Doug Jones almost-confirms Starfleet Academy is set in the same era as Discovery

[fireproof78]

One, do we know the format? We have no idea if it is serialized, serialized episodic or just episodic.

The show is interesting because it takes us to a new environment that is taken for granted by previous shows. But, this is the opportunity to take a character's perspective and see them explore the wider world of Starfleet from the ground up. They might encounter species or planets they've never been to. Introducing some newer technology, including different ways to learn from Starfleet instructors.

Going through challenges and team building.

Traveling to new planets or auxiliary trainings. Going through a little bit of hazing that allows them to learn the layout of campus or the ship.

There is much potential here for newer viewers.

 

[evilchumlee]

One, do we know the format? We have no idea if it is serialized, serialized episodic or just episodic.

No. We know nothing. We don't even know for absolute sure it takes place in the 32nd century... it just seems extremely likely given the limited information we have.

The show is interesting because it takes us to a new environment that is taken for granted by previous shows. But, this is the opportunity to take a character's perspective and see them explore the wider world of Starfleet from the ground up. They might encounter species or planets they've never been to. Introducing some newer technology, including different ways to learn from Starfleet instructors.

Going through challenges and team building.

Traveling to new planets or auxiliary trainings. Going through a little bit of hazing that allows them to learn the layout of campus or the ship.

There is much potential here for newer viewers.

That's the thing though, is that actually interesting in and of itself? Is watching people learn about things entertaining? Where does the conflict and drama come from?

Those are somewhat rhetorical questions, I don't expect anyone to have the answer. Please don't take these comments as "This show will be terrible"... I can't possibly know that, nor do I want that. I'm just skeptical about the premise from what little we know. I'm hoping I eat my words and i'm proven wrong!

 

[fireproof78]

That's the thing though, is that actually interesting in and of itself? Is watching people learn about things entertaining? Where does the conflict and drama come from?

Usually with struggles with learning. I don't know. I always found it entertaining.

 

[evilchumlee]

Usually with struggles with learning. I don't know. I always found it entertaining.

Maybe. I just feel like there's such little stakes. Tune in every week to see if Cadet X... gets a good grade?

I'm sure there will be something going on to add some kind of stakes. I'm kind of feeling this show will turn out something like a Star Trek version of Wednesday... that's not a bad thing... just not sure what they can do to give the cadets something to deal with that is still believable that cadets would be dealing with it.

You know like... Harry Potter was about kids learning at a school... but... had Voldemort trying to do things. What would be a credible enough threat to be dramatic, but be something that would be believably being handled by cadets?

(As I wrote that, I guess something along the lines of "Cadets uncover X threat, but nobody believes them because they're Cadets" type thing.)

 

[fireproof78]

Maybe. I just feel like there's such little stakes. Tune in every week to see if Cadet X... gets a good grade?

I'm sure there will be something going on to add some kind of stakes. I'm kind of feeling this show will turn out something like a Star Trek version of Wednesday... that's not a bad thing... just not sure what they can do to give the cadets something to deal with that is still believable that cadets would be dealing with it.

You know like... Harry Potter was about kids learning at a school... but... had Voldemort trying to do things. What would be a credible enough threat to be dramatic, but be something that would be believably being handled by cadets?

(As I wrote that, I guess something along the lines of "Cadets uncover X threat, but nobody believes them because they're Cadets" type thing.)

I recommend people read some Starfleet Academy books, "Space Cadet" by Robert Heinlein and the second book in the Star Wolf Trilogy.

No, they don't deal with huge threats, but they are not small issues either. They are larger themes of belonging, identity formation (critical developmental stage), and making mistakes. Heck, even Wesley's introductory exam involved random tests of handling a crisis.

Point is, there is a lot there to explore, and still keep it believable.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I'm guessing none of you have seen Buffy or Smallville? Teenage angst, coming of age stuff and saving the world between classes. That's what Starfleet Academy is gonna be.

 

[fireproof78]

I'm guessing none of you have seen Buffy or Smallville? Teenage angst, coming of age stuff and saving the world between classes. That's what Starfleet Academy is gonna be.

No, I have not.

