Star Trek: Discovery, like many new entries into the Star Trek franchise, faced its fair share of criticism from fans upon its initial release. As a prequel to the beloved Star Trek: The Original Series, Discovery’s deviations from established canon and bold storytelling choices sparked controversy among the fanbase. However, the cast and crew of Discovery found solace and guidance in the wisdom shared by Star Trek veteran Jonathan Frakes, whose experience with fan backlash during his time on Star Trek: The Next Generation offered valuable perspective.
Navigating Criticism with Jonathan Frakes
During a panel discussion on Star Trek: The Cruise VII, Sonequa Martin-Green, along with other cast members of Discovery, shared insights into the challenges they faced in the early days of the show. Martin-Green recounted how Jonathan Frakes, a director on Discovery and a beloved figure in the Star Trek community, offered invaluable advice and support to the cast. Drawing from his own experiences with The Next Generation, Frakes reassured the Discovery team that facing criticism from fans was not uncommon in the world of Star Trek.
Frakes reminded them that even The Next Generation, now hailed as one of the best Star Trek series, faced intense backlash from fans during its early seasons. He recounted receiving letters from disgruntled viewers who viewed the new crew of the USS Enterprise as intruders encroaching upon the legacy of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. Frakes’ message to the Discovery cast was clear: fan hatred and skepticism were not unique to their series, and perseverance and dedication would eventually win over even the most skeptical fans.
A Tradition of Fan Criticism
The history of the Star Trek franchise is marked by a tradition of fan criticism directed towards new series and iterations. From The Next Generation to Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise, each new show faced its own set of challenges and detractors. Whether it was the introduction of a new crew, a different setting, or a departure from established norms, change within the Star Trek universe often sparked controversy among fans.
Frakes’ return to the Star Trek fold as a director for Discovery served as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of fan criticism within the franchise. Despite the initial backlash faced by Discovery, Frakes viewed the series as his “home” and remained committed to supporting its cast and crew through the tumultuous early years. His words of encouragement and solidarity resonated with the Discovery team, offering them reassurance and strength as they navigated the challenges of launching a new Star Trek series in a fiercely dedicated fan community.
FAQ
Why did Star Trek: Discovery face criticism from fans?
Star Trek: Discovery faced criticism for various reasons, including deviations from established canon, bold storytelling choices, and its status as a prequel to the beloved Star Trek: The Original Series. Some fans felt that the series did not align with their expectations of what a Star Trek show should be.
How did Jonathan Frakes support the cast of Star Trek: Discovery?
Jonathan Frakes, a director on Discovery and a veteran of the Star Trek franchise, offered valuable advice and reassurance to the cast of Discovery. Drawing from his own experiences with fan backlash during his time on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Frakes reminded the Discovery team that facing criticism from fans was not uncommon and encouraged them to persevere.
Was fan criticism unique to Star Trek: Discovery?
No, fan criticism has been a tradition within the Star Trek franchise, with each new series and iteration facing its own set of challenges and detractors. From The Next Generation to Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise, change within the Star Trek universe often sparked controversy among fans.
Did Star Trek: The Next Generation also face criticism from fans?
Yes, Star Trek: The Next Generation faced intense backlash from fans during its early seasons. Many viewers were skeptical of the new crew of the USS Enterprise and viewed them as intruders encroaching upon the legacy of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. However, the series eventually gained popularity and is now hailed as one of the best Star Trek series.
The journey of Star Trek: Discovery serves as a testament to the resilience of the franchise and the enduring passion of its fanbase. Despite facing criticism and skepticism in its early days, Discovery persevered, evolving into a series beloved by many within the Star Trek community. Jonathan Frakes’ guidance and mentorship played a crucial role in helping the cast and crew weather the storm of fan backlash and emerge stronger on the other side.