Greetings, fellow Trekkies! We at Redshirts Always Die are still celebrating the birthday of one of our courageous starship captains, the talented veteran actor Scott Bakula. Bakula, who turned 71 on Oct. 9, has fans excited over a possible new Trek series called Star Trek: United, which Enterprise writer and producer Mike Sussman hopes the Paramount Skydance Corporation might be interested in.
Could United truly be on the horizon for Bakula and fans of Enterprise, who would love to see him back as Jonathan Archer — and as the Federation president? My Trek Magic 8 Ball says, "Ask again later," so in the meantime, let's imagine a greenlit series and what we fans would love to see in Star Trek: United.
1. A more mature and settled Archer
During the NX-01's first deep space mission, we met an impatient, impetuous, and slightly bitter Jon Archer. He was the first captain to venture into deep space via the warp 5 engine developed by his father, Henry. Though undoubtedly brave, the Jonathan's temperament got him in trouble more often than not, mostly due to inexperience combined with his ambitions.
In Star Trek: United, fans would appreciate what years of experience would've given Archer at this point. His time fighting in the Xindi War would give him immense confidence as a leader, tempered by the flames of loss and pain. Maturity hasn't dampened his sense of humor or zest for life, though.
2. A few guest stars, used sparingly
Guest stars have always been something of a franchise expectation at this point, right? Whenever a new series begins, fans start to ask, "When is so-and-so going to pop up?" While adding a few former Enterprise cast members into the mix could help bolster that all-important first season, the show doesn't need to go full Picard, where even the Enterprise-D had a cameo!
If the producers of the show do invest in guest appearances by former Enterprise NX-01 crew members, it's doubtful we fans would enjoy having them paraded past us like the Looney Tunes characters during the theme song from The Bugs Bunny Show, "This Is It." Weaving the familiar into the new may help bolster ratings until the series finds its footing, though.
3. Continuity
Shows that retool themselves in the middle of a series or retcon the ending of a previous, well-loved series during the launch of a reboot (I'm looking directly at you, Will & Grace and absolutely glaring at you, Veronica Mars!) is the easiest way to make fans feel betrayed. Star Trek fans in particular enjoy continuity and callbacks to canon-making moments. Giving Archer a beagle, maybe from a line Porthos began upon his and Archer's return to Earth, would be a fine tip of the cap!
4. Humor
Star Trek: The Original Series had plenty of humor in it, both intentional and unintentional. Think the K-7 brawl ("The Trouble with Tribbles") versus the design of the Unicorn-looking dog (now known as the Alfa 177 canine) from "The Enemy Within."
More series that came after TOS also tried to balance humor with more serious, drama-driven episodes, and Enterprise was no exception. The Enterprise season 2 episode "A Night in Sickbay" is a love letter to Bakula's sense of comedic timing. Rounding the political content with humor could help Star Trek: United grow.
I, for one, would love to see Scott Bakula back on my TV again! Come on,Trek Magic 8 Ball, what do you say now? "Concentrate and ask again." Oh well. . . happy birthday, Mr. Bakula!
Do you agree with our list of wants from Star Trek: United should it be greenlit? Who would you like to see from Enterprise join President Archer? And which United guest stars/characters would be purely tantamount to fan service? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.