Rank the 4 New Shows

[Sakonna]

1. Lower Decks
2. Prodigy
3. Discovery
4. Picard

Lower Decks is a brilliant show. It has such clarity of vision -- it knows exactly what it wants to be and it knows exactly what to do to get there. I am truly in awe of how many levels this show can operate on simultaneously, and satisfy on all of them. The casting is perfect and the scripts are marvels. I never, ever would have guessed the adult animation show would be the one hitting all the creative home runs in Streaming Trek, and making it look effortless while doing so.

Prodigy is off to a strong start, but I almost left it off my rankings, it's just too early. But it is a very strong start. My expectation for the kids show is that I would watch the pilot out of curiosity and then move on, but what they've shown is interesting enough I surprised myself by regularly watching.

Meanwhile, Discovery seems to FINALLY be figuring itself out. I am (probably naively) hoping that season 4 will be the first season of live-action streaming Trek to stick the landing. I truly love Discovery, but I also intensely hate it. It's a messy show. Thank god they made such perfect casting decisions, and they have always succeeded at capturing the Star Trek spirit. Those achievements have carried them over the many, many, many rough spots in the story.

Up till "Nepenthe" I thought Picard was the best Star Trek I'd ever seen. The final season 1 episodes were franchise lows, and I was reminded that there's nothing easier than writing a brilliant beginning -- if you free yourself from the need to also deliver a satisfying ending. They have a very deep hole to climb out of with season 2, and I'm hopeful they will.

 

[Vger23]

How about the Berman-era shows?

For me it’s
1. DS9
2. TNG
3. ENT
4. VOY

I like ENT and VOY just fine, but they had the misfortune of following two really good, long-running series and just felt more tired and stale as a result. I also think the writing staff was exhausted and needed new blood. Overall, I don’t dislike any of them.

 

[Daddy Todd]

Lower Decks

(Big gap)

Picard & Discovery pretty much in a tie

(Even bigger gap)

Prodigy. Actively dislike this one.

 

[FederationHistorian]

How about the Berman-era shows?

For me it’s
1. DS9
2. TNG
3. ENT
4. VOY

I like ENT and VOY just fine, but they had the misfortune of following two really good, long-running series and just felt more tired and stale as a result. I also think the writing staff was exhausted and needed new blood. Overall, I don’t dislike any of them.

VOY just would not follow through on interesting ideas, like Tuvok’s Insurrection Alpha becoming a real scenario, and Omega molecule being a season long story.

ENT just did not take from the right stories from the TNG/DS9/VOY era. They could have taken from “Cause and Effect” “Conundrum” “Homefront/Paradise Lost”, “Basics”, and “Timeless” and reframe them in a 22nd century context, and possibly make them into arcs that last several episodes, but failed to do so. But while they redid “Year of Hell” and a new version of the ending of BoBW, they also unnecessarily redid “Children of Time” and “Threshold”. Even I who can sit through “Threshold” would not try to redo “Threshold” in a different series. And the original stories ENT did do, like “Dear Doctor” and “Cogenitor”, only lasted an episode instead of an entire season.

But both shows are still enjoyable in their own right.

My ranking:
DS9
TNG
VOY
ENT

 

[somebuddyX]

I haven't watched the new shows, so I can't play.
As to the old series, this is more convoluted but honestly this is how I currently feel about the series.
DS9 Seasons 3 - 5
TNG Seasons 3 - 7
Voyager Seasons 4 - 5
Enterprise Season 4
DS9 Seasons 1 - 2
Voyager Seasons 1 - 3
Enterprise Season 3
DS9 Seasons 6 - 7
Enterprise Seasons 1 - 2
Voyager Seasons 6 - 7
TNG Seasons 1 - 2

 

[XCV330]

I havent seen enough of Prodigy to really rank anything. Picard would be last, but all of the shows have had good points. I have to admit I have consistently enjoyed Lower Decks the most

 

[CorporalClegg]

Don't really have an answer. For me the yard stick would be how likely am I to recommend something to friends/family, and I can't really say any one of them. Lower Decks is the only that's any good, but it's way too self-referential to be of any merit to non, or even most casual, fans. Prodigy started out very strong, but quickly became trite and derivative. The other two shows and puerile, unimaginative drivel that take themselves way too seriously to be of any worth to anyone who doesn't already have a dog in the hunt.

Here's to hoping SNW gets it right.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

1. Lower Decks
2. Discovery
3. Prodigy
4. Picard

 

[Vger23]

At some point, someone needs to hold my hand and explain why everyone loves LD so much. I’m not being difficult here…I’m quite serious. For whatever reason, I don’t see the appeal. Maybe I’m missing something.

