As recently as 2017, Star Trek seemed like a dead franchise. Beginning as a TV series in the 1960s, the franchise had enjoyed consistent popularity but saw its ratings drop in the 2000s, and "Star Trek: Enterprise" (2001-2005) suffered the humiliation of being prematurely canceled. After that, there were no more Star Trek TV series. The remake film series released in the 21st century, featuring stars like Chris Pine, all failed at the box office.

"Star Trek: Discovery" (2017-present), released worldwide in 2017 as a Netflix original series (Paramount+ original in the United States), was the work that signaled the franchise's revival. "Discovery" clearly shows signs of its efforts to break away from the image of an "old TV show." Starfleet officers appear in realistic navy uniforms instead of colorful ones. The story structure has also been changed from the existing omnibus to a "Star Wars" style where they face a huge threat.

Whether the new approach worked, "Discovery" was the fourth most-watched TV series on Netflix in 2017. Discovery has since been confirmed for a fifth season, and its success has given Paramount the impetus to pursue other Star Trek projects. Paramount turns its attention back to the old style. In 2019, they produced "Star Trek: Picard," bringing back the protagonists from the 1980s Star Trek series, and in 2022, they released "Star Trek Strange New Worlds," which aims for an omnibus style like the 1960s. **

"Star Trek Strange New Worlds" is a true retro style. The actors wear clothes that are a slightly modern reinterpretation of the red, blue, and yellow outfits from the 1960s TV series. The story structure has also returned to the 60s-90s sci-fi omnibus, rather than the epic narrative pursued by "Discovery". ** Even "Discovery" tried to make alien civilizations look real, but "Strange New Worlds" continues to feature aliens who look almost exactly like humans.

This retro style is strong in episodes that have a comedic character. In particular, one episode in the second season features the protagonists all speaking in song. It's all because someone accidentally touched a strange space wave. Throughout the episode, the protagonists perform a musical performance in the 60s-style props and sets. The aggressive alien race "Klingon," which often appears in the franchise, is transformed into a K-pop boy group, providing an unexpected delight. **

Right now, it seems like this retro Star Trek is getting a pretty good response, and Paramount has quickly confirmed production of a third season. But no one knows how long this style will last. This kind of omnibus was able to succeed in the past thanks to the social background of the space race during the Cold War. It seems like a more plausible interpretation considering that the collapse of the Cold War coincided with the decline of the Star Trek series. Even the colorful uniforms are made fun of by George Woo Philippa (Michelle Yeoh) in the play.

Moreover, the franchise will celebrate its 60th anniversary in two years. This means that they have already used up all the material they can use in the omnibus. Some viewers have already begun to criticize "Strange New Worlds" for being stale. The settings that can be introduced to be aware of this staleness have already been used up in the 90s. **

Still, if you enjoy the lighthearted atmosphere of space adventure and like the old-fashioned Star Trek, this series is a pretty good gift. In 2024, in addition to "Strange New Worlds," "Star Trek: Discovery" will also end its final season after seven years. Both series can be watched on Paramount+ (Tving in Korea).