Star Trek: Canon Controversies in Discovery and Picard
Star Trek: Canon Controversies in Discovery and Picard
Star Trek, beloved by countless fans around the world, has a vast and rich universe filled with intricate lore and characters. However, recent TV series such as Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard have sparked controversy regarding their adherence to the established canon. This article explores the reasons behind the debates, the implications of canon changes, and the perspectives of fans and critics.
Why Star Trek Changes Its Canon
As our understanding and predictions of future technologies evolve, it's crucial for a franchise as grand as Star Trek to adapt. New technologies and scientific advancements mean that the old standards set in early productions, such as saving data on big tapes and using CRT screens, are now obsolete. The general rule is that new Star Trek media overrides or updates old content, ensuring that the universe evolves while still staying true to its core themes.
New Developments in Star Trek: Discovery
Star Trek: Discovery introduced several significant changes to the established lore. One notable example is the portrayal of advanced Klingon technology, such as the spore drive. Additionally, the portrayal of timelines now intertwines with previous series, creating a more connected narrative. While the creators of Discovery aimed to expand the lore and explore new storytelling avenues, these changes have caused mixed reactions.
For instance, the introduction of Spock's sister, believed to be a major character in the series, has been met with both praise and criticism. Some fans appreciate the new directions and themes explored, while others feel that certain elements conflict with the established universe. The writers interwove this into the canon with a promise from Spock that he would never speak about her once she went into the future, but this admission is seen by many as poor writing.
Star Trek: Picard and Its Impact on the Canon
Star Trek: Picard revisits the character of Jean-Luc Picard and explores themes of aging, legacy, and the consequences of past actions. While it references many aspects of previous series, such as Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), the series introduces significant changes to the Star Trek universe. Critics argue that these changes seriously limit the franchise's ability to continue creating new Trek stories similar to its predecessors, as the setting has undergone significant alterations.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect is the limited exposure to these changes. A few flashbacks in Picard provide some context, but it is challenging for viewers to fully buy into these massive changes without more detailed information. This has led to a sense of disconnection from the familiar Star Trek universe, which many fans find disheartening.
Fan Perspectives on Canon Changes
The fan community holds a diverse range of opinions regarding the canon status of these two series. Some fans strongly dislike both Discovery and Picard, arguing that they did not respect the original content. These works should not be considered canon in their eyes, as they feel the shows did not pay homage to the established universe.
Others, however, appreciate the new directions and themes that these series explore. They believe that the shows expand the universe and bring new elements to the storytelling. Despite the canon controversy, these series have their supporters who see value in the creative departures from traditional Star Trek elements.
The ultimate question of whether the two shows are canon is not up for debate. They are canon and have been acknowledged by the franchise. However, the debate over whether they should be canon is a legitimate one, with both sides presenting valid arguments. In my opinion, these series should not be considered canon as they diverge significantly from the original content.
Conclusion
The canon changes in Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard have sparked significant controversy within the fan community. While the series have their supporters who appreciate the new storytelling directions, many fans feel that this tinkering with established lore undermines the integrity of the original content. Whether or not these shows should be considered canon is a deeply personal and individual opinion, but the debate continues to be a central topic in the Star Trek discourse.