Why STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds is a Perfect Prequel

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds takes all the weaknesses of a prequel and turns them into assets. We already know how the captain's story ends? So does the captain? You think you know Spock--there's more to learn! Plus, the show is an absolute delight that puts the fun back into space exploration.
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Written and Edited by Eric Adams ( / whatdidimiss )
Hosted and Edited by Ryan Arey ( / ryanarey )
#StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds #timelines
Star Trek Strange New Worlds had a successful debut in many ways. First of all, it is awesome. It is also the highest rated season of Star Trek ever.
But what I appreciate most about this show is how it can be totally serious, and hit the dramatic notes for the characters-and yet, it’s also a fun, zippy space adventure. And of course, there are the nostalgic moments, when it’s a fun trip down memory lane for Star Trek fans.
But when you step back and look at this show, it’s also THE template for the right way to create a prequel. There are problems inherent in any prequel. We know how the story ends, pointlessly shading in backstories no one cares about. But Strange New World takes these weaknesses and turns them into strengths. We’re going to explain how, and also tell you exactly what made this season of TV so great.
Strange New Worlds includes both characters that debuted on the original series, and also characters created for the unaired pilot episode “the Cage”.
That pilot episode introduced Captain Pike -not Kirk-and a new first officer. These characters have been given a new life in this series. In a way, makes Strange New Worlds the longest pilot to series pickup in the history of television. And while many fans have been eager to learn of the adventures of the Pike-led Enterprise, Star Trek fans historically can be less than receptive to anyone trampling on the sacred history of the franchise. [Film Clip Officer & a Gentleman ``Don't You Do it!”]
But to really understand a perfect prequel, I mean to really get how to make a Prequel work, the best example, by far, is [better call saul!]But much like another recently released prequel series, [Clip Better Call Saul]
Strange New Worlds is the Better Call Saul of the Star Trek universe. And don;t worry if you haven;t seen Better Call Saul, I’m not going to spoil anything or talk about it for very long. Strange new worlds and better called Saul both excel at using the characters we want to see more of, without ruining the original series they came from.
So Better Call Saul is a prequel series of the series Breaking Bad, about a criminal lawyer named Saul Goodman.[Breaking Bad clip ep “Better Call Saul” - Jesse to Walt “You don’t want a criminal lawyer…”] Much like how Strange New Worlds is a prequel series based around one character, Captain Pike.
On the series we are introduced to Saul Goodman,AKA Jimmy McGill, five years before the events of Breaking Bad.
Over the series, we see Saul build himself into the man we meet later in his life. This gives fans a better understanding of a character that we had grown to love. But Saul was always a side character, played for laughs [clip]. The series shows us the tragedy and choices that led to this man’s downfall. Similarly, we all know the fate of Captain Pike, and this series brilliantly shows us every choice he made to lead up to this [pike in chair in TOS]
But what makes Better Call Saul so successful is its relationship to Breaking Bad. The series navigates this connection with something called “the Slow Burn”.
Doug: Slow burn? Like when you cook a chicken?
No, it’s a writing term. When writing a story, “the Slow Burn” is used to move the characters along at a pace relative to the resolution. You do this by creating meaningful obstacles or secondary plotlines for the characters to overcome. Basically, to avoid rushing to the end of the series, you have to challenge the characters. These challenges help the characters grow into the characters that we have already met. When the slow burn is not successful, you get a story that drags, and bores the audience.

[@ScreenCrush]

Click on the link and download the official Star Trek Game for a chance to win a U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 model: sttlink.onelink.me/Z8Hp/ytsf To join the challenge, download the game, reach the Captain Level 5 for a chance to win 1 of the 5 model U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701. Subject to T&Cs.: bit.ly/3OmO6wq

[@HeathenGeek]

Maybe they should introduce a new villain. . . the Kurtzman Shills? They could just be a race of sycophantic yes men who do and say whatever their leader tells them to because he gives them access to his inner circle. This show has the potential to be great, but the terrible, TERRIBLE writing will stop that from happening. There are some really talented people working on this show, but none of them are in the writers room.

[@rayb558]

Please review this season of the Orville some of the best sci fi ive seen in years

[@mastercollectortcg9411]

Hey i have a theory how shuri could have the sorcerer like power without the comic story , simply shuri could be explained as a mutant and has the stone and diffrent power which would be triggered by t chalas death and the events around her , and as shuri now has these powers now will also be given healing power and stuff for which she won't require heart shaped herb making it fit in and they wont have to explain how the plant is back

[@eliezerrodriguez5863]

You forgot that in Amok Time Spock had not seen Tpring since a was 7 years old. So to say this show is the right way to do a prequel is wrong. Also the Enterprise is too big inside plus there are alot more mistakes that I dont have time to mention. Oh the Gorn are not killers, in The TOS Gorn episode it is established that The were misunderstood and we were the ones trespassing. This no matter what you say is not Prime timeline but it's a great show.

[@catchaser52]

The problem with "Strange New Worlds" is the high level of technology that wasn't even close in Kirks Star Trek.