 

[JoaquinSlowly]

At some point, someone needs to hold my hand and explain why everyone loves LD so much. I’m not being difficult here…I’m quite serious. For whatever reason, I don’t see the appeal. Maybe I’m missing something.

‪‪I don’t know, ‪‪I really enjoy it, but ‪‪I can see why people aren’t into it. ‪‪I enjoy the characters, and the voice cast, a whole lot, and find the stories to be fastpaced, funny, and just fun, while scratching all sorts of Trek nostalgia itches. ‪‪I’m rooting for the whole cast of characters, and ‪‪I just enjoy seeing other formats and forms used for Star Trek, and I’m a fan of some other adult animation sitcoms, so it works for me on several levels.

But honestly, if you’re not into it, ‪‪I think it’s probably just not to your tastes. ‪‪I doubt you’re missing anything.‪‪

 

[Vger23]

‪‪I don’t know, ‪‪I really enjoy it, but ‪‪I can see why people aren’t into it. ‪‪I enjoy the characters, and the voice cast, a whole lot, and find the stories to be fastpaced, funny, and just fun, while scratching all sorts of Trek nostalgia itches. ‪‪I’m rooting for the whole cast of characters, and ‪‪I just enjoy seeing other formats and forms used for Star Trek, and I’m a fan of some other adult animation sitcoms, so it works for me on several levels.

But honestly, if you’re not into it, ‪‪I think it’s probably just not to your tastes. ‪‪I doubt you’re missing anything.‪‪

Don’t get me wrong…I like it and I’ve seen every episode. It just doesn’t excite me much at all. It’s like the McDonalds version of Star Trek: yes it’s tasty and fast, but also extremely questionable and highly forgettable. But, I still like and support it. I don’t actively dislike it by any means.

I guess I’m just so surprised that it is top of so many lists. I can understand enjoying it…as I do myself, but it certainly wouldn’t be my top choice on any list. Even as far as “animated Trek” goes, it would be last behind PRO and TAS.

I’m glad so many people dig it, though. It gives me some hope for modern Trek to be at least somewhat accepted by fans. I just hope it doesn’t take a bunch of silliness to get fans to love Star Trek. I’ve always liked Trek a little more grounded and dramatic.

Like you said, probably just a taste thing

 

[XCV330]

Season 1 and 2 of DISCO had high peaks and low valleys. It was never going to be everyone's show but it even despite the inconsistencies I'd put some episodes like Context is for Kings, Lethe, Through the Valley of Shadows and New Eden with the best of all Trek episodes. Season 3 tapered off but was more consistent and introduced a fascinating new universe that we'd learn more about the next year in Season 4.. which is..watchable.

As far as why LD gets lauded so much. I can't speak for everyone else, but LD is fun. I like watching it. The plots are engaging despite the fact or because of the fact this is a comedy. The references can be over the top, but they're fun. Sometimes you just have to put on your Kaylesh Fornication Helmet and enjoy LD for what it is.

 

[JoaquinSlowly]

I guess I’m just so surprised that it is top of so many lists. I can understand enjoying it…as I do myself, but it certainly wouldn’t be my top choice on any list. Even as far as “animated Trek” goes, it would be last behind PRO and TAS.

I’m glad so many people dig it, though. It gives me some hope for modern Trek to be at least somewhat accepted by fans. I just hope it doesn’t take a bunch of silliness to get fans to love Star Trek. I’ve always liked Trek a little more grounded and dramatic.

Like you said, probably just a taste thing

That makes sense to me. It’s funny, because LD and Prodigy both have made my 13 YO nephew go from someone who sort of watched a little when his parents watched Discovery to a kid who wears a Starfleet badge on his sweater and watches an episode of Deep Space 9 every day. He loves it all, and finds Quark particularly fascinating.

What ‪‪I find interesting is your point, wondering if silliness as an entry point might limit the way new fans enjoy Trek, and how for my nephew LD’s silliness worked as a way to get him into the shows and franchise as a whole. He’s gone from laughing at the physical comedy in LD to getting into the heady questions of Trek, like asking me how can someone all about Ferengi values like Quark could end up such close friends to the show’s Federation and Bajoran heroes.

I think in general that the more variety we get, the better, but ‪‪I understand being somewhat skeptical of stuff rooted so much in both silliness and nostalgia being a gateway for so many into Trek.

