Dark and gritty has become a real buzzword when it comes to taking an old property and reinventing it. While this approach can work well in some cases (Batman Begins shall remain the poster boy for this trend) Star Trek is definitely not among them. The brief of the series is about optimism for the future; that if people across different races and divides unite and cooperate theres no issue that cant be solved. Deep Space Nine, which is considered to be the darkest show in the series, made sure it held onto that feeling of humanity. Even J.J. Abrams had his movies retain this bright feeling. An optimistic, cheerful approach might clash with a more cynical modern audience but this message is at the heart of the show. Without it its not really Star Trek at all. At a time were shows are becoming increasingly bleaker and more despairing, maybe that optimistic spirit will help the relaunch of Star Trek stand out from the crowd.