[@eeblin]

SNW shows the audience what Star Trek TOS could have been with today’s money, visual effects, fan base, and a rock solid story foundation. I crave 20+ episodes per season

[@chrisfox961]

Strange New Worlds recaptures a lot of the original series magic with modern-day production values. The cast is amazing and I see how the writers are juggling the need to keep with canon while expanding the depth of the characters and the fan's understanding of the storylines that are coming up and those that are decades old. It is a master's class in how a franchise can be enhanced without pandering to the audience.

[@azrul666]

Two scenes made me cry, 1st; when Rukiya goes into that anomaly, being a dad, I really felt it for Dr. M’Benga. 2nd, when Hemmer sacrificed himself. To me this series is the best modern Star Trek, among the hit & miss that of Discovery and the travesty that is Picard season 2.

[@TJStock85]

**17 yr old SPOILER ALERT** I almost wish Hemmer's sacrifice was an homage to Commander Tucker (ENT - "These are the Voyages) or what could have been... it definitely had an impact & didnt feel forced or unnecessary.

[@innerblight]

I cried twice too! At Rukiya and at Pike learning what his true fate is at the end of the series.. him walking around the bridge after made me cry

[@driftbandit4740]

To be fair, Picard Season 2 wasn't as bad as many wanted it to be. It had a very strong opening until they time traveled to San Francisco which the stories had a much slower paced but by the end we all learned that Q was dying and he did whatever was nessassary to break Picard from his traumatic past so Picard can be more open to others which lead to a damn good finish. It was also satisfying to see Will Weaton reprisal of Traveler Westley Crusher which was completely unexpected. It would be a fitting end to Discovery if Westley Crusher travels to the future and enlist Micheal Burnham to team up with Soong's Daughter who was recently enlisted.

[@d.1.a_mayby18]

@@TJStock85 In the books Tucker isn't dead. Only Archer, T'Pol and the doctor know about it. Tucker goes off and spies on Romulan warp technology.

[@trhansen3244]

Is this the best modern Trek? Maybe. But that's not saying much. It's the most disappointing for sure. I watched the first season and I realized I ended up not liking a single character.

[@philipquenault5102]

It's amazing what happens when a show respects it's source material and respects the intelligence of it's audience.

[@bombud1]

if they respected the intelligence of the audience, there wouldnt be so many wtf scenes.

[@wilsonwijaya.design]

it's amazing what they can do when the ACTUALLY watch and take notes of the OG show

[@SubjectDelta9]

Respect comes with Integrity. Perhaps they would have been more successful creating a new franchise all together instead of trying to cash in on someone's else masterpiece. It is like investing on a Van Gogh and have some mediocre artist paint a different version and try to sell it as an original.

[@shadowmann9]

That's true, which is why this show is so bad because it does not do that.

[@Smiley-ps1yc]

"respects the intelligence of it's audience"... What's that even mean ? 🤔 Are you trying to say people are Dumb or Smart ? i'm confused !

[@RoushFan1799]

Big Star Trek fan, and SNW had one of, if not the, best first season in the history of the entire franchise. Even if there weren’t a ton of episodes, they were all consistently great. Really can’t wait for more!

[@mrgreatbigmoose]

Agreed! This is the Trek series that has hit its stride the fastest! One season and they've already hit their mark. Wow!

[@GermanLeftist]

The lack of episodes works in its favour, I think. Legacy Trek had to produce 22 to 29 episodes each season, with most seasons having 26. By only having 10 episodes, SNW has far more time to focus on those, reducing the need for run of the mill bottlenecks that don't offer much to the audience. While a more serialised show like DIS could benefit from the odd bottleneck ep here or there like DS9 did to take the edge off instead of awkwardly inserting comedy in a dramatic episode, a procedural like SNW benefits from the absence of those.

[@katrineroberts4084]

I agree. There will be no clip shows. Awesome trek.

[@r.t.643]

I regrettably haven't watched the 1st season yet, but when you mentioned Uhura's arc, I immediately thought or Nichelle Nichols' famous story about WHY she stayed with the series. If you're reading this, you know the story. If you somehow don't, there's probably a 100 videos on KZbin telling it.

[@trhansen3244]

Nichelle Nichols was much better than the 'actress' playing her in SNW.

[@Carstuff111]

Strange New Worlds.... I am stunned at how good the show turned out in its first season! I really do feel like a 4 year old kid again in 1987 watching the original series and TNG for the first time!

[@trhansen3244]

I am stunned people like this show. It's terrible.

[@shadow1961]

The great thing about this show is it makes T'Pring's choices a lot more relatable. Spock is a handful, and she has to really push push push to be understanding- and that's tough.

[@NeilNadelman]

I never thought I'd be this invested in Spock's love life, but here we are. Even though I know how it all ends, I'm still rooting for these crazy kids to work it all out somehow. Also, Nurse Chapel has gone from being a sort of pathetic woman with a one-way crush to someone who's been a close confidant of Spock and who's had to suffer on the side of this doomed relationship.

