Star Trek: Prodigy

Star Trek: Prodigy is the newest addition to the Star Trek universe, premiered on the streaming platform Paramount+ in 2021. The show is a milestone in Star Trek history, as it is the first series in the franchise explicitly oriented towards younger audiences. However, it has attributes that make it appealing for long-time Trek fans and newcomers of all ages.

This animated series takes Star Trek's renowned thematic elements of exploration, tolerance, and hope for a better future, and frames them within a compelling, sleek, and modern animation style designed to captivate a new generation of viewers. The series is the result of a blend between the experienced minds of Star Trek veterans and the fresh perspectives brought by a new team of producers and writers.

Star Trek: Prodigy takes place in 2383 - after the events of “Star Trek: Voyager” - and launches us into a previously unexplored region of the Star Trek galaxy, the Delta Quadrant. The series centers around a motley group of young characters who stumble upon an abandoned Starfleet ship, the USS Protostar. These are not your typical Starfleet officers - in fact, these youngsters are not part of Starfleet at all. They are teenagers of various alien species, surviving as best they can in the harsh environment of the galaxy's margins, unfamiliar with the principles of the United Federation of Planets or even the concept of a starship.

The character roster is diverse and rich in individuality, each having unique personalities, backgrounds, and circumstances. The protagonist is Dal R'El, a young member of an unrevealed species with a dream of becoming a starship captain. The crew also includes Gwyn, a Vau N’Akat, daughter of the mining colony’s overseer; Rok-Tahk, an enthusiastic Brikar; and Murf, an adorable, indecipherable blob with a heart of gold. Joining them are Zero, a Medusan with a special containment suit, and Jankom Pog, a mischievous Tellarite.

Each of these young, aspiring explorers is fleeing their harsh and constrained lives at a mining planet in the Delta Quadrant, only to stumble upon the abandoned Starfleet ship, the “U.S.S. Protostar.” The Protostar's mysteries enmesh with the crew's adventures, as they traverse the expansive galaxy while evading dangerous pursuers.

One unique element of Star Trek: Prodigy is its blend of continuity and fresh faces. The show is filled with new, often younger species, alongside familiar faces from the Star Trek canon, integrating the characters into the broader Star Trek universe, bridging the gap between the time-tested classics of the franchise and its future.

Fans of Star Trek: Voyager will be particularly excited, as Kate Mulgrew reprises her role as Kathryn Janeway - though not as the captain we remember, but an advanced training hologram on the abandoned Protostar. Her character guides these teenagers on their journey, serving as their mentor, teaching them about Starfleet principles and giving them lessons on teamwork, leadership, and sacrifice.

The animation style of Star Trek: Prodigy exudes a glossy, high-quality finish, with beautiful backdrops and interesting character designs. Produced in conjunction with Nickelodeon Animation Studio, its visual style has pushed the envelope of what we can expect from Star Trek's animation.

Finally, the key to the heart of Star Trek: Prodigy lies in its faithful adherence to and respect for the guiding ethos of Star Trek: a future built on mutual understanding, cooperation, and exploration. The series encompasses more than just a kids' take on the franchise; it offers a genuine Star Trek experience, looking at the franchise's familiar future through fresh lenses.

Overall, Star Trek: Prodigy cleverly combines familiar elements of the Star Trek universe with new characters, themes, and adventures. It promises to bring a new generation into Trek's audience by way of its unique narrative, inclusive approach, and stunning animation. Whether you are a life-long Trekkie or a newbie to the impressive universe, Star Trek: Prodigy offers exciting viewing for all.