 

[Vger23]

That makes sense to me. It’s funny, because LD and Prodigy both have made my 13 YO nephew go from someone who sort of watched a little when his parents watched Discovery to a kid who wears a Starfleet badge on his sweater and watches an episode of Deep Space 9 every day. He loves it all, and finds Quark particularly fascinating.

What ‪‪I find interesting is your point, wondering if silliness as an entry point might limit the way new fans enjoy Trek, and how for my nephew LD’s silliness worked as a way to get him into the shows and franchise as a whole. He’s gone from laughing at the physical comedy in LD to getting into the heady questions of Trek, like asking me how can someone all about Ferengi values like Quark could end up such close friends to the show’s Federation and Bajoran heroes.

I think in general that the more variety we get, the better, but ‪‪I understand being somewhat skeptical of stuff rooted so much in both silliness and nostalgia being a gateway for so many into Trek.

Great post….the different types of show Trek can be is a great strength of the franchise. …and it’s cool that your nephew has seen the light!!

 

[Lord Garth]

How about the Berman-era shows?

For me it’s
1. DS9
2. TNG
3. ENT
4. VOY

I like ENT and VOY just fine, but they had the misfortune of following two really good, long-running series and just felt more tired and stale as a result. I also think the writing staff was exhausted and needed new blood. Overall, I don’t dislike any of them.

DS9
TNG
VOY
ENT

If ENT were like Season 4 for its entire run, I'd place it above VOY. But it wasn't, so I don't.

I think TNG was at its best when Gene Roddenberry was alive but no longer hands-on. Somehow that combination seemed to get the best results.

DS9 was helped a great deal by Ira Steven Behr fighting Rick Berman tooth-and-nail.

What's the common denominator in everything I mentioned above? Rick Berman stepped back (ENT S4), he was pushed back against (most of DS9), or he had someone he still had to get validation from (TNG until 1991).

In other words: The best Berman Trek was when it wasn't Pure Berman Trek. Sorry guys, I'm just not a fan of him in general.

 

[JoaquinSlowly]

Great post….the different types of show Trek can be is a great strength of the franchise. …and it’s cool that your nephew has seen the light!!

Thanks! It’s the only franchise that both my brother and ‪‪I all have a lot of affection and nostalgia for, so it’s been especially great to be able to share it with him.

And really, that’s the part of this era I’m most excited about, getting to see such a variety of Trek series. There’s room for a Star Trek series for everyone that still work in the framework of the franchise and its values.

 

[F. King Daniel]

At some point, someone needs to hold my hand and explain why everyone loves LD so much. I’m not being difficult here…I’m quite serious. For whatever reason, I don’t see the appeal. Maybe I’m missing something.

A group of hyperactive die-hard Trekkies who actually live in the Star Trek universe, mark out to anything and everything and have epic adventures.

What's not to like? I don't think it's as amazing as some, but it's more than watchable and I keep finding myself smiling.

 

[Amaris]

Grew up on TNG and DS9 (my two favorite shows of all time). Voyager and Enterprise are ok with me. Never really watched TOS and The Animated Series. I was hesitant when I heard about Discovery and did not purchase CBS All Access. But, when Picard came out I purchased it. I have now watched all 4 shows and I love them all. How would you rank them? Mine are: 1. Prodigy (surprisingly because I am 46). 2. Lower Decks. 3. Discovery. 4. Picard.

I think you'll find a lot of adults enjoy Prodigy. I'm 41, and find it a rather pleasant, engaging show most of the time. As for my rankings:

1. Lower Decks
2. Picard
3. Prodigy
4. Discovery

Now, Picard and Prodigy are practically a tie, because while I adore Patrick Stewart, Jeri Ryan, and others, the show is a lot darker and more pessimistic so far, whereas Prodigy has this optimism that I really enjoy and, quite frankly, need at this point in my life.

Discovery's too inconsistent for me, despite liking some of the characters (Michael, Tilly, Jett Reno, Tilly, Book, Culbert, Stamets, Tilly), and it just goes too hard at trying to do everything, without having the right pacing to make it work, and so it ends up being a jumbled mess for me.

Lower Decks is my favorite of the new shows so far. It's funny, silly, serious enough when it needs to be, and I genuinely care for the characters (my heart belongs to Ensign Tendi). The plot doesn't get too convoluted in an attempt to meet prestige TV standards *cough* DSC *cough*, and as far as I'm concerned they've had two solid seasons so far.

 

[tomalak301]

(Michael, Tilly, Jett Reno, Tilly, Book, Culbert, Stamets, Tilly)

Was mentioned Tilly twice intentional?

 

[Amaris]

Was mentioned Tilly twice intentional?

Yes, but I ended up mentioning her three times as a mistake.