Star Trek at 60

My earliest memories of watching Star Trek: The Original Series are of midweek primetime reruns on BBC One in the late seventies and early eighties!

Before we had our first VCR, I would tune in hoping to see The Corbomite Maneuver or Arena, where Captain Kirk (William Shatner) battled the Gorn!

Christmas 1977, I was gifted Dinky Toys’ Starship Enterprise, Klingon D7 Battlecruiser and Mego action figures (Kirk, Spock, Klingon, and a Gorn). These toys were a staple of watching Star Trek reruns for full immersion in an era long before augmented reality (AR) apps.

When Star Trek was revived, and its voyages moved to the big screen in the wake of Star Wars, I couldn’t wait to board the USS Enterprise for further adventures…

Whilst Star Trek: The Motion Picture was more star bore than star war to this hyperactive kid, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was a tale of revenge at too high a price.

Spin-off series soon followed, from Star Trek: The Next Generation to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a seminal series foreshadowing technology many of us use daily. From touchscreens to voice assistants... “Alexa, play Star Trek!”, words my younger self never imagined saying for real as I avidly read Marvel UK’s official magazine.

Soon I had a teenage crush on Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes), who vied for poster space with actresses Jennifer Connelly (Labyrinth) and Winona Ryder (Heathers).

Gene Roddenberry’s allegorical Wagon Train in space is sci-fi born of optimism and hope for the future. And the human race needs that more than ever. Live long and prosper.

What are your memories of watching Star Trek? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO celebrates 60 years of Star Trek

Today, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences, unveils the LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge (11385), a 1,701-piece building set for adult fans. The model recreates two of the most recognisable locations from the original series Star Trek – the bridge and transporter room of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Following the debut of the first ever LEGO Star Trek set, which recreated the iconic exterior of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation, the highly-anticipated new LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge gives fans the opportunity to step inside the legendary starship from the original series for the very first time in LEGO form, with an impressive level of detail, interactive features and an all-star Starfleet crew.

The model focuses on the ship’s iconic bridge and transporter room, featuring computer stations, a viewscreen displaying a Klingon warrior, and a transporter platform for crew deployment. Once completed, the modular sections can be arranged into a display configuration.

Several interactive features that recreate familiar on-screen moments are included. Builders can rock the captain’s chair to simulate ship turbulence and battle sequences, turn a dial to activate the transporter and move crew between pads, and use a lever to open the turbo lift doors.

Eight brand-new minifigures represent the Starfleet crew: James T. Kirk, Spock, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Pavel Chekov, Christine Chapel and Montgomery “Scotty” Scott. It also includes four tribbles – the iconic, fluffy alien characters from Star Trek – along with accessories such as two Starfleet communicators, four phasers, Spock’s harp, two Vulcan Lirpas and a Trident Scanner. The Starfleet communicators are represented by a decorated 1×2 tile, while the phaser is an all-new LEGO element.

LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy cancelled

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has been cancelled after only two seasons. The second season recently wrapped and has yet to be shown on Paramount+.

“We’re incredibly proud of the ambition, passion, and creativity that went into bringing ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ to life,” CBS Studios and Paramount+ said in a joint statement. “The series introduced audiences to a bold new group of characters, welcomed familiar faces, and expanded the ‘Star Trek’ universe in exciting new ways. We’re grateful to Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau, Gaia Violo, and the entire cast and crew who pushed storytelling boundaries in the spirit of Gene Roddenberry’s vision. We look forward to sharing the upcoming second and final season with everyone, and continuing to celebrate the cast, crew, and all that was accomplished with this series.”

The cast included Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, and Zoë Steiner, along with heavy hitters like Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Gina Yashere, Robert Picardo, and Tig Notaro. Tatiana Maslany even showed up in a guest role.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the latest Star Trek spin-off series as much as I have! From Jeff Russo's opening theme, which pays homage to Jerry Goldsmith, to a shiny San Fransico and flying robots, it's the most fun and inclusive Star Trek has been since the first season of Star Trek: Discovery.

