The Discovery Channel.
15 Episodes. Starring: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, Wilson Cruz, Jayne Brook, Rainn Wilson, James Frain, Jason Isaacs & Michelle Yeoh. Created By: Brian Fuller & Alex Kurtzman.
Shatner's Captain Kirk proclaiming, "space" was never going to be the final frontier for the voyages of the Starship Enterprise...it was always going to continue its mission. Whether it was that outstanding, original, swinging sixties show that took us to the future of diversity right now at warp speed. Giving way to 'The Next Generation' of Picard making it so almost a half century later into the golden era of the 90's. Or all the energized spin-offs since. From the 'Deep Space Nine' space station pit stop, to the new milleniuum 'Voyager' that already showed back then it was no longer a mans world in the future that was female. Even Scott Bakula took a 'Quantum Leap' for 'Enterprise', before the whole NCC-1701 was rebooted for the stunning phase of the new movie trilogy starring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto's Kirk and Spock going 'Into Darkness' and 'Beyond', taking on everyone from 'Sherlock' (Benedict Cumberbatch) to 'Luther' (Idris Elba). No matter which J.J. Abrams you prefer, trekkies have managed to stay in the battle with the other star lord of the space franchise, 'Star Wars'. Despite this peaceful vessel being more akin to pirates without the plunder, as opposed to George Lucas' new age, wild west. Even if sabers glow more than phasers, 'Star Trek' has managed to stay in the same hyperspace as the real force in a galaxy far, far away. And it's been that way since a long time ago. But now spinning like a Gyrobi and taking a whole new space jump, 'Star Trek-Discovery' is the latest find from the monster Netflix streaming service. That speaking of J.J. even drops brand new 'Cloverfield' trailers and then films right between the time it takes to watch Justin Timberlake perform the Superbowl halftime show and then see the Philadelphia Eagles win the rest of the games touchdown showdown. Even adding a 'Lost In Space' reboot to this project paradox, Netflix is the small screen king of new T.V. originals. From 'Orange Is The New Black' to 'Stranger Things'. All those Marvel street-level 'Daredevil', 'Defenders' and now a whole new Star Trek universe created by Brian Fuller ('American Gods') and Alex Kurtzman ('The Mummy'...not to mention previous 'Star Trek' trilogy entries) for the leader of this new app age that has no chill. So much so it even epically offers Klingon subtitles whilst you watch for all those die-hards that studied it at college. Hlja!
Logged on before William Shatner's Kirk even gave us a single stardate for his signature captains diary entry, 'Discovery' really takes us back to the bold beginnings of this new life, final frontier voyage. And although much darker than the previous installments it actually chronologically proceeds (forcing the hand of the Federations reluctant war with the bones of those take no survivors Klingon's). There's a compelling calm to the iconic interpolated theme over the storyboard like blueprints of the terrific title-sequence. That just like the 'Stranger Things' theme won't have you skipping the credits like those who don't know what to do when a Marvel movie finishes. You're going to want to see this through to the end. Even if the season finale is a little (only a tad) anti-climatic, until it's super second season spoiler comes into final frame focus for the fans. Aside from that 'Discovery's' opening season finds all of 'Star Trek's' greatest hits over the years for your viewing pleasure. There's even an episode directed by number two, Riker himself Jonathan Frakes. Making everything except a red-shirt killing theirs for the taking and your fodder. There's uncloaked war-birds reducing your shields to 15%. Conferences of conversations just as captivating for your fandom debate teaming. Clinical quarters as coldly cool as they are HD sharp. Alternative dimensions that keep going back and forth until you have no idea what reality is...or which way is up. And even Q like villains for your charm, in the form of would you believe it Rainn Wilson from the rolodex of 'The Office' of all people?! But what would 'Star Trek' be without its equal oppurtunity, justice for all approach to leaving the old bound idea of earth for a new world? 'Star Trek's' notions of celebrating diversity was always light speed ahead of its critical time it was created in. And we aren't talking about Vulcans here Uhura...not yet anyway. It's time to put both pairs of fingers together on your right hand, as this long life franchise still prospers in a world that should offer the same salute of respect no matter if you are black, white or L.G.B.T.
Alive and running this show 'The Walking Dead' star Sonequa Martin-Green is deadly on the business end of a phaser, taking a shuttle to bring the war to the Klingon's door in this series' very pilot. She may not find her place in the captains chair, but does she find her feet! And having her as the star of this show is something a world still in need of some Trek like advancement sorely needs right now in Sonequa. But the great thing about it is as always 'Star Trek' doesn't make a big song and dance deal about something that in reality is. They know it should just be this way anyway. When it comes to the actual captain of this ship you have two choices. 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' legend Michelle Yeoh follows the seat of Katherine Mulgrew and also makes history, becoming the first Asian captain of a starship with a bold and beautiful lead. Whilst 'Harry Potter' franchise and 'Death Of Stalin' star Jason Isaac's continues his trend of being in everything you're watching right now as a gruff and war ready cap looking to violate the prime directive as much as he is the hull of his enemies ship. He's getting pressure from 'Gattaca' Admiral Jayne Brook, who makes for a commanding presence everytime she guest stars here. Whilst alien Doug Jones makes for a great candidate...not just for captain, but award season too. As the actors who has prosthetically assisted directing legend Guillermo del Toro in everything from 'Pans Labyrinth' to the 'Hellboy' series to now Oscar favourite 'The Shape Of Water' (yep he's the slippery lizard like creature Sally Hawkins falls for) underrated time is now. If Gollum/Caesar motion-capture actor Andy Serkis deserves an Oscar covered in white spots well it's time a prosthetic covered one shows its face for Jones. The whole crew is airtight from recovering P.T.S.D. Klingon torture survivor Shazad Latif, to fan favourite Mary Wiseman as Tilly. Even recognisable face James Frain whose already starred in a laundry list of iconic T.V. shows ('True Blood', 'Gotham', 'Agent Carter' and 'True Detective') shows up as a vulcan dad. But it's the charismatic Anthony Rapp, the 'Rent' actor off-Broadway who really makes his mark. Literally having the spore drive to space jump faster than a warp signature running through his veins. Yet it's his toothbrush in front of the mirror consoling relationship with forthright medic Wilson Cruz that's really the most beautiful thing about this show and yet again how 'Star Trek' rightfully so with no fuss or scandal treats this as exactly as it is. Completely normal love between two human beings. Need we stress anymore? Just watch how capable we are of reaching the future right now. 'Star Trek' has already in the name of entertainment, science and humanity taught us so much. It's time for a new 'Discovery'. Are you ready to seek out even more new life and new civilisations? Are you ready to boldly go where no man...or woman has gone before? Beam me up! TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'Star Trek' (2009), 'Star Trek: Voyager', 'Star Trek: Enterprise'.
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