Star Trek: Lower Decks may have just wiped Star Trek: Discovery out of the official Trek timeline.
Fans of the franchise have been buzzing since the Lower Decks finale aired, tackling one of the most controversial aspects of modern Star Trek: the divisive place of Discovery in the lore. But how exactly did an animated series fix a problem that’s plagued Star Trek for years? Let’s dive into the multiverse madness.
The Damage Done by Discovery
When Star Trek: Discovery first launched in 2017, it sought to explore uncharted territory by setting its story between Star Trek: Enterprise and The Original Series. But fans weren’t thrilled with its drastic visual and tonal shifts.
Among the biggest controversies? The Klingons. Discovery’s take on the iconic alien species was so radically different that it left many fans scratching their heads. What happened to the Klingons we knew and loved?
By its second season, Discovery had already pivoted to distance itself from the timeline mess it had created, launching the crew thousands of years into the future. Despite this, the show’s impact on Star Trek canon remained a sore point for many fans—until now.
Lower Decks Fixes the Timeline?
Enter Star Trek: Lower Decks, the quirky animated series that has become a fan-favorite for its deep-cut references and irreverent humor. In its series finale, Lower Decks gave us the ultimate Trek gift: a clear delineation that Discovery belongs in an alternate reality, similar to J.J. Abrams’ Kelvin timeline.
The episode features a plot involving Klingon ships encountering a multiverse anomaly. The anomaly temporarily transforms a Klingon vessel into a Discovery-style ship, complete with the controversial Klingon design.
This playful moment offered a serious confirmation: Discovery exists in a different universe, separate from the prime timeline.
What About Strange New Worlds?
Given that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds spun off directly from Discovery, fans have naturally questioned whether it too belongs in the alternate timeline. However, Lower Decks reassures us that Strange New Worlds retains its prime timeline status. Its portrayal of Klingons and the Enterprise aligns with established canon, drawing a clear line between the two series.
Fan Reactions: Relief, Speculation and Disbelief
The revelation has sparked a wave of relief among long-time Trekkies. Many feel that this “course correction” allows the franchise to move forward without the baggage of Discovery‘s controversial decisions. On social media, fans have praised Lower Decks showrunner Mike McMahan for skillfully integrating this fix into the story. One post sums it up perfectly: “Lower Decks just did what the rest of Trek couldn’t—it gave us back our timeline.”
Here are more reactions on social media…
For Retconning:
- A user expressed that “Lower Decks just confirmed that Discovery season 1 Klingons and therefore all of Discovery is an alternate reality. BOOM. TAKE THAT!” This indicates a celebratory tone among some fans who might have been dissatisfied with Discovery’s canon integration.
- Another post suggested, “Lower Decks Saves Star Trek, Discovery Out of Canon! a.k.a., APRIL WAS RIGHT!” This shows enthusiasm for the idea that Lower Decks could be setting Discovery aside from the main continuity.
Against Retconning:
- One user clarified, “No, The Reports That Star Trek Removed Discovery From Canon With A Lower Decks Episode Are Not True,” indicating a pushback against the narrative that Discovery has been removed from canon.
- Another post argued, “screen rant are incredibly braindead. lower decks doesn’t decanonise discovery at all.” This reflects skepticism or frustration with interpretations suggesting Discovery’s exclusion from canon.
- A tweet stated, “Lower Decks jokes about everything, even making the mistaken Orions from the 70s animated series canon. They aren’t removing StarTrek Disco from canon; Disco ship is in SNW & Picard S1. LD is just joking around, there is even a switch to a Proto Klingon as well in the episode.” This post emphasizes that what might seem like a retcon is more likely playful homage or humor within the series rather than a serious alteration to canon.
Wrapping It Up
Personally, I think this move is brilliant. Lower Decks managed to deliver a hilarious episode while quietly addressing a major gripe in the fandom. Don’t get me wrong, Discovery had its moments, but its deviation from core Star Trek aesthetics and storytelling always felt off. Now that it’s officially an alternate reality, the franchise has room to breathe again. Here’s hoping Paramount continues to embrace Lower Decks’ love for fixing Trek lore.
What do you think? Was this a necessary course correction, or did Lower Decks overstep? Do you even believe it was their intention to retcon Discovery? Let’s keep the conversation going on social media!
Sources
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