Series showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau released the letter below to the cast and crew of Starfleet Academy, republished in Variety.

"It’s been my and Noga’s joy and privilege to help carry Gene Roddenberry’s extraordinary vision forward with Starfleet Academy, thanks to the hundreds of hardworking humans who pour every ounce of their talents into the work daily with imagination and reverence. We are in post-production now on what will be the second and final season. We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished together on this show, and the world will get to see the work of these extraordinary artists when season two airs. We will finish strong.

Whether you’re working on Star Trek or part of the marvel that is Star Trek fandom — its very heart, soul, and conscience —the joy comes from adventuring across boundaries of time, space, and the humanly possible in service to Roddenberry’s transformative vision of the future. That incomparable vision was fueled by an inexhaustible optimism. Star Trek places its bet on the best in human nature. It dares to imagine a society of “infinite diversity in infinite combinations,” free of war, hate, poverty, disease, and repression, and dedicated to the spirit of scientific inquiry and respect for all life, whether carbon or silicon-based, green-skinned or blue.

But make no mistake: Gene Roddenberry wasn’t some starry-eyed dreamer. He was a decorated Army bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater. He had seen first-hand the grim consequences of the worst of human nature. And his vision of the future wasn’t just a promise of hope. It was also a warning. In a fraught, frightening time of intolerance and violence, Star Trek said: Look! We made it! But just barely. First, we had to put all those ancient scourges behind us. It said that what makes us glorious as a species, and gives us hope for the future and the galaxy is inextricably linked to what makes us dangerous to each other, to this one world we presently inhabit, and to ourselves. That dual message—of hope and of warning—isn’t just a pretty dream but a call to action, to think about who we are in a different way.

Please don’t take our word for it. Take Gene’s:

“Star Trek was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate, but take a special delight in differences in ideas and differences in life forms. […] If we cannot learn to actually enjoy those small differences, to take a positive delight in those small differences between our own kind, here on this planet, then we do not deserve to go out into space and meet the diversity that is almost certainly out there.”

With enduring hope that his vision of the future is possible, for our children, their children, and every future cadet in Starfleet Academy: Live Long and Prosper."

A mix of toxic fandom and media ownership means many of our favourite franchises, including Doctor Who and Star Trek, are facing an uncertain future. Before the announcement, I'd cancelled my annual subscription to Paramount+. Like many, I'm suffering from subscription fatigue amid a cost of living crisis.

Are you disappointed that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has been cancelled? Will you be cancelling Paramount+? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on YouTube

On Thursday, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiered with two episodes exclusively on Paramount+.

However, for a limited time, fans can watch the feature-length pilot episode, introducing USS Athena captain Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter) and her team of fresh-faced cadets, for free on YouTube. If you're outside the US, you can use a VPN such as NordVPN (affiliate link).



Read the official synopsis:

"Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself."

The latest Star Trek spin-off series is set after The Burn. If you haven't watched Star Trek: Discovery, you may not know what The Burn is.

Here's a brief explanation:

"The Burn was a galaxy-wide cataclysmic event that occurred circa 3069, in which most dilithium mysteriously went inert, causing the detonation of every active warp core. The event caused widespread death and destruction, making dilithium an even more sought-after resource, and led to the near-collapse of the United Federation of Planets."

The kids are alright!

Kids These Days is an effects-heavy opener, while Beta Test is a character-driven Earthbound episode. In my teens, I had a crush on Betazoid empath Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis)! The chemistry between Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) and Tarima Sadal (Zoë Steiner), the Betazed president’s daughter, is palpable. It's an emotive episode that looks to a future free of the toxic trammels we all face in 2026. A philosophical study worthy of Gene Roddenberry's 60-year creation.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the latest Star Trek spin-off series as much as I have! From Jeff Russo's opening theme, which pays homage to Jerry Goldsmith, to a shiny San Fransico and flying robots, it's the most fun and inclusive Star Trek has been since the first season of Star Trek: Discovery.

