STAR TREK: SAINT DISCOVERY – The Canonization of a Franchise Savior

In the annals of Star Trek history, there exists a tradition of bold storytelling, pioneering representation, and a relentless drive to inspire hope. Yet, when Star Trek: Discovery debuted in 2017, it became a lightning rod for controversy, reviving old prejudices cloaked in the guise of fan critique.

A segment of the fandom has gone so far as to misinterpret Star Trek: Lower Decks’ finale as an effort to erase Discovery from the canon. This interpretation not only misrepresents the events of the Lower Decks episode but also undercuts the monumental contributions Discovery has made to the Star Trek franchise.

It is time to set the record straight: Star Trek: Discovery is not merely part of the canon—it deserves to be canonized as a saint among the franchise’s offerings, celebrated for revitalizing a series that was on the brink of irrelevance. Let us examine why Discovery not only belongs in the Star Trek pantheon but stands as a beacon of its ethos: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

The Lower Decks “De-canonization” Myth

In the climactic finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the crew of the Cerritos faced a reality-altering cosmic event. A quantum reality bridging device introduces problematic distortions and manifestations that threatened their local reality. These perturbations were contained within the narrative and resolved without any lasting impact on the broader Star Trek universe. Claims that this episode “decanonized” Discovery are not grounded in the story itself but reflect a long-standing animus toward the series.

Such interpretations are not born from evidence but from a desire to erase Discovery—a show that dared to challenge convention—from the collective memory of Star Trek. This hostility, rooted in resistance to change and diversity, undermines the very foundation of what Star Trek represents.

Discovery: Savior of a Franchise

When Star Trek: Enterprise ended in 2005, the franchise was in decline. Its episodic structure, while nostalgic, no longer resonated with a broader audience. The Kelvin Timeline films (2009–2016) reignited cinematic interest but lacked the intellectual substance and emotional depth of traditional Star Trek. The series needed a bold reinvention to thrive in a modern landscape. Star Trek: Discovery answered that call. It brought:

• A Diverse and Inclusive Cast:
  • With Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a Black woman at the forefront of the series, Discovery shattered old molds. It showcased Star Trek’s commitment to representation, offering a platform for voices historically marginalized in science fiction.
• Serialized and Complex Storytelling:
  • Unlike its episodic predecessors, Discovery embraced a serialized format, allowing deeper character development and morally complex narratives that challenged traditional Star Trek tropes.
• Revitalization of the Franchise:
  • Discovery reignited interest in the Star Trek universe, paving the way for new series like Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, Picard, and Prodigy. Without Discovery’s success, these projects might never have seen the light of day.

A Testament to Resilience

Thematically, Discovery embodies the very spirit of Star Trek. Its leap into the distant future and its journey to rebuild the Federation after its collapse is a metaphor for hope amidst despair. The crew’s resilience, adaptability, and determination to rekindle the ideals of the Federation mirror the challenges faced by the Star Trek franchise itself.

Additionally, Discovery reimagined the Mirror Universe, transforming it from a campy alternate reality into a space of intrigue, danger, and depth. It dared to explore uncharted narrative territory, taking risks that other series might have avoided.

The Saintly Contributions of Discovery

If Discovery were to be canonized as a saint of the franchise, its miracles would include:

• Revitalizing Star Trek:
  • After a Decade of Dormancy: Discovery resurrected a franchise that had been dormant on television since 2005, proving that Star Trek still had stories worth telling.
• Inspiring Future Series:
  • Its success emboldened creators to bring us Strange New Worlds, a fan-favorite return to episodic storytelling with the charismatic Captain Pike. It also opened the door for comedic brilliance in Lower Decks and emotional depth in Picard.
• Championing Diversity:
  • From its diverse cast to its exploration of marginalized perspectives, Discovery amplified Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a future defined by inclusion and equity.

The Legacy of Saint Discovery

To dismiss Discovery is to ignore its profound contributions to the franchise. It reminded us of the enduring power of Star Trek’s core philosophy: that progress comes from understanding, unity, and the courage to explore uncharted frontiers. It revitalized the franchise, giving it new life and new fans while challenging old ones to expand their horizons.

Those who would see Discovery erased from the canon misunderstand its purpose. It was never meant to conform to the mold of its predecessors but to break new ground, just as The Original Series did in 1966.

Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

As fans, it is our responsibility to honor the spirit of Star Trek, embracing the diversity of its stories and the infinite combinations of its characters, worlds, and ideas. Star Trek: Discovery deserves not scorn but celebration—a recognition of its role as both a savior and a trailblazer.

If Star Trek has saints, let Discovery be among them, shining as a testament to the franchise’s ability to endure, evolve, and inspire. It carried the torch of a nearly extinguished legacy and reignited it for a new generation, embodying the best of what Star Trek has always been: bold, hopeful, and unafraid to explore the Final Frontier.