Besides, there’s nothing inherently divisive about wanting to try something that challenges the status quo. If division arises, it’s self-selecting and after the fact. I rather doubt Chabon included in his pitch “not only do I want to try something new (he did), but I want to make sure it drives traditional fans batshit crazy”.
Exactly so.
Akiva Goldsman's name has higher ranking in the credits for season 2 than Matalas, second to Kurtzman.
To the surprise of no one who has had these discussions multiple times.
I imagine a writer does care, though not in the same way as an audience members. Writers take time and energy and effort to pour in to their writing. In a way it is an extension of themselves, and their own personal interests, if not a reflection of their personal journey at the time. Similarly, an audience member finds aspects of the writing that reflect their own struggles, or need for personal encouragement, or a desired future or just a character they resonate with and so put a lot of value and it becomes an extension of themselves, and their own personal interests. However, as audience members become frustrated that writers don't value the same things, so to do I think writers become frustrated when audience members miss one aspect by focusing on something seemingly unimportant.
I'm always amused by the assumption that a writer's opinion must reflect the popular opinion around their work. I recall a friend of mine who works in Hollywood sharing how he is always careful when he meets an actor to not deride their work based on the assumption that they might think they did a great job with it, and an outsider's opinion that it's the worst ever might not land well. It's definitely a give and take. When I have heard Trek writing staff speak there is usually audience questions around lore, or technical details and the writer doesn't always recall that stuff. They're not focused on that part the way a fan usually is.
The comments around Nepthene are interesting because people are like "Oh they are so happy and now they hate it." Well, in my experience both things can be true. I mean, certainly I resent parts of my current housing situation and value other parts of it. Why is it all or nothing thinking? Surely people have had both emotions about a stage in their life? No, just me...?
Right, right...forgot about the profit motive.
I don't think it was intentionally divisive. I don't think anyone went out with the intention to piss off a significant chunk of their potential audience. But the lesson from The Last Jedi is that you shouldn't tell your audience what they should like. Whenever I hear critics defend The Last Jedi, it always sounds like a parent telling a child that they should be grateful for their plate of broccoli because it's good for them. This is entertainment. Sometimes people just want to enjoy the good ole' junk food they've always known, not the healthy lifestyle choice that someone thinks they need.
It’s not about “have to change” it’s about “let’s try out a new angle”. No one is guaranteed success but if they persuade the IP owners to let them try, then that’s all the justification needed. Also, these IPs are decades old, it’s only natural to try new things once in a while. Will it always work? No. But it won’t always fail, either.