Here's an overview of the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy season one release schedule, so you can mark your calendars for when each episode drops on Paramount+:

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 1 – Thursday 15th January (out now)
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 2 – Thursday 15th January (out now)
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 3 – Thursday 22nd January
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 4 – Thursday 29th January
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 5 – Thursday 5th February
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 6 – Thursday 12th February
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 7 – Thursday 19th February
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 8 – Thursday 26th February
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 9 – Thursday 5th March
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 10 – Thursday 12th March

Have you watched Star Trek: Starfleet Academy? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Trek boldly goes on Black Friday

On Thursday, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences, unveiled the highly-anticipated LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. This intricate model invites Star Trek and LEGO fans (myself included) to embark on a galactic voyage of creativity, building a detailed replica of Starfleet’s legendary flagship.

Speaking about the reveal of the LEGO Icons Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise set, actor Jonathan Frakes said, “As Commander Riker, I spent a lot of time on the bridge of the Enterprise, and now fans can take the helm themselves… in LEGO brick form!"

Additionally, shoppers who purchase the LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D (10356) between 28th November to 1st December will receive LEGO Icons Star Trek: Type-15 Shuttlepod as a Gift with Purchase, available while supplies last.

Embark on a creative voyage with this LEGO Icons Star Trek: Type-15 Shuttlepod model kit for adults and fans of the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. This minifigure-scale support craft comes with opening wing doors and a rear hatch. Exterior details include the vehicle name, Onizuka, and the interior features a depiction of an LCARS system display with the Stardate 45076.3 and a schematic of a Romulan spacecraft. This set also includes an Ensign Ro Laren minifigure.

LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D to your collection on Black Friday? Let me know in the comments below.

Rebecca Romijn on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' third season is currently streaming exclusively on Paramount+. After a two-year hiatus between seasons, I couldn't miss it, so I resubscribed!

Our friends at JustWatch recently talked to Rebecca Romijn (X-Men) about the enduring appeal of the Star Trek franchise.

Rebecca Romijn on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: “Enjoy This Optimistic Entry Point into the Alien Worlds of Star Trek”

JustWatch spoke with Rebecca Romijn, who plays Number One in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, about the show's unique appeal to both new and longtime fans of the franchise. As part of our Why to Watch campaign—spotlighting exclusive cast insights to help viewers discover meaningful stories—Romijn shared why Strange New Worlds stands out as a must-watch.

Rebecca Romijn on Why Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a Must-Watch

“I think that Star Trek is an important show for anyone to watch, in terms of the way that it promotes a sense of hopefulness and optimism for the future.

If you’re not familiar with Star Trek, Strange New Worlds is the perfect gateway series to start with—except maybe the original series. It’s a mission-of-the-week show, and you don’t need much background on Star Trek to watch it. It’s a great starting point that appeals to many generations, a great show for kids to watch with parents and grandparents.”

About Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Set in the decade before Captain Kirk’s command, Strange New Worlds follows Captain Christopher Pike and his crew—including Romijn’s Number One—as they explore new planets aboard the USS Enterprise. With a return to the franchise’s episodic roots and emphasis on moral storytelling, the series has earned critical praise for being both refreshing and faithful to Star Trek’s core themes.

About Rebecca Romijn

Rebecca Romijn is a longtime fan-favourite with a diverse career in both film and television. She rose to prominence as Mystique in the original X-Men trilogy and has starred in Ugly Betty, The Librarians, and Femme Fatale. In Strange New Worlds, she brings gravitas and wit to the role of Number One—originally played by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s wife, Majel Barrett.

Find where to stream new, popular & upcoming entertainment with JustWatch.

Are you watching Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? Let me know in the comments below.

Captain Kirk returns for Generations' 30th anniversary

30 years ago, Star Trek: Generations passed the big screen baton from The Original Series to The Next Generation! As much as I prefer Star Trek: First Contact, it was fun seeing iconic captains, Kirk (William Shatner) and Picard (Patrick Stewart), on screen together battling Soran (Malcolm McDowell)!

To celebrate Captain Kirk's swansong, the Roddenberry Archive and their technology partner OTOY (in co-operation with Paramount) have released 765874: Unification.



