Summary
I’m excited about Tawny Newsome’s new live-actionStar Trekworkplace comedy, because it could follow in the footsteps ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nine. I’ve always lovedDS9because it expanded theStar Trekuniverse beyond the traditional perspective of Starfleet and its officers. Set aboard a space station on the fringes of Federation space,DS9’s cast of characterscomprised Starfleet officers, members of the Bajoran Militia, a Ferengi bartender and a Cardassian tailor. This ensemble represented Deep Space Nine’s position as a cultural and commercial hub, or as Marina Sirtis once described it, “a hotel in space”.
While Marina Sirtis' derogatory description ofStar Trek: Deep Space Ninebears little resemblance to the show, it does describeTawny Newsome’s newStar Trekcomedy. It was announced at San Diego Comic-Con thatNewsome is developing a new comedy series withDear White Peoplecreator Justin Simien andStar Trekexecutive producer Alex Kurtzman. Set on a “gleaming resort planet”, theParks and Recreation-styleStar Trekcomedy will focus on a group of “Federation outsiders”.You can read the announcement viaStar Trek’sInstagrampage below:
Why I’m Excited About Tawny Newsome’s Star Trek Live-Action Holiday Resort Comedy
Tawny Newsome’s newStar Trekcomedy sounds less likeLower Decks, and more like the luxury mega yacht docusoapBelow Deck.
Initially,the decision toendStar Trek: Lower Deckswith season 5, only to develop a different, live-action, workplace comedy felt like a bizarre choice. However, while the in-development series will have Tawny Newsome’s considerable wit and humor running through it, it’s still a very different prospect toLower Decks. With the decision to focus on non-Federation citizens waiting on pampered resort guests, Tawny Newsome’s newStar Trekcomedy sounds less likeLower Decks, and more like the luxury mega yacht docusoapBelow Deck. That might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it will expand the definitions of whatStar Trekcan be.
By shifting the focus from Starfleet officers to everyday citizens working in a holiday resort,Tawny Newsome and Eric Simien’s new comedy will push the boundaries of what constitutes aStar Trekshow. That excites me, because it will shed light on a rarely-seen aspect of life in theStar Trekuniverse. Obviously, we’re used to seeing ourStar Trekheroes holiday on pleasure planets like Risa. However, we rarely see how stressful it can be to wait on these people hand and foot, as well as having to deal with things when they inadvertently bring their Starfleet business on holiday with them.
Star Trek’s Pleasure Planet Risa Explained
Star Trek’s pleasure planet Risa is a tropical paradise with very friendly locals and sensual customs that make it a popular tourist destination.
Tawny Newsome’s New Star Trek Show Can Be A Great Successor To DS9
WhileStar Trek: Deep Space Nineis best known for itsDominion War storyline, it’s also one of the funniestTrekshows.Some ofDeep Space Nine’s funniest episodes were about their non-Federation characters like Quark (Armin Shimerman), Constable Odo (Rene Auberjonois) and Morn (Mark Allen Shepherd). Quark could have very easily led aDS9spin-off series, not dissimilar from the upcoming holiday resort sitcom. A Quark sitcom where he runs a holiday resort or bar that serves Federation and non-Federation citizens alike would have been enormous fun, so it’s easy to see how Tawny Newsome and Eric Simien’s show could work.
Armin Shimerman and a friend devised a Quark prequel show, depicting the Ferengi’s teenage years, which they unsuccessfully pitched to MTV in the early 2000s.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nineenriched the wider franchise by providing some of its funniest ever episodes, and showing how Starfleet and non-Federation worlds worked together, despite differing viewpoints. Through the eyes of those characters,Star Trek: Deep Space Nineprovided a glimpse into these other non-Federation societies.Decades later, Tawny Newsome and Eric Simien’s in-development comedy show can now do something similar; providing a glimpse into how the resort and entertainment industries work in theStar Trekuniverse, and exploring how that aligns with Starfleet and the Federation’s ongoing mission.
