Which Star Trek Series is the Most Faithful to the Original?

The Star Trek franchise has evolved over the years, offering various series that each bring a unique flavor and perspective to the iconic space opera setting. Among these, the The Animated Series often takes a backseat in discussions about fidelity to the original series. However, when we dissect its merits and shortcomings, it emerges as a series that, despite its flaws, holds a special place in the Star Trek family.

The Animated Series: A Brief Overview

Produced in 1973, the The Animated Series was a one-off experiment by the producers, serving as a proof of concept for future animated adventures within the Star Trek universe. The series consisted of only 13 episodes, each lasting half an hour, an unusual format for its time. Its primary audience, it seems, was children; a fact that initially cast a shadow over its primary appeal for Star Trek enthusiasts.

However, the series managed to earn a respectable reputation, thanks to the quality of writing and the consistent narrative direction that mirrored the original series. While the animation was indeed terrible by contemporary standards, the storylines and character developments were on par with the original series, making it a watchworthy addition to the overall Star Trek canon.

Consistency and Canon

Though the The Animated Series treats The Original Series as canonical, there are notable inconsistencies that make it less faithful than other entries in the franchise. These inconsistencies should have been better addressed to maintain the overall integrity of the Star Trek timeline.

For instance, many of the super-advanced technologies that were featured in the Original Series, such as intelligent androids, ion drive ships, and advanced medical technology, were not adequately accounted for or utilized in subsequent series like TNG, Voyager, or DS9. One of the more glaring examples involves the discovery of androids in The Original Series. Despite discovering and studying these advanced androids, characters like Data in TNG were portrayed as one-off creations of a later genius and unable to be duplicated.

Review of Key Inconsistencies

One of the most significant examples of discrepancies is the consistent availability of super-advanced technologies. In The Original Series, it was established that many of these technologies were accessible to study or were in the possession of newly-made allies. However, in later series, such as TNG, Voyager, and DS9, these technologies were not only non-existent but also not anticipated.

Some of the specific instances of these inconsistencies include:

Intelligent Androids: Data, though a remarkable example, is an anomaly. The ability to create more of his kind was not pursued or duplicated, despite the presence of potentially capable materials and technology. Ion Drive Ships: Similarly, the existence of ion drive ships was not utilized in subsequent series, despite the technology's potential. Advanced Medical Technology: In the Original Series, the availability of semi-reliable time travel and the highly advanced medical kits was a given. However, these did not carry over to later series. Time Travel: The discovery and availability of reliable time-travel devices in the Original Series was not taken advantage of in other series, leaving a gaping hole in the continuity of the Star Trek universe.

Conclusion

While the The Animated Series may not be the most faithful to the original Star Trek series, it still offers a worthwhile and entertaining experience. Its quality writing and adherence to the overall narrative and themes of the Original Series make it a standout in its own right.

Ultimately, the fidelity of a series in the Star Trek universe is a subjective metric, influenced by the depth of a viewer's immersion and their willingness to overlook minor inconsistencies. In this case, the Animated Series stands out as a unique and valuable addition, albeit with its flaws.