765874: Unification was directed by award-winning Spanish filmmaker Carlos Baena, from a story by Jules Urbach and features original music by Academy award-winning Star Trek composer Michael Giacchino. Production design was provided by Star Trek: Picard production designer David Blass.

The VFX-heavy short film is available as an immersive experience for Apple Vision Pro.

What did you think of 765874: Unification? Let me know in the comments below.

The Toys That Made Us is back!

The Toys That Made Us is returning to television screens after 5 years!

The cult-favourite documentary series debuted Christmas 2017 and I binged season one on Christmas Eve. For three seasons The Toys That Made Us was a love letter to fans (myself included) of He-Man, G.I. Joe, LEGO, Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers and more on Netflix. There was also a spin-off series, The Movies That Made Us, focussing on classic films including Aliens and Jurassic Park.

During the pandemic, Nacelle produced A Toy Store Near You on Prime Video (affiliate link), which was comfort viewing during lockdown. It was a poignant reminder of how great independent stores are and the communities they forge.

“By far the most consistent comments we’ve received over the last 5 years have been some sort of inquiry about the future of The Toys That Made Us,” says Brian Volk-Weiss, Nacelle Founder and CEO. “We’re honored to be able to bring this series back to the fans that have waited so long to see it return, and we appreciate the support over the last 5 years that helped make this a reality.”

Episode topics announced at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) include:

Ghostbusters
Hot Wheels
Superhero Toys
Polly Pocket
Fast Food Toys
Pokémon
American Greetings
Nerf

No deal has been announced regarding the upcoming fourth and fifth seasons. However, Netflix has the first three seasons available.

Nacelle is also reviving several 1980s toy lines through toys and animated series, including Biker Mice from Mars (which is co-produced by Ryan Reynolds) and RoboForce (co-produced with Dwayne Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions). They also produced action figures for the sci-fi series The Expanse and acquired the 80s toy brands Sectaurs and Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa.

Are you looking forward to seasons four and five of The Toys That Made Us? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who x Star Trek

Ruby Sunday's (Millie Gibson) reference to Star Trek in Space Babies wasn't a throwaway line.

Doctor Who series showrunner Russell T Davies and Star Trek franchise executive producer Alex Kurtzman will headline an Intergalactic Friendship Panel at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). An exclusive creator-to-creator conversation about the art of storytelling in alternative universes and to celebrate the power of friendship.

Doctor Who has captivated audiences since its launch by the BBC in 1963. With Ncuti Gatwa currently portraying the 15th Doctor, the series continues to break records, including being the UK’s most-viewed scripted show on Christmas Day 2023 for under-35s. Meanwhile, Star Trek, with its 60-year legacy since being introduced by Gene Roddenberry, remains a beacon of cultural diversity, scientific exploration, and boundless imagination. Today, it spans 11 TV series, 13 films, and over 900 episodes, available in more than 200 markets worldwide.

In related news. The TARDIS will be materialising at SDCC this year for a Doctor Who Hall H panel with Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson and Russell T Davies, as they discuss all things season one and more.

The beloved sci-fi franchises have a storied history including the Doctor and the crew of the Enterprise battling Borg and Cybermen in IDW comic books.

Would you like to see a live-action Doctor Who and Star Trek crossover episode? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek showrunner oversees Marvel's Vision

Variety exclusively reports Star Trek: Picard showrunner Terry Matalas has signed on to oversee Marvel Studios' second WandaVision spin-off series, Vision. Matalas helmed the third season of Star Trek: Picard to critical acclaim.

Paul Bettany will reprise the role of the fan-favourite synthezoid first introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The upcoming Marvel Studios series is expected to follow White Vision's search for Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen).

Marvel Studios' Vision will premiere in 2026 on Disney+. Before that, Agatha All Along, WandaVision's first spin-off series, will premiere on 18th September on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to Vision? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock returns to cinemas

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Paramount Pictures is rereleasing the movie in cinemas on 14th June.

The third instalment in the Star Trek film franchise directly follows on from the tragic events of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - one of the greatest sequels ever made. Spock's (Leonard Nimoy) death left an indelible impression on a generation of fans (myself included).

