Backlash Against “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy”
The newest entry in the “Star Trek” franchise, titled “Starfleet Academy,” is encountering a wave of criticism from fans who label it as “woke.” This is happening despite the fact that critics have generally given it favorable reviews, and studio executives have already greenlit a second season.
Since its debut on Paramount+ last week, the show has garnered an 87% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. However, audience reactions are more polarized.
The cast has largely embraced the “woke” tag, with actress Gina Yaschel, who portrays Lula Tok, defending the show in a CNN interview. She stated that “Star Trek” has been “woke from day one,” suggesting the term has been unfairly stigmatized.
Yaschel emphasized that being “awake” simply means being aware of the world around us. Longtime “Star Trek” actor Robert Picard echoed her thoughts on Instagram, asserting that the series had enriched his spirit long before the term “woke” became popular.
Currently, “Starfleet Academy” holds an audience score of 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is an improvement from the previous week’s low of 35%. On IMDb, it has a score of 4.7 out of 10 with thousands of one-star ratings.
Some entertainment critics and fans have pointed to review bombing as a reason for the low scores, while others believe the criticism stems from genuine dissatisfaction with the show rather than political motives.
Viewers have taken to social media to voice their discontent, accusing the show of being excessively “woke.” Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, also chimed in last week, tweeting suggestions for improving the franchise, including giving William Shatner creative control.
Miller’s critique followed a viral clip showcasing characters aboard a Starfleet ship, which has been viewed over 3.6 million times. The clip features a scene where a character momentarily pauses to put on glasses, drawing ridicule from some viewers who feel it betrays the essence of the series.
Elon Musk joined the conversation, humorously implying that this version of the future would prohibit Ozempic and LASIK.
In a tongue-in-cheek response, Shatner remarked that the inability to cure farsightedness by the 32nd century is a significant oversight by the show’s writers.
The controversy surrounding “Starfleet Academy” began even before the first episodes aired on January 15, fueled by several cast members’ remarks on inclusivity and progressive values.
“Starfleet Academy” joins other shows like Disney’s “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” facing review bombing amid cultural debates. Netflix’s “Stranger Things” also encountered similar backlash after its protagonist came out as gay in the penultimate season.
Interestingly, “Starfleet Academy” was renewed for a second season even before it premiered.
