containing only 6 episodes. (I think ‘cancellation’ also applies here.)
  • There’s no “Star Trek” on the horizon other than a ‘promised’ movie reboot in theaters with few details to date.

“Star Trek” in series form has seemingly ended.

As a Trekkie, I find that entirely discouraging.

Nothing Left to Celebrate?


Sure, there are rumors regarding what might come next. Perhaps we’d get “Star Trek: Legacy” which would be a spinoff from “Star Trek: Picard” or maybe “Star Trek: Year One,” which would be the spinoff from “Strange New Worlds” (Kirk’s first year in the Enterprise’s captain’s chair).

But we’re pretty much eating static right now.

I suppose there’s always time for Paramount to keep the series format alive. We’ve still got season 2 of “Starfleet Academy” and seasons 4/5 of “Strange New Worlds” to watch.

Though those episodes will come and go quickly…

In this moment, the “Star Trek” universe at its 60th anniversary looks rather bleak. Not much to celebrate.

But as Kirk once said, (at the end of “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan”) “There are always possibilities.”

Hailing frequencies remain open.

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