Let me start off by saying, I have been a Star Trek fan since I can remember. I grew up watching TOS, TNG, DS9 and Voyager. Still do today through Netflix. I even watch and like Enterprise. I have watched and own all the movies. I even still have the VHS boxed copies I had in the 90's. Star Trek is obviously my favorite TV show series of all time.
All that being said, I have really hesitated and delayed my eventual viewing of the newest TV series Discovery. I admit, all the hate surrounding the series really put me off and I just kept putting it off. CBS only having it available to view in the US via their streaming site, was another reason, and in my opinion was a bad business move. Anyway, last week I decided to do the week free trial and just Binge it.
After watching all the episodes of the first season spread into two days, I not only liked it, it surpassed any expectations I may have had. The acting is great, visuals are breathtaking, and the stories are well told and at times unexpected in a good way.
However the biggest question going into this new series, "is it Star Trek", "does it feel like Star Trek". I am happy to say, YES. Admittedly, the first episode is a bit awkward and it was probably one of the biggest reasons why so many fans were turned off, but as soon as soon as episode 2 and 3, I feel the series takes off into warp. There is obviously an over arching story that eventually comes together spectacularly in the later episodes, but the show also has a couple of the traditional character development episodes mixed with exploration, which is a story telling staple of Star Trek.
The biggest glaring criticism among fans are the Klingon's appearance. Yes, they look very different from previous shows, but in terms of their "culture" about honor and the warrior spirit is very much intact. Their appearance did take me aback some in the first episode, but then as you go further into the series, you learn more about the different houses that are introduced. I really do like how there is a more distinct difference between the Klingon families. Also, lets be honest here, Klingon's are the one alien race in Star Trek that has gone through the most inconsistent changes throughout the decades. So yes, the Klingon's look different, but you get used to it.
Don't get me wrong, its not perfect and doesn't come close to the classics. Not yet anyway. Like any first season of any TV show, there are some flaws, especially when it comes to Star Trek. Just look at TNG and DS9. My two favorite Star Trek shows, had very awkward starts, but the shows eventually grew and molded itself to what we love today. I really do hope Discovery is given more of a chance by the fans, and is allowed to continue and mold to something great in the future, just like the others.
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