Read the official synopsis:

"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock’s body."

40 years ago, I vividly remember seeing The Search for Spock with my parents at the ABC Cinema. So many memorable moments, from the Klingon Bird of Prey and Space Dock to the USS Excelsior and stealing the USS Enterprise. All underscored by composer James Horner's soundtrack building on his leitmotifs from The Wrath of Khan. This was Horner's last hurrah for the franchise, but he pulled out all the stops as evidenced by Nick Smith's review courtesy of the fine folks at Intrada.

Pre-order Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (affiliate link) on 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Will you be watching Star Trek III: The Search for Spock on the big screen? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek: Section 31 first look

Ahead of the final season of Star Trek: Discovery, Paramount+ has teased Section 31, following a Starfleet black ops organisation, in Variety.

Originally announced in 2019, the Star Trek spin-off series starring Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) has been adapted into a feature-length straight-to-streaming movie. Yeoh reprises the duplicitous Philippa Georgiou from the Mirror Universe.

Star Trek: Section 31 is expected to stream later this year exclusively on Paramount+.

Are you looking forward to Star Trek: Section 31? Let me know in the comments below.

To boldly go with Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is launched today in the US, and Star Trek fans (myself included) will soon be able to explore Gene Roddenberry's beloved sci-fi franchise with an exclusive spatial app.

In conjunction with OTOY Paramount Game Studios, the Roddenberry Archive spans the entire franchise.

"Through our multi-decade collaboration with OTOY, we have been working to push the frontiers of immersive technology to fulfill my father's legacy, creative intent, and ideas," Rod Roddenberry, President of Roddenberry Entertainment, said in a statement to Deadline, "in ways that can be experienced today and by generations yet to come."

"This release also fulfills one of my mother's greatest wishes," he said. "She recorded her phenoms in 2008 before her passing, to have her voice live on in posterity."

Majel Barrett-Roddenberry recorded the voice of the ship's computer in Star Trek, foreshadowing Alexa and Siri voice assistants.

"It is deeply moving for me to be able to have her voice now narrate portions of the archive," he continued.

Stay tuned for Nick Smith's hands-on with Apple Vision Pro, the Cupertino-based tech titan's spatial computing platform, at his local Apple Store.

Which Star Trek series or movie would you like to explore? Let me know in the comments below.

Gargoyles live-action reboot on Disney+

In the wake of Batman: The Animated Series, Gargoyles was a dark animated series released by Disney.

Featuring the voices of Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis from Star Trek: The Next Generation, it aired from 1994 to 1997 and spawned a successful toy line from Kenner.

According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), the titular Gargoyles are getting a live-action reboot from Gary Dauberman and James Wan’s Atomic Monster on Disney+.

"The Gargoyles are out of the bag," Wan said on Instagram. "Excited to be working with Gary again, on this! He’s a true fan."

The upcoming live-action series is in early development. The original Gargoyles is a gothic masterpiece available on Disney+.

In related news. Gargoyles Remastered (based on the Sega Genisis/Mega Drive 16-bit video game) is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox S|X and PC.

Are you looking forward to Gargoyles in live-action on Disney+? Are you a fan of the original animated series? Let me know in the comments below.

Lower Decks crossover on Strange New Worlds

Paramount+ has dropped the hotly-anticipated Star Trek: Strange New Worlds live-action crossover with the animated adult spin-off series Star Trek: Lower Decks episode early following a screening at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

Read the official synopsis for Those Old Scientists:

"An accident while investigating a time portal sends Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid, Lower Decks) through time from the 24th Century, and Captain Pike (Anson Mount, Strange New Worlds) and his crew must get him back where he belongs before he can somehow alter the timeline."

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ second season on Paramount+ came in hot after the stellar conclusion to Star Trek: Picard. And, you know something, it’s some of the best Trek I’ve ever seen.

In related news. Star Trek: Lower Decks' fourth season premieres on 7th September on Paramount+.