[@davfree9732]

And that’s the problem. SH are using past works to build their narratives. The audience is over nostalgia. We just want original works again instead of SH constantly failing to have faith that their writers can produce good works of fiction if allowed removed from the leash. Each season is half what Classic ST pumped out so each episode should be twice as good. But with them pumping out 50 episodes a year, it’s actually twice as bad. SNW has been the best to date, but even SNW fails to address the core problem with SH’s output. They can’t bring themselves to up the quality of their writing and are trying to be an action show. Meanwhile The Orville has brought Nu Trek to task in how to write intellectual sci fi. The fact it took a comedian to do it says volumes about how low in quality NuTrek has fallen.

[@trhansen3244]

all they do is use her to fill screen time. Their relationship was more interesting in the Amok Time than it is over the course of this first season.

[@matthewnicholas6365]

One thing I felt this nailed compared to other prequels, is that it kept the tone of the show it was a prequel to. There were cheesey moments, small sets, low effects quality. But they pulled it off in a way that kept it feeling like a solid show.

[@STho205]

Pike is the older audience's POV character. Uhura is the young audience POV. She is on department rotation so she gets to introduce you to the ship and other characters. The star is Spock. Mostly Spock's character arc since Discovery s2, 2nd half. It is a romance triangle and T'Pring is one of the best written girlfriend characters in TV history. Chapel is the fun loving flirt girl that is pretty common in TV. She reminds me of Nurse Trixy on "Call the Midwife" #1 and the security chief are the action heroes because modern TV likes fighting skinny actresses Spock and Pike are each other's councellors in most episodes...number 1 sometimes psychologist for Pike, Chapel is Spock sex therapist. The Engineer was Uhura's councellor. Spock is her career sponsor. The Doctor pretty much has his own thing, much like the doctor on Babylon 5 and Galactica.

[@STho205]

All Star Treks are products of their contemporary TV environment. TOS was a mix of Twilight Zone, 12 Oclock High and especially family or buddy westerns. It's not as unique as Trekkies think. There were some monster costumes and cool gadgets for kids. TNG was mostly a 30Something relationship show with some SF action and VFX for kids. DS9 was Babylon 5 just different enough to avoid sanctions from the WGA. ...you figure the rest till Discovery was CW Tween Trek. Lower Decks is Trek and Morty. Picard is a Matlock or Diagnosis Murder style series.

[@jceggbert5]

​@@STho205Trek and Morty 😅😅

[@mus_cetiner]

A Great video on Strange New Worlds, as that series is superbly done, it's well written with memorable episodes, I've enjoyed each episode thoroughly and as a prequel, it's really good. I love all the characters and all are fantastically acted, the visual effects and sound are Chef kiss. Would like to have a couple more episodes per season. Kudos to all the team members who are making that show.

[@theoriginalfloatingrumshack]

SNW ticks so many boxes for me - fan service, nice moral/modern thinking edge, as well as being entirely engaging throughout. Pike is the line manager we all wished we had though. Defaults to listening to options from the team and generally acting on them, but is quick to assume control as needed and be the boss - safe in the knowledge he’s going to be fair and thorough. I wish I’d worked for him when I was in the world of the 9-5. Can’t wait for season 2. Pikes fate might be set - but we’ve plenty of journey along the way and I’m here for it!

[@chm1701]

Couldn't agree more. Well said.

[@edkwon]

Agreed, Pike is a strong, capable and experienced leader but his greatest strengths are him knowing when how to best make use of the various talents and strengths of his equally talented bridge crew members to solve the most complex of problems and also constantly lifting and raising them rather than take credit for their ideas and achievements. In a way he's that perfect captain that a crew can't help but be loyal to

[@gedaliaw]

@@edkwon And yet, as we saw in the season final, whilst we all love and commend his collaborative approach to leading, it was made clear that he's not decisive enough. There's a time and place for holding up the Star Fleet ideals of peaceful co-existence and there's a time and place for blowing stuff up!

[@NeilNadelman]

@@gedaliaw It was a canny move on the writers' part to make Pike's intellectual approach to command a problem, since that was NBC's complaint about the character in the original pilot.

[@Gabriele1979]

Unfortunately, the choice of Kirk does not fit well, for what Shatner was in the 60s. It is now difficult to think of a change in the running.

[@kgreene317]

GREAT video essay, Ryan. I love the show as well. Another thing that SNW reminds us of is that, though I like Discovery and Picard, the power of Star Trek is its ability to be different each week, be it allegorical, comedic, horrifying, adventurous or just plain thought provoking. It's episodic nature gives it a chance to make a commentary one week and just to be a fun ride or just downright silly the next. I realize now that Trek is at its best when it's a strange new world every episode.

[@ericsaindon5980]

You hit the nail on the head

[@johnchedsey1306]

I love Discovery, but I also do wonder if, just for one season, they would benefit from having regular episodes where they just find crazy adventures in their time period. Feels like it could be a fun experiment.

[@krcmaine]

💯

[@krcmaine]

@@johnchedsey1306 I stopped watching Discovery, maybe I'll go back when it's done. It had some good moments, but just moments. Overall episodes rarely hit with me after the first season, it just became not enjoyable to watch. The best thing that came out of Discovery was the SNW series, IMHO, and I really wanted to like Disco too, but after Pike left, I was done.

