Back in 2015, the most popular science fiction TV series were either on the SyFy Channel orDoctor Who.
After having gone out with a whimper withEnterprisein 2005, couldTrekrematerialize as a fully rejuvenated version of itself?
Could a mainstream audience be enticed back to the final frontier by yet another new crew?
At first, the answer wasmaybe.
To sayDiscoverys early years were some ofthe riskiest inTrekhistoryis something of an understatement.
We were the great experimenters, executive producer Alex Kurtzman recalls while talking toDen of Geekmagazine.
Discoverywas the first in the door.
It allowed us to understand what works well in modernTrekand what works less well.
But it all started withDISCO.
BecauseDiscoverywas the progenitor of all the newStar Trekthat has followed, its scope and influence are bigger than mostTrekseries.
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Ive never thought about it that way!Discoveryshowrunner Michelle Paradise says with a laugh.
But, without putting those words on it specifically, thats always on our minds.
But its a lot of franchise.
That aspect was very intentional, Paradise says, teasing the deep-cut canon connections that propelDiscoverys new season.
So every season, were looking for ways to do that.
That was very intentional.
We very much recognized that with season four, there was a weight to it, Paradise explains.
And so, coming into this season, Alex and I said we should have some fun.
We want to have a sense of adventure.
But yes, we wanted to have fun along the way.
WillDiscoveryfind a way to tie up a few loose threads before the end?
Paradise wont spoil the ending just yet.
Youll have to tune in and find out.
But will those adventures continue in the 32nd century?
We know the in-productionStarfleet Academyis set during the 32nd century, but what aboutMichelle YeohsSection 31movie?
I wont tell you how or, where, or why.
But yes, that era is not over.
Were not just repeating the thing that we did already.
Right now, its beyond my paygrade.
Theres still a homemade and handmade mom-and-pop shop quality to what were doing, Kurtzman said.
But I think you have to have an essential vision of optimism.
Star Trek: Discovery season 5 hits Paramount+ on April 4.
