The idea of an animated Star Trek film is an exciting prospect that could breathe new life into the franchise. Financially, it makes sense, offering the allure of a series without the high production costs associated with live-action. Animation is also a fantastic medium to attract a younger audience, which should be a priority for the franchise’s longevity. However, there’s a debate about which series should be the first to make this leap, and many believe that “Star Trek: Prodigy” is the perfect candidate.
“Star Trek: Prodigy” has already proven its worth with its first two seasons, each boasting 20 episodes. In today’s streaming era, where series often struggle to reach even 50 episodes, “Prodigy” stands out. Historically, Star Trek series like “Voyager,” “Deep Space Nine,” and “The Next Generation” each produced over 170 episodes in seven years. In contrast, the newer series collectively fall short of this benchmark. This makes “Prodigy” a beacon of hope for fans longing for the extensive storytelling that characterized earlier Star Trek series.
Streaming platforms haven’t been particularly kind to Star Trek. The fragmented nature of modern viewing habits means that even though there are multiple Star Trek series available, they don’t collectively match the output of a single long-running series from the past. This is why “Prodigy” is so crucial. It has the potential to reach 100 episodes in five seasons, a milestone only three other Star Trek series have achieved. Abandoning this trajectory for an animated film at this juncture would be premature.
The argument isn’t against an animated Star Trek film per se. In fact, an animated film could be a brilliant addition to the franchise. The concern is about timing. “Prodigy” should be allowed to continue its journey and achieve the 100-episode milestone. This would not only honor the legacy of long-running Star Trek series but also set a new standard in the current streaming landscape.
The current environment, where it takes two years to produce 10 episodes, isn’t conducive to long-running series. Shows that produce fewer episodes per season are unlikely to last the 10 seasons required to reach 100 episodes. “Prodigy” is an exception, and it should be given the chance to fulfill its potential.
The Star Trek franchise has a rich history, beginning with “Star Trek: The Original Series” in the 1960s. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the series became a cultural phenomenon, expanding into various films, television series, video games, novels, and comic books. The franchise’s influence extends beyond science fiction, noted for its progressive civil-rights stances and its depiction of a multiracial cast.
Over the decades, Star Trek has evolved, with each new series and film adding to its legacy. The franchise has seen numerous spin-offs, including “The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” “Voyager,” and “Enterprise.” The 2009 reboot introduced an alternate timeline, known as the Kelvin timeline, bringing a fresh perspective to the original series’ characters.
In recent years, the franchise has expanded further with series like “Discovery,” “Picard,” “Lower Decks,” “Prodigy,” and “Strange New Worlds.” Each series brings its unique storytelling and cinematic feel, contributing to the broader Star Trek universe.
“Prodigy” stands out as the first Star Trek series specifically targeting younger audiences. Its success in this demographic is a testament to the franchise’s ability to adapt and remain relevant. The series’ potential to reach 100 episodes is a significant milestone, especially in an era where long-running series are rare.
An animated Star Trek film would undoubtedly be a thrilling addition to the franchise. However, it should not come at the expense of “Prodigy” reaching its full potential. The series has the opportunity to make history, and it should be allowed to do so. Once “Prodigy” achieves this milestone, it would be the perfect candidate for the first animated Star Trek film, bringing its rich storytelling and beloved characters to a new medium.
In conclusion, while the idea of an animated Star Trek film is exciting and financially sound, “Star Trek: Prodigy” should be the first to make this leap. The series has already proven its worth and has the potential to reach a significant milestone in the franchise’s history. Allowing “Prodigy” to continue its journey will honor the legacy of long-running Star Trek series and set a new standard in the current streaming landscape. Once it achieves this milestone, it will be the perfect candidate for the first animated Star Trek film, bringing its rich storytelling and beloved characters to a new medium.
Source: Various