[@rosliannmiller5517]

@@krcmaine I think that SNW and Pike are the best things that came out of Discovery but Season 4 had a lot of good moments that showcased the characters very well. I agree that a more episodic approach might have fit Trek style better than the more modern story arc approach....

[@jubal4456]

Does ScreenCrush plan on covering the new season of Strange New Worlds? I look forward to Doug and Ryan breaking down all the bits and bops.

[@titanmaximum239]

Well, you sold me. After the crud of Picard and Star Trek Discovery (STD), I had given up on Star Trek. After watching this I think I'll give it a shot. The Orville has been keeping me going.

[@tanman99]

So what’d you think? I hope you threw Picard S3 and lower decks in there as well.

[@warrenpoultney8215]

Of all the commentary I've seen for SNW. This by far is the most interesting perspective. Awesome break down.

[@douglasauclair3086]

Ryan, you hit the nail on the head. Most, almost all, prequels make the fatal flaw of 'developing the back story' that nobody asked for. That's not the fatal flaw. The fatal flaw is the development retcons the past into something (much) better than the present, souring the wonder of the story that we had to begin with. Nobody wants a backstory of the hero. Nobody. Because demystification ruins wonder. Star Trek: SNW gives us the backstory, but tells it in the present and honors, not sours, the future that it will come to be. Your analysis of this series is spot-on, and a guide to future story-tellers.

[@dojokonojo]

After being burnt out by Discovery and Picard, and the wait for the next season of Lower Decks dragging on, SNW was just pure fun. I stopped caring about continuity breaks. the "too much action" critique, and the heavy use of nostalgia. It was just fun, and the characters were fun. Lowering the stakes and focusing on the small, and the story not being about galaxy ending plot devices makes it a treat.

[@obsidian7644]

Yea there is literally nothing to say but good things it's what every star trek should aspire to be. It's balanced, I love how they take whole episodes to give more backstory.

[@msthalamus2172]

I greatly enjoyed SNW! My one (meaningful) complaint about it was that in the first few episodes, they kept grouping up characters whose fates we already knew and placing them in mortal danger. There wasn't any tension when we knew they weren't going to die then. Later they starting grouping up existing characters with the new ones, so the audience really didn't know if everyone would make it out alive. It was a far stronger approach that paid dividends late in the season.

[@passiveaggressive6175]

Uhura’s story in SNW reflects Michelle Nichols real life journey - she was considering leaving the show but was famously persuaded to stay by Martin Luther king jnr.

[@havok3344]

As a longtime Trekkie/Trekker, I totally appreciate this show’s awesomeness. I cant wait for more. Those other Trek shows just need to go away quickly.

[@trhansen3244]

As a longtime Trekkie/Trekker I hate this show.

[@kennethng8346]

I totally agree, SNW season 1 has been a surprising breath of fresh air, I enjoyed it immenesly. I especially like how they try to make the stories fit into the existing cannon. As an example, from Enterprise, they handled the change in Klingon appearance as an experiment gone bad to bring augment DNA to Klingons, IT ALL MADE SENSE IN UNIVERSE. Does SNW have room to improve? Definitely. I thought that it was wrong that Spock and T'Pring didn't start with the two finger hand carress. But all in all, a great start.

[@msarzo]

SNW has come out of the gate in extremely assured fashion for a first-season show. It's impressive how well it's hit the ground running. I like what you touched on with Uhura. She was an extremely competent officer under Captain Kirk in TOS. You got a chance to see how she became so great at her job with this season. My only quibble with the show is the fact that it's Dr. M'Benga who's CMO because 1) what happened to Dr. Boyce? 2) How does Piper fit in? and 3) if M'Benga was CMO under Pike, why is he *second* in command under McCoy on TOS? Oh, that and Number One not being given enough to do. But yes, this show's doing a great job of providing context into the characters. We get a better idea of why T'Pring decided she wanted Stonn instead of Spock, for example.

[@pacogonzales2028]

Enterprise was also a great prequel. It is really a visit to the events which made the Enterprise what it is in SNW, TOS and TNG. And secondarily, the Human-Vulcan friendship. The Enterprise is the main character. Archer and crew are secondary.

[@rdkap42]

It could have been better if they had given it 7 seasons. It was hitting it's stride.

[@lorenzwinterhoff8049]

I really like the balance they've struck. The episodes are primarily standalone, but there's threads that move forward week to week, so it feels like we're on the mission with them and not reading random reports. TOS never had the through line writing until the movies really, and later TNG started getting more. I like the way it feels, and how optimistic and fin it's been.

