Star Trek: Discovery has always been somewhat divisive among fans, and not always for the right reasons. The show's progressive approach to the franchise has, unfortunately, resulted into racist abuse aimed at the cast, with many finding fault with the fact the series features a number of diverse leads.
Despite that, Discovery has been a hit and was recently renewed by Paramount+ for a fifth season. It's also played a huge role in the Star Trek franchise's television expansion, with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (a spinoff series) renewed for a second season back in January. Throw in Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Lower Decks, and it's an exciting time to be a fan of this sci-fi property.
Going back to this show, though, and it definitely has some issues. A formulaic approach to storytelling is among them, and with Star Trek fans every bit as picky as Star Wars ones, it was always going to be tricky to make everyone happy with the portrayal of certain characters and locations.
Now, lead star Sonequa Martin-Green has shared her response to those criticisms.
"The fanbase for the franchise as a whole and the fanbase for Discovery in particular is a highly intellectual, loyal crowd," she tells Radio Times. "These are very intelligent people who have such a depth of passion and heart and loyalty to the franchise, so they have an ownership; they’ve carried it with them for years and it's meant a lot to them. So, because of that, their voices deserve to be heard and we appreciate their voices, even if they are in disagreement with us."
"Even if they're criticizing, it's like, 'I get where you’re coming from though -- it's because this means a lot to you.' It’s hard to be different with something like this. It was hard for us to be different, but I think we’ve really found ourselves and I think our fanbase has really found their relationship with us as well at this point," Martin-Green continues. "And there are many people who are like, 'but I love the changes.'"
"There's so many different perspectives and isn't that the whole point? That's the whole part of diversity and inclusion, everybody's got to be represented. I get it. I hear you. But maybe you'll change your mind. And if not, then you're allowed - it's all good."
There's a lot to love about Star Trek: Discovery and it will be interesting seeing how the show continues to develop. To dismiss it as not being "real Star Trek" is ridiculous, and there is now enough content that fans can surely find something to enjoy. Plus, with no real movement on the movie franchise, it's hard to not be grateful for the impact the franchise is having on the small screen.
Let us know your take on Star Trek: Discovery down in the comments section!