Have you watched the animated/live-action crossover on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Babylon 5: The Road Home

Finally, following years of speculation regarding a Babylon 5 reboot, series creator and showrunner J. Michael Straczynski has announced an animated movie!



Read the official synopsis for Babylon 5: The Road Home:

"Return to BABYLON 5 as the epic interstellar saga continues with THE ROAD HOME. Travel across the galaxy with John Sheridan as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home. Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe."

Warner Bros. Animation has a storied history featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the award-winning Batman: The Animated Series!

Returning Babylon 5 cast members include Bruce Boxleitner as John Sheridan, Claudia Christian as Susan Ivanova, Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari, Bill Mumy as Lennier, Tracy Scoggins as Elizabeth Lochley and Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander.

The surviving cast members are joined by Paul Guyet as Zathras and Jeffery Sinclair, Anthony Hansen as Michael Garibaldi, Mara Junot as Reporter and Computer Voice, Phil LaMarr as Dr Stephen Franklin, Piotr Michael as David Sheridan, Andrew Morgado as G’Kar and Rebecca Riedy as Delenn.

Longtime readers know I'm a big fan of Babylon 5 and remain hopeful for a live-action series on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the wake of the success of Star Trek and Star Wars spin-off series on Paramount+ and Disney+ respectively. The current writers' strike and shakedown following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger means there won't be a series anytime soon.

Babylon 5: The Road Home (affiliate link) is released digitally, 4K UHD and Blu-ray on 15th August.

Are you looking forward to Babylon 5: The Road Home? Let me know in the comments below.

Lower Decks live-action in Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Picard's third and final season stuck the landing on Amazon Prime and Paramount+. Excitement for further adventures in the final frontier is fever pitch.

Paramount+ dropped an official trailer for the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds featuring a live-action crossover with the animated adult spin-off series Star Trek: Lower Decks.



Read the official series synopsis:

"In series two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, confronts increasingly dangerous stakes, explores uncharted territories, and encounters new life and civilisations. The crew will also embark on personal journeys that will continue to test their resolve and redefine their destinies."

I have a confession to make. I've never watched Star Trek: Lower Decks but will be streaming the animated series on Paramount+ ahead of the new series.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' second season premieres exclusively on Paramount+ on 15th June.

Are you looking forward to the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks crossover? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek: The Last Generation

In 2017, I wrote about how Star Trek: The Next Generation filled an endless void vacated by Doctor Who in 1989.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a seminal series foreshadowing technology many of us use daily. From touchscreens to voice assistants... “Alexa, play Star Trek!”, words my younger self never imagined saying for real as I avidly read Marvel UK’s official magazine.

Soon I had a teenage crush on Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes), who vied for poster space with actresses Jennifer Connelly (Labyrinth) and Winona Ryder (Heathers).

For seven seasons (across BBC 2 and Sky 1), I followed the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as I navigated further education. There are too many favourite episodes to list here, but Q Who?, Yesterday’s Enterprise, Cause & Effect and The Best of Both Worlds Part 1 deserve special mention.

Star Trek would spawn further spin-off series including Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. However, none of them would capture my imagination the way The Next Generation did!

When Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) announced Star Trek: Picard, I was hoping to see the old gang reunited for one last epic adventure worthy of Gene Roddenberry’s beloved allegorical Wagon Train in space.

Instead, we had two mixed seasons of a sci-fi series that didn’t know what it wanted to be - aside from driving subscriptions to the nascent streaming service in an overcrowded market dominated by Netflix, Disney+ and Apple TV+ (buoyed by iPhone sales) - featuring a cast of characters mostly unknown to fans (myself included).

This wasn’t Star Trek’s The Mandalorian.

So, when the final season of Star Trek: Picard was announced, I was apathetic! After a promising start, I bailed on season two and was done with most of the Star Trek spin-offs (aside from Strange New Worlds). However, something unexpected happened. I started seeing more and more rave reviews for season three and felt it incumbent on me to at least watch the premiere on Amazon Prime (affiliate link).

“Computer, play Star Trek: Picard!” And my Alexa-enabled Sony BRAVIA XR TV obliged.