[@moreorlesto]

Great post! Ryan's excitement for Star Trek is palpable. I'm almost as thrilled with the show (filmed in my lovely town of Toronto, CAN!!). I love that we get back story for Uhura and Number One, and done in a way that isn't awkward. I guess no room in the post for commenting on the show design tho? Screens in the fore and background seem to display info that would *actually* be useful to a starship crew! (Who would'a thought, eh?!) Only one beef: the floor in Engineering is so shiny-smooth, actors seem to be slipping on it on camera. It's an odd choice to make... lol. But nevermind that. THAT SEASON 1 FINALE 😘

[@eyespy3001]

Finally got around to watching this show, and, man…it was great! It’s so engaging, and it trades the action and melodrama of recent Trek series for actual exploration and philosophical views (albeit on a very surface level, but, hey, it’s television). That’s what’s sorely been missing from recent Star Trek- the wonderment and danger of seeking out new life and new civilizations- that only the comedy The Orville has been able to pull off. If The Orville is Star Trek as comedy, Strange New Worlds is The Orville as drama. I love it.

[@krcmaine]

I got tears watching the first episode of Strange New Worlds. It was when they introduced Nurse Chapel. All I could think was, I wish Majel could have seen this. While not all episodes are winners, IMHO, the majority are a perfect blend of what was and what is storytelling. I really liked the plot A episodic storyline with character growth as an on going plot B. I do feel like character growth is rushed in the present storytelling model. I mean 10 episodes to establish and grow, rather than 22...means each character gets AN episode to explore/resolve their "issue," which leads to some characters not getting any, i.e. Ortega. Thank you Screen Cush for this video!

[@susancarr9955]

I can't believe you did not mention the evolution of the glory that is Pike's hair.

[@telegramscreencrush0195]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting, DM right away

[@deecalemel]

The other thing both Better Saul and SNW do well, is that they are both satisfying even if you haven't see the originals. My husband never watched BB but was completely in on BCS. I don't remember much original series, but am loving SNW.

[@crackerass69691]

This show without a doubt is the best new Star Trek show. Hands down. Blows away discovery.

[@AvesPasseri-Jinysvet]

Somehow Discovery has redeemed itself by introducing Pike... and showing the showrunners who we want to see more about... and who should be the actor. :-))))

[@crackerass69691]

@@AvesPasseri-Jinysvet absolutely

[@marksmith9176]

I really enjoy this series but it needs to be a little more gritty and some conflicts between the crew but just a bit. One thing about the original pilot that has been removed from most clips is when Spock is briefing the bridge crew he is at his station and the information is on the monitor behind him. He goes to the next page by air swiping from right to left. Very cool detail given it’s been nearly 60 years ago.

[@DrMJT]

Spock becoming more and more emotional, puts him on track to be highly emotive as he was in the TOS first episode. He is going to have a total schism of emotions when Pike is fried... He will go to P'Jem to have all emotions purged... just before or as Kirk becomes Captain of Enterprise... hence his TOS snd later being a cold computer chat gpt type personality.

[@MarjanKaykavoosi]

Uhuar is one of my favorite original characters. She had the 1st kiss with a white actor on tv and even Martin Luther King was a fan of her. As a Iranian American who is married to African American veteran she has a awesome careactor to me and I love the original actor 🤍⭕️🤍⭕️

[@jalabi99]

Rest in peace, Nichelle Nichols aka Lt. Nyota Uhura (Dec. 28, 1932 - July 30, 2022)

[@rybot22]

I've been WONDERING when you were going to cover this!! And I couldn't agree with you more. SNW is absolutely amazing!!!

[@Avalon_1991]

From the first episode this felt like Star Trek. It's like Star Wars Fallen Order. That just felt like Star Wars from the start. You can tell when the writers are fans and know what they're doing. I saw Strange New Worlds advertised one day when I went on Amazon Prime. By the end of series 2 I loved it. Every character was brilliantly written with great depth. The show's funny, serious and has some strange episodes, like the one when they think they're in a book, but that's exactly like The Original Series. Captain Pike and the security officer are probably my favourites. That one where she goes with an alternate version of Kirk was brilliant. If this show does get to the accident with Pike and recreates the episode when he's in the wheelchair, it's going to be very emotional especially if the quality of the writing stays as good as it has been. I just hope the show hasn't peaked early.

[@MarcSylex]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the prequel explores the bond Pike and Spock forge for Spock to return him to Talos IV post accident.

[@stuartmazzeo2516]

Damnit!! S. N. W., Congrats on passing the Kobayashi Maru.

[@ScreenCrush]

What's the best prequel of all time?

[@Catmoment67892]

Revenge of the sith

[@-batman-1328]

@@Catmoment67892 when your right your right and you your right

[@munstrumridcully]

_Better Call Saul_ ,imo, is the best prequel of all time; _and_ --- though a lot of _Breaking Bad_ fans may consider this heresy--- I actually think _BCS_ is a _better_ show than _BB_ overall! I absolutely _adore_ the show and I actually have been avoiding season 6 spoilers like the plague so I can binge watch the final season after it finishes its run on TV, lol. I am both going crazy with anticipation to find out how they wrap up the show _and_ dreading the fact that the show is almost about to end forever... 😀👍😗

[@Popcultureguy3000]

Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Fixes plot holes from the prequel trilogy and does _most of_ the heavy lifting to make you care about the prequel cast and the Jedi Order.

