The Future of Star Wars and Star Trek

Two new science-fiction series are thrilling and exciting the fans of their respective franchises. Star Trek: Picard, which returns Sir Patrick Stewart to his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard, is now streaming on CBS All Access, while Star Wars: The Mandalorian, a spinoff set in the Star Wars universe, recently wrapped up its first season on the Disney+ service. Both series have received praise and acclaim from critics and fans, and each show embraces elements of fan service, while also attempting to forge new ground in their respective fictional worlds. Of the two series, Picard is probably taking the deeper dive into familiar territory during its first run of episodes. The show is set twenty years after Star Trek: Nemesis, the last film to feature the Next Generation crew, and the plot line embraces some elements introduced in the first J.J. Abrams Star Trek film from 2009. A devastating supernova has wreaked destruction on the Romulan home world, and much of their race is spread throughout the galaxy as refugees. Jean Luc-Picard had campaigned for the Federation to assist the Romulans when the supernova originally occurred, but a devastating attack by synthetic beings on Mars derailed the Federation’s response. In the aftermath of the troubling events on Mars, all synthetic beings across the Federation were outlawed and de-activated. A distraught Picard resigns from Starfleet, and retreats to his family vineyard in France.

Patrick Stewart and Isa Briones

The series charts Picard’s involvement in the search for a synthetic being with ties to his old friend Commander Data. After a young woman who visits him and asks for his help is assassinated, Picard discovers she’s a unique kind of android. He’s determined to solve the mystery of her origin, while locating the synthetic being’s twin, who is still alive. Familiar faces from the Star Trek universe pop up, including Brent Spiner as Data, and Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine, and stories from previous Trek adventures are referenced as well. Stewart, as usual, is terrific in the role of Picard, who’s now older and wearier than when we last saw him. Stewart is clearly relishing his return to the role, and his interaction with the cast is superb. The supporting cast features Isa Briones, Alison Pill, Santiago Cabrera and Michelle Hurd, who are all excellent as well. It may take non-fans a little while to get up to speed, but the well-crafted, intriguing story is worth your time. The series was created by veteran Star Trek scribes Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Kirsten Beyer, and bestselling author Michael Chabon. Jonathan Frakes, who co-starred as Commander Riker in the Next Generation TV show and films, and has gone on to direct episodes of several Trek series, helmed two episodes of Picard, and is slated to appear onscreen in the series as Will Riker. 

Carl Weathers, Gina Carano and Pedro Pascal

As for The Mandalorian, it’s a standalone adventure set in the world of Star Wars. The show follows the story of a bounty hunter Din Djarin, who ends up becoming the guardian to a child that's from the same species as Yoda. The story is set sometime after the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, but you only need a basic familiarity with the Star Wars films to enjoy this thrilling series, which is a combination of the western, science-fiction and action adventure genres. The show does offer some easter eggs and for fans, but focuses on telling a great story that stands on its own terms. The cast includes Pedro Pascal in the title role, and Gina Carano as Cara Dune, a fellow mercenary who ends up helping the Mandalorian protect the mysterious child. Carl Weathers, Nick Nolte, Werner Herzog and Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito are also featured in the series. As you’d expect from a Star Wars production, the series is well-produced and visually stunning, and there are some nice visual references to previous Star Wars adventures.

Star Trek: Picard and Star Wars: The Mandalorian are worth viewing. The writers, directors and producers of shows like these always face a difficult challenge, as they try to please longtime fans while also attempting to bring in new viewers, and crafting a compelling narrative which will appeal to both groups. It’s a very delicate balance, but these shows have managed to successfully walk that tightrope thus far. In some ways, Picard is a more reflective and character driven series than that other CBS All Access show, the sometimes uneven Star Trek: Discovery. The Mandalorian provides the action, humor and excitement of a great Star Wars tale without being weighed down by the history of the franchise. I’ve enjoyed both series, and it'snice to see these long-running franchises try something a bit different that still pays homage to their history. If the future of Star Wars and Star Trek is with terrific series like these, then I say lets have more of them. Here are links to the trailers for both Star Trek: Picard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbXy0f0aCN0, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOC8E8z_ifw.