I imagine Starfleet Academy will be something of a mix of different stories.

 

[F. King Daniel]

No, I have not.

I imagine Starfleet Academy will be something of a mix of different stories.

Structure wise, they had individual stories while also building to a big season finale.

I'm reminded of William Shatner's novel Collision Course, originally pitched as an academy TV series, which ended with cadets Kirk and Spock stealing the Enterprise out of spacedock to save the day because the "adults" didn't believe them.

I'm expecting totally insane stuff like that.

 

[NCC-73515]

It could be like Children of Mars, which I liked a lot, just with older kids and a longer story

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Alternate timeline, at least 20% difference.

C'mon, you know damn well it's gotta be 25% different

For any follow-up to DSC, I'm hoping for Admiral Saru if DJ is available.

 

[Dukhat]

I predict that the Enterprise-R will be shown in the series finale of DSC, and will be the new training ship for SFA.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I predict that the Enterprise-R will be shown in the series finale of DSC, and will be the new training ship for SFA.

Remember when Trek registered trademarks for Star Trek: Reliant? And Star Trek: Republic? I'm gonna guess a Republic-Z or some such, since that was the academy training ship in TOS and DS9.

 

[Dukhat]

Remember when Trek registered trademarks for Star Trek: Reliant? And Star Trek: Republic? I'm gonna guess a Republic-Z or some such, since that was the academy training ship in TOS and DS9.

That’s kinda reaching. They registered those trademarks way before the idea of them doing SFA was even on their radar.

 

[Shamrock Holmes]

That’s kinda reaching. They registered those trademarks way before the idea of them doing SFA was even on their radar.

Are you sure about that?

I mean there have been times when the concept has been more on the "front burner" than others, but in general terms it's been under at least some level of active discussion since 2018 (http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/star-trek-tv-shows-cbs-discovery-alex-kurtzman-1202842335/) in something like its current form, and there have been circulating about that being pitched as early as the planning stages for the aborted Phase II that eventually morphed into TMP.

 

[Dukhat]

Are you sure about that?

Well, no, I'm not sure of their intent when they registered those trademarks. I'm saying that it's unlikely they did that because they were saving those names for a show they hadn't even envisioned yet (32nd century SFA.) And why would they need to register a trademark show name like 'Star Trek: Reliant' just to use it for the name of a ship? They didn't trademark 'Star Trek: La Sirena.'

 

[Cr0sis21]

I'm not very enthusiastic about an Academy series in general, but I'm even less enthusiastic about a 32nd-century Starfleet Academy. An Academy series would, I think, work best in a setting that is well-established, and the 32nd-century is anything but.
I'm not opposed to further 32nd-century set shows, but I think the Academy one is a poor choice for that time period.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I do love the uniforms from the 32nd century academy. They're similar to the 2009 cadet unis.

 

[ananta]

An Academy series would, I think, work best in a setting that is well-established, and the 32nd-century is anything but.
I'm not opposed to further 32nd-century set shows, but I think the Academy one is a poor choice for that time period.

I disagree actually. The 32nd century gives them a broader canvas and more freedom in many respects. There are less constrained by the “rules” of what can and can’t happen and what must fit in with the current established status quo. That may encourage more creative storytelling. Or a guy can but hope.

 

[fireproof78]

I disagree actually. The 32nd century gives them a broader canvas and more freedom in many respects. There are less constrained by the “rules” of what can and can’t happen and what must fit in with the current established status quo. That may encourage more creative storytelling. Or a guy can but hope.

And a Academy series is a good introduction to this new era.

 

[ananta]

And an Academy series is a good introduction to this new era.

I think that’s key. Fans tend to think a series should be catered exclusively to them, but the reality is they NEED to encourage new viewers or the franchise just dwindles to nothing. I think that’s what happened by the end of the Berman era and overfamiliarity breeds contempt. I know a number of people who won’t watch Trek because they’re intimidated and overwhelmed by the almost 60 years of lore and continuity. You can’t entirely blame them. A new series must be pitched not just to fans but be appealing to potential new fans. I think that’s the rationale behind this show. What the fans want and what the franchise needs to survive aren’t always fully aligned.