[@Catmoment67892]

@@Popcultureguy3000 true

[@indranidasgupta8982]

One of my top 10 best Trek lines did come from STV... "what does god need with a starship?" Frickin' A.

[@filthycasual8187]

I use a variation of it every time some religious nut claims UFOs are being piloted by demons. "What do demons need with starships?"

[@captaincarl1]

It captures everything that was amazing about TNG and the original series. The sense of wonder in the galaxy. Of an optimistic technologically advanced future. Most depictions of the future are dystopian. This show allows us to see what things could be like if we right the ship. Acting is off the charts.

[@doublet147]

2 episodes in. Hoping it's as great as TNG.

[@captaincarl1]

@@doublet147 hope you like it too

[@skynet40433]

Can you imagine where TV might be today if they had kept Captain Pike?! He was so good and ahead of his time.

[@louisbrantmeyer8786]

Y’all gonna do SNW Easter Eggs this season? For me, watching those videos of yours is basically part of watching Star Trek every week

[@myownsongs100]

What Trek showing us is more than just a TV Show. Its mankinds only hope to survive. Ad Astra...🎉

[@salukiconvert]

Thankfully, the SNW writers and producers are avoiding the pitfalls and laziness that has fractured Star Wars fans and the franchise for years (though Kenobi and Mando et al shows are doing a great job at bringing us back). Oh and the Gorn reveal episode was peak sci-fi horror - fantastic episode and creature design, much of it practical.

[@lal12]

Mandalorian sure, but Kenobi was somewhere in between crap and average.

[@CaveWyatt]

Anyone else notice the amazing similarity in resemblance/personality/accent between La’an and Camina Drummond on The Expanse (other than 15-ish pounds)?

[@leonellisboa5900]

Great that you made a Star Trek video

[@TrumbullComic]

"Amok Time" is not a bottle episode by any stretch of the imagination. Bottle episodes are episodes shot largely in one location on existing sets to save money. An episode shot entirely on the Enterprise sets would be a bottle episode. "Amok Time" travels to the planet Vulcan and we see a new set representing the planet.

[@ononoma]

Yeah I grew up on the original Star Trek reruns. And then later on when the pilot was released that was really cool. You got to see it totally different crew and you got to see a totally different Spock. But with this actor has done and with the writers have time with this character is amazing! There's only three sci-fi tv, streaming programs I care to watch. I would put this at the top and then Picard a very very close second and then the Orville a step down.. and I love the Orville but sometimes it just is trying to harden being to silly. I like strange worlds because I like the character the main person and all the supporting characters. And it addresses our 21st century dilemma's about the quality in a much more thoughtful way, in a much more subtle way than the Orville. But I'm really happy all three of these shows exist. I haven't enjoyed sci-fi since the Next Generation went off the air. I couldn't watch all those spinoffs I'm sorry. If I had I would have seen this actor pick up the pike character earlier. But I'm glad I'm watching it I look forward to next season. And you're right, knowing something bad is going to happen, him knowing something bad is going to happen to him, yet his internal compass and struggle to keep it pointing in the right direction, it's amazing. These are fun people that are very serious. But their first job is to be serious, and then the fun comes except for that silly episode that came out of a book. But even that had a great ending because the doctor's daughter got to a new life:-) all great shows but this is my favorite

[@dal5x5]

Nicely done video and all layed out expertly.

[@furrry6056]

I'm happy I was bored enough to finally give it a try. I absolutely detest Discovery and Picard, but boy is this a lot of fun! I mean.. They even did a body swap episode. I had so much fun with it :)

[@randyschwaggins]

I JUST LOVE THAT GODDAMN DOG!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jsnace9]

Ryan! I’ve watched that channel for a while and this is one of your best videos ever! Fantastic analysis and great editing, awesome breakdown and comparison! Great job!

[@crazykittensmiles]

Great vid and round up ;)

[@gregoryliedtka7510]

Its fun! We over analyze so much SNW is fun and the Trek show we have been waiting for, Lower Decks makes me laugh so it gets an honorable mention

[@ToasterMan7]

7:55 It’s things like this that make me love this channel 😂

[@chm1701]

I've been watching Star Trek since my parents bought satellite TV when I was 10 years old; so for 32 years (I'm in the UK). This is the show I've been waiting for; not the Star Trek films by Abrams, or even the Discovery series (which was... okay). I couldn't agree more with your comments, Ryan. It is simply, superb.

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

One of the most valuable resources of background information to a series that SC has put out in a while. I really appreciate this essay, thanks for sharing.

[@dougw6883]

I'm half way through season 1 now, and I'm loving it. They did an absolutely fantastic job!!

[@ononoma]

Outstanding expose! And the author is right and that this retcon whatever you want to call it, prequel Etc. The difference here and I don't think I've seen this before although I'm sure somebody has done it someplace. But we have a tragedy that is going to occur. And unlike most prequels the main character knows what the hell is going to happen. And he steps up after being shown that if you don't things are going to be really bad for everyone! That shows courage and strength and pain and that makes us like our protagonist even more. Imagine you love your family and somehow you find out that if you don't go through something horrible in the next 5 to 7 years everybody loves going to die or suffer extremely. Yeah we all know what the right choice is but, actually making it that's still tough. And then of course you have the development of characters we thought we already know. You see their backstories as the authors already discussed because this is an excellent exposé. The first time I saw this show I was like I'm hooked. But I wasn't quite sure why now I know:-) well done!

