Continuity can either be a bugbear, an irritant to be side-stepped with the likes of prequels and reboots. Or, as the fans of Star Trek (and basically any nerdy property with a long and labyrinthine history), it can also be something to be embraced, analysed, and from which new and exciting stories can spring if you know where to look. In that case, the side-story thing might just work. But how about it's not with the new films? How about it's not a sequel, prequel or whatever to either the films or the TV show? What if Paramount elect to do a period series that's set around the same time as The Next Generation, or Deep Space Nine, or The Original Series? Not necessarily the same characters, but the same era, perhaps with differing perspectives on classic stories? It would be user-friendly to invite in new audiences, but have enough reverence for the past for the die-hards to be on board. A series set along with the original run of the show would be dynamite, recreating the retro chic of the costumes and outfits. Basically, do Mad Men, but do it in space, and get Jon Hamm in the Shatner-style leading role please.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
