Walter Koenig admitted his feelings for Star Trek: The Next Generation were "mean-spirited"

The idea of Star Trek: The Next Generation wasn't welcomed by fans originally. Most had a problem with the fact that there was no Captain Kirk or Mr. Spock. Plenty of fans protested, saying they wouldn't watch it. But the show persevered and earned its own audience and fans. But one of The Original Series' actors, Walter Koenig, admitted he hoped the show would fail. [Source: Captains' Logs The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman].

In a direct quote from the book, Koenig said he "had propriety feelings and didn't like the idea of somebody else taking over." Being that Star Trek: The Original Series was deep into the movies when The Next Generation premiered, he thought TNG would negatively impact the feature films. And while he later admitted that his initial feelings were "mean-spirited," he did add that he still liked The Original Series better than TNG.

And many fans feel that way. Various sites often put up "best of" "worst of" and "best captain" rankings, and that generally just starts another wave of disagreement. TNG fans are staunch supporters of the show as much as TOS fans are. And while some fans like both shows equally, others prefer one over the other.

It's understandable actors would prefer their own show. You certainly wouldn't expect Patrick Stewart to say he preferred The Original Series to his own starring vehicle. And it must have been painful to see that a new generation was starting, one that didn't involve the original characters. Even more so when The Next Generation became so successful.

But each Star Trek series found its place in the franchise and have claimed their own legions of fans, and Koenig, like other Trek stars, has continued to remain active in the community as a beloved member of the show that started it all.