[@Mrwavrunnr2]

SNW is a brilliant series can't wait to see how it eventually connects to TOS

[@NelsonGasparDrives]

Great breakdown and so true. They just nailed it and added the right amount of nostalgia and kept the vibe of TOS and made it better just as you mentioned

[@stankythecat6735]

Great comment ! I agree TOTALY

[@davfree9732]

The audience is over nostalgia. And without Secret Hideout don’t know what to do. Case in point, Last episodes BoT remake. Pike changed time, made a connection with the Romulan Commander, and yet when he was stupidly written to die he gave Pike, word for word, the same speech he gave Kirk? The whole point should have been that time was changed. The situation changed. And the RC’s opinion of Pike also should have changed in that Unlike Kirk, Pike started a war with the Romulans and the RC, despite his duty, doesn’t think to highly of war. But the writers ignored then opportunity to give Pike and the RC their version of parting words and flipped back to the original BoT script. That is not nostalgia. That is hack writing when you remake something and alter it to the point you create your own opportunity to be original, and personal, cutting to the core of what changed and what that means… and then despite all the changes made to the timeline that is irrevocably altered you shove the same lines of dialogue into a characters mouth that reflects nothing of how the world around them, and the characters themselves have evolved down a different path.

[@rungy8214]

star trek strange new worlds #1 BEST SHOW EVER....I would pay $200 for 20 eps per year and $300 for 3o eps per year....10 is so limiting...

[@phatkiddre]

SNW is such an awesome ride! The characters are so awesome and identifiable. And the adventures are classic Star Trek fantastic!

[@PTRMAN]

I agree! I was bitterly disappointed by other recent Star Trek shows, so it took some time for me to even try SNW. Man, not sure if it's casting, writing, acting, or some combo, but this is REALLY hitting the nail on the head. Even the "old" familiar characters feel fresh and new. Love Commander Pike. He embodies the best of Roddenberry. For me this has been a diamond in the rough.

[@clementcastro9725]

Also love the finale. I love that because Pike such an idealistic Captain and the embodiment of Roddenberry's vision he will always go for the diplomatic solution but when it doesn't work out the results are disastrous.

[@melindahall5062]

Anson Mount has been a perfect Pike. He deserves awards.

[@redcardinalist]

I loved series one. Everything Discovery and Picard should have been. Actual Star Trek ethos. Roll on series 2 and thank you for your explain.

[@johnwerner69]

3:53 i finally get that reference in South Park now

[@MuShinGirl]

Excellent essay Ryan! - Your Mom 🥰

[@jerminator356]

Can't wait for season 2 of strange new worlds really great show

[@desiredbydesign6188]

Brilliant thanks

[@dannisolowsky7287]

So excited to see SNW screen crush content!! I know there are way too many things to cover, and it probably doesn't get the views of the marvel star wars content but I'm here to say pleaaaaase give more star trek content!! I'd love to see you cover Prodigy, too!

[@DavidRJones82]

I do enjoy SNW. I will also say that Trek fans are so canon crazy because to keep a coherent, immersive, and believable story canon is absolutely critical. A memo the Picard writers did not get.

[@GamersJoyRide]

Strange New Worlds kept things simple and did it so brilliantly 😍

[@isaacguerrerojaimes1850]

The more I watch Star Trek the more I become a fan and the more I watch Star Wars they loose me as a fan

[@B4brenda]

That game reminds me of a episode of ST: Prodigy!

[@aadil1998]

SNW just felt good, that's the best praise I can give it

[@myownsongs100]

Amazing Trek. Relationships of the people as blending in this awe future of our own race. Mankind. We hopefully will archive and they showed us 1960. So , live long and prosper.

[@kikon78]

Dude you talk Better Call Saul here...I feel very close to you as a trekkie and a Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul lover!

[@cpenn524]

I do enjoy how Number 1’s name is Una. A female given name: from the Latin word “unus” meaning “one.” However, I love even more that Uhura was convinced to not leave Star Fleet by Hemmer much like Nichelle Nichols had to be convinced not to leave Star Trek by Martin Luther King Jr. Just so many great moments throughout this entire show. Loved every moment.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

Una is also named after Trek novel author Una McCormack

[@kennethchia4194]

Geez, between this and Dan Murrell's takedown of "Picard," it was a good day for "Star Trek" content on KZbin

[@SheltoniaNation]

This is the series (along with Lower Decks) that will push me to get a Paramount+ subscription. Everything that I’ve seen on KZbin shows me that these shows understand what Roddenberry envisioned and that sense of hope for the future. Plus I’m excited to see how they work the crossover for these two shows.

[@baronsengir187]

Try the Orville

[@NathanTarantlawriter]

Lower Decks got me in.

