Arguably, Star Trek is only really Star Trek when it's on the small screen. The films need plenty of action and high drama - that's what draws in the audiences. The message that Gene Roddenberry created gets a little lost in the mix. Audiences don't want to watch the crew of the Enterprise experiencing the effects of a space nebula for half an hour or visiting a unique alien world that doesn't offer a threat to its crew. But arguably that's what Star Trek is all about. Exploring strange new worlds, new civilizations... not blowing up baddies in space. We have Star Wars for that. It can be done right; Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan works so well because it has a great scientific story too in Genesis. Done wrong and we get Star Trek Into Darkness. What we all want is a new TV series. It's been long enough since Enterprise left our screens. Now is the time to have a new ship and a new crew exploring the vastness of space week after week. Another ship on the same five year voyage as Kirk perhaps? It would be a chance to exploit the beauty of having an alternate reality by examining - from time to time - a fresh take on established aliens. But it would also be a chance to try something new and get back to the heart of what Star Trek is about. As much as more films are fun, this is where the franchise works best. If there was any time that audiences would be receptive to a new TV series, the 50th anniversary is it. Bryan Fuller is up for it apparently. He's already created Hannibal, the best show currently on television. Just imagine what he could do with Star Trek. And there you have it. 10 simple ways the 50th anniversary of Star Trek could be a huge success. Look to what worked for Doctor Who, celebrate Star Trek's past, expand the franchise once more and give audiences what they want. 2016 could be an amazing year; let's just hope that potential isn't squandered! Do you agree with these choices? Is there something you want in Star Trek's 50th anniversary year? Please let us know in the comments below!
A writer for Whatculture since May 2013, I also write for TheRichest.com and am the TV editor and writer for Thedigitalfix.com . I wrote two plays for the Greater Manchester Horror Fringe in 2013, the first an adaption of Simon Clark's 'Swallowing A Dirty Seed' and my own original sci-fi horror play 'Centurion', which had an 8/10* review from Starburst magazine! (http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/eventsupcoming-genre-events/6960-event-review-centurion) I also wrote an episode for online comedy series Supermarket Matters in 2012. I aim to achieve my goal for writing for television (and get my novels published) but in the meantime I'll continue to write about those TV shows I love! Follow me on Twitter @BazGreenland and like my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BazGreenlandWriter