I’d grown up on terrestrial television reruns of Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek movies on the big screen. Star Trek: Picard opens with a knowing nod to the franchise’s zenith: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan…

To boldly go in search of Easter eggs.

All the callbacks. All the feels. I was transported back to a time when the franchise was fun, filled with optimism and hope writ large in widescreen. Hearing the iconic music of Alexander Courage, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner (arguably underused until now) and Cliff Eidelman heralding the return of childhood heroes left me misty-eyed as the USS Titan left Spacedock in a spectacular homage to Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.

In the words of Admiral Kirk: “To absent friends...”

A touching tribute to actress Annie Wersching tipped me over the edge, and I was an ugly mess as the end credits rolled! Wersching had played the Borg Queen in season two and was the best thing about it. She passed away from cancer in January aged 45.

Afterwards, I hopped onto social media to encourage friends to watch the best Star Trek spin-off series in decades.

Trust no one.

Amid the homages to the movie and television franchises, there are echoes of the McCarthy era, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Invaders and The X-Files. Oh, there's also a narrative nod to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. And I’m here for it.

The return of Ro Laren was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. Even though it was spoiled by Paramount’s official social media channels. Apologies if you’re only finding out now.

Forbes was excellent as Ensign Ro, who pushed back against Starfleet exceptionalism before defecting to the Maquis, in Star Trek: The Next Generation and later played the nihilistic Admiral Cain in the acclaimed Battlestar Galactica reboot of the early noughties.

Ro is now a Commander, tasked with bringing Admiral Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Captain Riker (Jonathan Frakes) back to Starfleet Command to stand trial for treason in an episode that packs an emotional punch, which I refuse to spoil.

Between the earned fan service and hopes for Star Trek: Legacy from series showrunner Terry Matalas, Star Trek: Picard is a salient reminder of the passage of time and that all things are temporary (alas, as are we). Sir Patrick Stewart and my father are octogenarians, which deeply resonated.

The third time’s the charm for this found family!

Ultimately, Star Trek: Picard sticks the landing with Galaxy-class finesse (carpets included) in a way unimaginable (by this fan) before the third season’s triumphant nostalgia-laden premiere in The Next Generation. Yes, I cried tears of joy (and relief). It was everything.

Engage!

Have you seen Star Trek: Picard? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Battlestar Galactica at 45

In the wake of seeing Star Wars 45 years ago, I would develop an insatiable appetite for shiny US imports on the big and small screen, cashing in on its box office success.

From Disney's The Black Hole to Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The most memorable of which was Battlestar Galactica, released as the first of three feature-length movies in the UK between 1978 and 1980. The BBC's Doctor Who and Blake's 7 were (briefly) sidelined in favour of ITV's big-budget sci-fi offerings from across the pond.

Glen A. Larson's epic television series, following a rag-tag fugitive fleet led by Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) in search of Earth, foreshadowed the long-form storytelling of Babylon 5.

Battlestar Galactica may have been a bigger success had Larson and Universal not been embroiled in litigation with Lucasfilm and Twentieth Century Fox over allegations of ripping-off Star Wars wholesale. George Lucas’ space opera was a distillation of disparate influences from Flash Gordon to Joseph Campbell.

Notably, Star Wars luminaries John Dykstra, a special effects pioneer, and Ralph McQuarrie, a conceptual artist, worked on the fledgling sci-fi series. The following year, McQuarrie's starship designs would also appear in Larson's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Despite being the most expensive series ever made at the time, to save money, Battlestar Galactica reused special effects ad nauseam in later episodes. Larson would go on to reuse Cylon sound effects for KITT in Knight Rider.

At the time in 1978, the 3-part Saga of a Star World was recut and shown theatrically to promote the upcoming series. Infamously, it showed Baltar (John Colicos) being beheaded by the Cylons after failing the Imperious Leader (Patrick Macnee), which confused me as a child when I saw Mission Galactica: The Cylon Attack on home video. How the frak did Baltar survive?

Years later, I worked on Dirk Maggs' The Gemini Apes for BBC Radio 4 with Colicos' son, Nicholas, and we talked about his father's iconic roles on Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek.

