A Starfleet Academy series could be a good idea

A Starfleet Academy series has been discussed as the next in Paramount’s lineup of Star Trek series.

A few months ago, Alex Kurtzman confirmed that two additional Star Trek series were in development, and though he didn’t specifically mention Starfleet Academy, that has been discussed several times in the past year. And while some fans might have some hesitation about such a series, it could actually turn out to be a good thing.

Earlier this year, Nerdist provided a list of six possible Academy shows. Of course, this isn’t based on any direct knowledge, but the ideas were certainly interesting, especially going back to Worf’s time at the Academy and the First Class which would be a prequel series that goes all the way back to the very first class of cadets who entered the Academy. So it would show how everything began by introducing new characters. Since it would be a prequel, we wouldn’t have the chance of running into any legacy characters.

Here’s why Starfleet Academy could be a fundamentally good idea for the next series.

The franchise has been focusing on legacy characters a lot, and though I’m certainly not opposed to seeing some of my favorite characters returning to the screen, introducing some new ones wouldn’t be amiss. Much like Star Trek: Prodigy has done, a new series about students trying to make it through the Academy could show us a bunch of firsts even if it isn’t a prequel series.

We could see the first of many different species entering the Academy, and nothing says the series has to just be about the young cadets as the teachers’ lives could be introduced as well. Again, just like Prodigy gives screen time to the adults. And the ideas for plots and characters are endless.

Just consider the possibilities of a professor nearing the end of her career. She might be bitter about where life has led her, leading the cadets to fear her while equally trying to earn her respect. One or two cadets who aren’t at the Academy because they want to be could add a level of defiance much like a young, brash Captain Kirk (as written in Star Trek (2009). Then, of course, there’s the class genius who just wants to make friends but can’t help being smarter than everyone else. (Are you thinking about Will Crusher, too?)

And the series being set at the Academy doesn’t preclude starship battles or scenes set on other planets. How else will the cadets learn about space exploration? And there would be a plethora of opportunties for danger and intrigue both at the school and away from it. We’re not talking about a high school drama. With the right writers, producers, and actors, a series that is centered around Starfleet Academy could be on par with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

As much as we love Star Trek, there’s nothing written in stone that the shows have to be identical or so similar that there is little to differentiate them. Adding variety and taking the audience to places its never been before could be a great way to rejuvenate the franchise and catch the attention of new viewers.