Sometimes I’m surprised I don’t have a Starfleet emblem-shaped knot on my face from banging my head on the desk from frustration with how Star Trek gets treated by those in control of it.
My experience with Star Trek's treatment by TPTBThe Powers That Be (TPTB): TNG was a syndication ratings success. It even beat out some network shows.
Star Trek fans: Yes!
TPTB: DS9 and VOY did well in syndication, too. And, TOS is the Star Trek OG of being well received in syndication.
ST fans: That’s right!
TPTB: ENT did good, as well. Also syndicated.
ST Fans: You bet!
TPTB: But, we weren’t rolling in the dough with Nemesis.
ST Fans: We’re talking about series. That’s a film.
TPTB: Maybe fans are burned out on Star Trek.
ST Fans: Never!
TPTB: We’ll leave the property alone.
ST Fans: unhappy noises
– After the Kelvin films –
TPTB: Hey, there are still fans of Star Trek.
ST Fans: Been here since 1966.
TPTB: Happy 2017! We’ve made a new Star Trek series.
ST Fans: Yay!
TPTB: Syndication of prior Star Trek shows worked out well, so … ST Fans: yesss
TPTB: … we’re going to shorten what’s a considered a season and gate this new series behind a paywall on a new streaming platform.
ST Fans: Wait, what?
– Later –
TPTB: This streaming thing is working out okay. We’ll make some more Star Trek shows.
ST fans: confetti and cheers
TPTB: But, we aren’t making as much money as we’d like.
ST fans: There’s also syndication. Broadcast TV, and you do own Pluto TV which is making bank.
TPTB: If only there was some way to better monetize the IP.
ST fans: More collectibles, toys, plushies, books, comics, calendars.
TPTB: Yeah, we can’t think of a way.
ST Fans: frustrated sighs
I think Star Trek is not doomed. I think Star Trek will continue, and be awesome. I think waiting on TPTB to figure it out will be frustrating. Until then, I’m going to keep on keeping on with Star Trek.