While details remain thin on the ground for the as yet untitled show CBS have been quick to reassure fans that the show it “will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966”. A strong indicator that they want the series to remain true to Gene Roddenberry's original Star Trek vision.
That's a relief given the direction JJ Abrams has taken the franchise on the big screen. Reinventing it as a highly entertain action spectacle with a cracking cast, but ultimately sacrificing substance for style. I can't help feeling when re-watching the JJ Abrams films on DVD that beneath the shiny action-movie wrapper there is little of any real substance to the plot. None of the wider themes and deeper meanings with which the TV shows were so often imbued that gave us some truly memorable episodes.
One of personal favourites from the ST:TNG era, of which there are many, is the critically acclaimed and award winning 'Inner Light'. The penultimate episode of series five it explores how a dying civilisation might preserve some memory of itself. Lacking the technology to escape their fate they launch a probe that carries the memory of their species into space in the hope that someone might one day discover it. When Captain Picard encounters the probe he relives the life of Kamin, a scientist on the dying planet. Subsequently discovering the probe contains Kamin's flute which he retains the ability to play. Thus ensuring one small part of their species lives on through him.
Its arguable that Star Trek just works better on the small screen of course. As I imagine it would be extremely difficult to explore these themes in a two hour action-movie named after a Beetles B-side, George Harrison's 'Inner Light', that was in turn inspired by the 47th chapter of the Tao Te Ching.
“Without going outside his door, one understands (all that takes place) under the sky; without looking out from his window, one sees the Tao of Heaven. The farther that one goes out (from himself), the less he knows. Therefore the sages got their knowledge without travelling; gave their (right) names to things without seeing them; and accomplished their ends without any purpose of doing so.”
So I've got my fingers crossed that Alex Kurtzman the Producer of the JJ Abram's films will bring the best of the big screen to the small screen, while retaining the core ethos of the TV franchise, to bring us something truly memorable. Because lets face it in these uncertain times in which we live we all need a show that reaffirms our humanity and states with unashamed optimism that we will overcome our differences and build a better future no matter what.
Live long and prosper.