[@SheltoniaNation]

Oh, I’m a big Orville fan. The storylines on the Orville take the best of Star Trek. There’s a multiverse crossover Is love to see. The social commentary is smartly written and poignant for the years the episodes are produced. It took a minute to get the confidence not to mimic the Family Guy shtick, but when they did something better started working. If I were a conspiracy theorist, I’d say Seth McFarlane’s work on the Orville all this years ago reinvigorated the ways Star Trek gatekeepers ran their franchise. If I bought in to such notions.

[@PtolemyCeasar]

I love Star Trek anytime, anywhere (ha) but this is something special.

[@Teamphi19132]

Love this Star Trek but you line up in the Star Trek game is heavy💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@mrdisco1]

I just finished watching the series and I loved it. After lower decks this is my next favourite ‘modern’ trek show.

[@IanMSantos]

Can I speak to Manager Doug about getting more Star Trek content from ScreenCrush? 🖖🏽😎

[@DefiantAML]

''Why dont we just do Star Trek?'' Thats how they pitched the show..... What the hell were doing this whole time?

[@vitoschledwitz6297]

Screen crush is great

[@joegrimes9232]

Strange New Worlds is very good. It is what Discovery should have been 5 years ago. Whilst not perfect, it's reliance on checking boxes in fan service for example, it managed to hold it's own as well as engage it's characters better than the previous entries and not become silly or insult the audience. The acknowledgement of singler story elements did wonders. Didn't like the Pirate episode? Heres a different story entirely. I don't know why in the second half of episodes there is a tribble sound mixed in with the music. I think it's an "easter egg?" Maybe it's an interactive idea that was scrapped. Also there's the stinger cut to black, but there's no ads. It's a TV trope, ingrained now but it's funny. Dramatic pause...cut to black. Next scene. Traditionally the black was a marker to place ads. Today it serves as a dramatic device. Whilst streaming services offer long-form platorms for story telling, the tried true insular episode format means someone can watch an episode a season in. Enjoy it then subscribe to watch the entirety. It wasn't rocket science. It's TV 101. Detective shows have done this years too. You can watch NCIS ABCD season 6 and get it. Then rewatch from episode 1. Shows like X-Files walked the line in the 90's offering a mix but the 2 standout seasons that show were 2 and 8.because they offered more insular episodes and "one and done" concepts while pushing a greater story.

[@joegrimes9232]

Upopular opinion, but I prefer Season 8 X-Files. The introduction of Robert Patrick. It was a reversal of the format where Scully, the skeptic had to keep the lights on in the Basement. Keeping Mulder's work alive with his ethic. She had experience, but not the belief. Doggett being the ex serviceman destined for intelligence in the CIA who saw the paranormal, but tried to be the good soldier instead pushed to the FBI Basement. Good TV. They could have stretched that idea a good 2 seasons but it lasted only one. The Subway contagion episode was riveting TV

[@MLPDethDealr32]

yea, thats why they HAD to show edited footage OF JANUARY SIXTH. RIGHT???

[@chinlengfong]

Wish they will add intros to other iconic characters like McCoy, Scotty, Sulu and Chekhov. Even cameos would have been cool.

[@julieeverett-fx3su]

this is about ten years pre original trek, give it time, Chekov at least, and maybe Sulu are still in school.

[@karnielcashumphries683]

Love your Star Trek vids!

[@telegramscreencrush0195]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting, DM right away

[@ZatoichiBattousai]

Wasn't that section of the Enterprise blown up in an episode of Discovery?!?!

[@telegramscreencrush0195]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting, DM right away

[@rosliannmiller5517]

Doesn't mean they lost ALL of the hull plating, given the way the ships are built it might have been the last piece of outer hull left after the damage....

[@ZatoichiBattousai]

@@rosliannmiller5517 never watched it myself, just going by what major grin said lol

[@larsomat2]

I 100% agree. I always loved Star Trek, but I never considered myself to be a "trekkie". I even liked "Picard" (the first season) and "Discovery" (at least the first two seasons, after that...meh...). I found the hate for those series always to be a little too extreme for my taste. Then SNW came around and it made "click": "Wow! The Trekkies were right! This is what I want to see! This reminds me of TOS and TNG. And it's so much fun!"

[@Kheldul]

Great analysis

[@gatomon2002]

Loving this prequel series. Very interested on how season 3 and 4 will turn out to connect to TOS. Please don't break canon.

[@miguelminicz601]

One of the best videos on this channel!!! EVER!!! Thank you for this!!! Was awesome! Always was a big fan. Now I’m an even bigger fan!!!

[@djcjr1x1]

I've been waiting for great star trek(Picard's close)since the kick in the crotch that was the end of Enterprise, they're doing a great job. The reimagining of balance of terror was great!

[@nsg_kuunda4786]

... I wonder if Uhura remembers Hemmer after the mind-wipe probe where star fleet had to completely reeducate her between episodes. Probably not eh?

[@ajf5823]

I don’t understand why Discovery still exists. I watched the first episode of Season 4 and said “Oh not another world destroying entity that only Discovery can destroy.” 🙄 and switched to Strange New Worlds and am hooked. What a difference! Finally Trek is back!