For the past few years, it can be argued that Star Trek has enjoyed something of a renaissance. The franchise hit something of a downturn when Star Trek: Enterprise was cancelled in 2005. The 2009 Star Trek film – which served as an alternative timeline reboot of sorts – reignited an interest in the franchise’s roots, and in 2015, CBS Studios announced a new TV show, Star Trek: Discovery. The show was to be set ten years before the events of The Original Series, and consequently caused a bit of grumbling among rigid ‘canon’ purists over some of the depictions of alien races, technology and events. However, DSC has maintained consistently high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, and despite numerous false claims from people falsely claiming inside knowledge of DSC’s demise at the end of every season, the show would go on to run for five seasons.

Whilst the show is not perfect (I myself once mused as to whether or not Discovery would be better off as a reboot, though I hasten to add it is not a reboot, in any way shape or form), it further enhanced the desire for new Star Trek. From the seed Star Trek: Discovery planted came Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Prodigy, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. As some conservative fans decried DSC’s inclusiveness and embracing qualities, other fans appreciated this new Star Trek for a new time. I cannot speak for everyone, but I came to love the characters and their dynamics, though I freely confess to wanting to see more of certain characters.

Still, I found the series grew stronger as it went along, especially when it transported the setting to the 32nd Century. This opened up new avenues and freedoms for the writers, and gave us some intriguing new adversarial situations for our characters.

One of the qualities I most enjoyed about DSC was how the characters sought non-violent solutions to problems. In particular, the final season had the characters go on a voyage of discovery, both literally and metaphorically. Concepts of examining one’s self, of showing empathy, of accepting diversity, and accepting limitations, alongside a thrilling scavenger hunt, made the final season of the show the best one.

It is a shame to say goodbye, but all good things and all that, plus, some of the characters will be returning. A new show, Starfleet Academy, will offer us a continued glimpse into the Federation of the 32nd Century, and I am greatly intrigued to see where Star Trek boldly goes next!