The recent news that Michael Dorn was returning to a favorite Star Trek character excited fans, especially since Commander Worf hasn’t shown up on any of the newer Star Trek series yet. But excitement diminished somewhat when we discovered Dorn’s return comes by way of a video game, Star Trek: Legends, and he will only be voicing his animated character. That’s not to say that we aren’t happy to see him back in any manner, but we have higher hopes.
Commander Worf was (and remains) a popular character in the franchise, appearing on Star Trek: The Next Generation for seven seasons before moving to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His appearance there boosted ratings for the series, which is what it needed at the time. Clearly, producers knew that Michael Dorn’s character would bring in more viewers which is why they reached out to him. So the question is: why don’t they know that now?
Worf’s return to television could boost ratings for Star Trek series
With Star Trek fans divided over the current new list of series available from Paramount, ratings aren’t what the network could have hoped for, and they could use a boost. If there is one thing that will bring in more fans, it’s a reintroduction of one of their favorite characters. Though we may have love for new characters, the previous ones will always be in our hearts.
Michael Dorn has already stated that he won’t do a Worf cameo, and that’s understandable. If there isn’t a place for his character onboard any of the current series, then perhaps it’s time to give fans something they’ve been wanting for a long time. A brand new series with Michael Dorn at the helm. With the knowledge that Commander Worf brings in the viewers, it’s confusing why the network hasn’t already locked him in for his own series.
By appearing on the video game, Dorn is clearly willing to bring the character back, and he already has a script for a potential Worf series. Considering how happy his fans were when he made the announcement of his return to the character, the lack of forward traction toward a series that highlights Worf is frustrating. How many more ways can fans say they want him back before Paramount takes notice?