‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Is the Perfect Show for Trekkies — Now They Need to Watch It

As a long-time “Star Trek” enthusiast and someone who has followed the franchise through thick and thin for decades, I must admit that when I first heard about “Star Trek: Prodigy,” I was filled with a mix of excitement and skepticism. After all, we already had “Discovery,” “Picard,” and even an adult animated series in “Lower Decks.” How could yet another show, this time intended for kids, possibly live up to the high standards set by its predecessors?


In 2019, when Nickelodeon revealed plans for an animated “Star Trek” series of their own, I have to confess my initial reaction was one of doubt.

Discovery” in its second season, “Picard” announced, and “Lower Decks” on the way, one might wonder how a children’s Trek show could compete.

Moving on to the premiere of “Star Trek: Prodigy” in October 2021 – I’m thrilled that my earlier doubts were unfounded.

The TV series, featuring a band of quirky outcasts discovering a Starfleet vessel and utilizing it for freedom from a dismal penal colony, perfectly resonated with my fondness for “Star Trek.”

Right from the start, it conveyed themes of teamwork, avoiding judgments based on looks, the yearning for belonging, and most importantly, mastery over time concepts (further details forthcoming).

As a long-time fan of science fiction shows, I have watched my fair share of series that failed to capture my interest. But this latest addition to the genre is different. It grabbed me from the very first episode and surprisingly, even my wife, who has never been a Trekkie or sci-fi enthusiast, was drawn in. I sometimes find myself explaining intricacies like what exactly a Ferengi is, but we’re both hooked. The show’s compelling storyline and well-developed characters have us on the edge of our seats every week. And it’s not just us; friends who drop by for a visit can’t help but get sucked in too. Midway through an episode, one friend exclaimed, “Why the heck am I so invested in this already?” It’s a testament to the show’s ability to engage and captivate audiences from all walks of life.

Perhaps it’s due to the compelling character development: Dal’s arrogant demeanor, Gwyn’s rebellious nature, Jankom’s grumpy disposition, Zero’s intangible presence, Rok-Tahk’s innocent persona, and Murf’s seemingly indestructible spirit.

It could be because the show is able to blaze its own path while also incorporating memorable parts of “Trek’s” past into the storytelling: The return of Kate Mulgrew as Janeway, the use of archival voice recordings to bring back characters like Odo and Spock in the Season 1 episode “Kobayashi,” or even a little encounter with the Borg.

Perhaps the visuals are truly breathtaking, almost unparalleled in their beauty among animated shows. In almost every episode of “Prodigy,” I’ve encountered images that leave me utterly amazed.

Without a doubt, this program has secured a respected spot among “Star Trek” classics, and we can look forward to its continued success for numerous seasons ahead.

Yet that’s where the problem is.

The first season of “Prodigy” premiered on Nickelodeon and Paramount+. Shortly after its release, the show was picked up for a second season. However, Paramount unexpectedly announced the cancellation of the series and removed Season 1 from their streaming platform, despite production for Season 2 already being in progress.

Luckily, CBS Studios managed to reach an agreement with Netflix, allowing the streaming service to acquire both seasons. The second season made its premiere on July 1 and has been impressively crafted. Defying expectations as a “children’s show,” Season 2 continues the narrative momentum of Season 1 while introducing a captivating time travel plotline. This intricate storyline ranks among the best seasons since the Star Trek TV franchise was revived.

Now, “Trek” fans need to watch it.

It’s common knowledge that a show’s renewal hinges on its viewership. However, Netflix keeps viewer data under wraps, only sharing weekly Top 10 lists. As such, it’s challenging to assess the performance of “Prodigy” Season 2, given it hasn’t made an appearance on either the Global or U.S. Top 10 lists yet.

It’s a shame to think of “Star Trek” losing a show as impressive as “Star Trek: Prodigy,” which is only starting to reach its full potential. That’s why I urge everyone to give it a try. Ignoring it would go against logic.

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2024-07-19 19:20