Battlestar Galactica didn't shy away from darker themes such as betrayal and death. The aforementioned Balter betrayed the human race to the Cylons and Serina (Jane Seymour) died in Lost Planet of the Gods Part 2. At least Athena (Maren Jensen) survived but was increasingly sidelined by Sheba (Anne Lockhart), much to my chagrin.

Where would the explosive space battles be without a bombastic soundtrack underscoring the action? Stu Phillips' music for Battlestar Galactica is memorable and compares favourably with John Williams' operatic Star Wars themes. I adored both soundtracks. For anyone interested, Phillips' recording with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Like Mego, Mattel passed on Star Wars (thereby facilitating Kenner's unprecedented success). Mattel bet on Battlestar Galactica and released a range of merchandise. Exeter's Pram & Toy Shop didn't give up much shelf space, but I did manage to get a Cylon Centurion, Imperious Leader, Ovion, Lucifer and a Cylon Raider.

Growing up, my parents didn't have cable television. So, I only viewed the first movie theatrically, a few of the episodes on HTV at my maternal grandmother's house (Rediffusion television was an early cable provider) and the two 'sequels' on rental video.

During the Betamax vs VHS format war, studios signed exclusive deals with Sony or JVC. Battlestar Galactica was only available on Sony Betamax. Thankfully, an aunt and uncle (who gifted me an Atari VCS in 1980) owned a high-end Sony machine featuring stereo sound, and I was able to watch Mission Galactica: The Cylon Attack and Galactica III: Conquest of the Earth on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Teignmouth after playing Pole Position at the seafront arcade.

It would be nearly a decade before I had an opportunity to see the entire Battlestar Galactica series including the risible spin-off series Galactica 1980. The less said about the latter the better. However, The Return of Starbuck, guest starring Dirk Benedict (The A-Team) in the titular role from the original series, is a highlight foreshadowing Enemy Mine.

Ronald D. Moore's (For All Mankind) acclaimed reboot of Battlestar Galactica, one of the first sci-fi series I covered on this blog, ended 16 years ago and was followed by a short-lived prequel series, Caprica.

Much was made of Starbuck's recasting as a female in the reboot - years before Jodie Whittaker would play Doctor Who - and Katee Sackhoff's stellar performance, alongside a fantastic cast, soon allayed any fears. Sackhoff has gone on to play fan-favourite Bo-Katan Kryze in various Star Wars spin-offs including The Mandalorian on Disney+.

The late Richard Hatch, who portrayed Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica and became a childhood hero alongside Luke Skywalker and The Six Million Dollar Man, played Tom Zarek in Moore's lauded reboot. We were friends on social media. Hatch sadly passed away in 2017.

Battlestar Galactica has left a lasting legacy in popular culture from The Big Bang Theory to Portlandia.

What are your memories of Battlestar Galactica? Let me know in the comments below.

Paramount+ home of all things Star Trek

Star Trek: Picard beams onto Paramount+ internationally outside of Canada, making the streaming service the home of all things Star Trek.

“The third and final season of Star Trek: Picard will premiere day and date with the U.S. in Latin America on Feb. 16 and on Feb. 17 in the U.K., Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with South Korea to premiere at a later date,” Paramount said in a press release on Wednesday. “Previous seasons of Star Trek: Picard will also be available in English-speaking regions starting this February. All seasons of Star Trek: Lower Decks are currently available to stream on Paramount+ in Latin America and will be available later this year across all Paramount+ markets outside Canada.”

It concluded: “Paramount+ is now the home to every series and every episode of the full catalog of Star Trek. This includes all seasons of the Paramount+ original series Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Prodigy, and the newest addition Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

I'll watch the final season of Star Trek: Picard on Amazon Prime (affiliate link) as the Paramount+ app for Sony BRAVIA televisions doesn't support surround sound or 4K UHD.

Are you subscribing to Paramount+? Are you still aggrieved about the fallout from Star Trek: Discovery being pulled from Netflix? Let me know in the comments below.