Is Star Trek: Discovery Science Fiction at Its Core?

In recent seasons, Star Trek: Discovery has delved into the 32nd century, exploring complex space crises such as the phenomenon that caused dilithium to go inert and destroyed most warp engines in Season 3, and a dark matter anomaly that wiped out planets in Season 4. These narratives are often steeped in familiar elements of science fiction, including space travel, first contact with aliens, and the evolution of known Star Trek species like the Vulcans. However, some viewers and critics argue that these elements, while present, do not sufficiently qualify Discovery as science fiction. In this article, we delve into this debate to understand what it means for a show to be science fiction and whether Discovery truly fits this genre.

The Essence of Science Fiction

Science fiction is not merely about scientific elements and futuristic gadgets. It explores how people respond to the new realities that scientific advancements bring to the fore. This forms the core of the genre's appeal and, importantly, its social significance. As we argue in this article, some elements of Discovery fit this definition more profoundly than others.

Space Travel and Deeper Examinations

Seasons 3 and 4 of Star Trek: Discovery, for example, are replete with scientific elements. The episode that caused dilithium to go inert and destroyed most warp engines harks back to one of the foundational concepts of the Star Trek universe – energy manipulation, which is central to their form of interstellar travel. Similarly, the dark matter anomaly that wipes out planets introduces a new and uncharted danger to the universe, requiring the Enterprise to adapt and evolve in response. These elements are quintessential science fiction, prompting exploration into the consequences and interactions with these phenomena.

Moreover, the focus on first contact with aliens and the updating of familiar Trek species like the Vulcans are not just superficial; they delve into the profound implications of such encounters. How do the Vulcans adapt to unfamiliar technology or environments? How do they maintain their cultural identity? These questions are at the heart of thoughtful science fiction, mirroring events such as the "@ header was missing, see corrections" event, where the encounter with the hostile and distant Non-Corporeal species posed significant ethical questions.

In this way, each story arc in Discovery serves not just as a piece of entertainment, but as a reflection of human response to scientific and extraterrestrial phenomena. It is this interplay between humanity and technology that defines the genre.

Arguing against the Sci-Fi Categorization

Some argue that Star Trek: Discovery is not science fiction enough. The crux of their argument is the show's departure from the classic science fiction tropes and plot structures. They suggest that the show is missing the deep dive into scientific and philosophical questions that is characteristic of other Star Trek series like The Original Series (TOS) and The Next Generation (TNG).

This perspective, while valid, often misses the point that the nature of science fiction can be flexible. Not all science fiction needs to be heavy on scientific content. Many subgenres explore more thematic and character-driven aspects, as seen in softer science fiction like The Expanse or Broadchurch. Discovery's focus on longer arcs and different parts of the Star Trek universe aligns with this approach.

Is Discovery Truly Science Fiction?

So, is Star Trek: Discovery science fiction? The answer depends on your definition of the term. If your template of Star Trek is still rooted in the styles of The Original Series and The Next Generation, then it may not fit the bill. However, if you see Star Trek as an ever-evolving franchise that adapts to the times, as it has done since its inception, then Discovery certainly stands as a worthy addition.

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, envisioned a utopian future where humanity had eliminated want. Yet, as he himself acknowledged, maintaining such a utopia amid external conflicts would require significant effort and sacrifice. Discovery draws on this idea, introducing elements like Section 31, which showcases the darker side of achieving and maintaining utopia. This complexity adds depth to the narrative and underscores the reality of the human condition.

Furthermore, from a production standpoint, sticking to the TOS format in 2018 would have led to a series failure. The changing landscape of television and audience expectations necessitated a shift in storytelling. Discovery's format, with its longer arcs and different perspectives, has resonated with many viewers and brought a new dimension to the Star Trek universe.

Conclusion

Star Trek: Discovery is, at its core, science fiction. It just tells the story in a different way and offers a different perspective on the Star Trek universe. Whether or not it fits your definition of science fiction is a matter of perspective. What matters is that it tells a compelling and thought-provoking story, one that continues to evolve and expand the boundaries of the Star Trek franchise.