Roger Avary shares his views on the recent changes in Star Trek and other major franchises, criticizing the loss of original philosophical depth and the influence of corporate mandates. He also discusses his involvement in a Hollywood think tank addressing security threats and reflects on the evolution of iconic sci-fi concepts like the Force and the Prime Directive.
In a recent conversation, filmmaker Roger Avary shared his candid thoughts on the current state of Star Trek and other beloved science fiction franchises. Reflecting on his appearance on Joe Rogan's show, Avary expressed disappointment with the direction that Star Trek has taken, particularly with the new series "Starfleet Academy."
Avary and his interviewer watched a teaser trailer for an upcoming episode of Starfleet Academy. The teaser depicted a storyline involving the academy closing for the "All Worlds break," characters staying behind despite lockdowns, and hints of personal drama and fun. However, Avary admitted that even he was surprised by the content and seemed skeptical about the quality of the new episodes.
Avary reminisced about the original Star Trek series, which was known for its smart storytelling, philosophical discussions, and exploration of social issues. He noted that Star Trek frequently tackled complex topics such as gender, identity, and sexuality with thoughtful writing. For example, he mentioned an episode where Riker visits a planet of single-gender beings, exploring themes of love and identity.
According to Avary, modern Star Trek has shifted away from balanced storytelling to what he describes as corporate philosophy or propaganda. He feels that the newer shows often insert social ideas superficially, lacking the depth and quality of earlier episodes. Avary criticized the inclusion of characters like a "confused Klingon" as an example of clumsy attempts to address social conversations without meaningful engagement.
Avary theorized that the current generation of executives, many of whom are female, are trying to "correct" the values and stories that Generation X loved. He suggested that this has led to a rejiggering of iconic franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek to fit modern sensibilities, often at the expense of the original narratives.
He also mentioned that these changes might be driven by mandates from higher-ups in studios and broadcasters, requiring creators to tick certain boxes related to social messaging. This, Avary believes, comes at the cost of writing good science fiction and exploring social concepts organically.
Avary questioned why studios do not create new stories instead of commandeering beloved franchises and alienating their core audiences. He pointed out inconsistencies in the new Star Trek episodes, such as Vulcans drinking alcohol despite their canonical allergy to it, which shows a disregard for established lore.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the Star Trek technical manual and the scientific accuracy that was once a hallmark of the series. The original productions hired physicists and scientists to ensure the technology and concepts were plausible within the show's universe, a practice that seems to have been abandoned.
Avary also discussed changes in Star Wars, particularly the concept of the Force. He lamented how the Force, once seen as a universal energy accessible through practice, was redefined by George Lucas to depend on "midichlorians," making it seem exclusive to certain individuals. This shift, Avary feels, diminished the philosophical depth of the original concept.
Similarly, he noted that Star Trek's Prime Directive, which governs interactions with new cultures, has been reinterpreted or ignored in recent productions.
Avary expressed a suspicion that the apparent decline in quality and disregard for canon in these franchises might be intentional, aimed at undermining their legacy.
In addition to his views on science fiction, Avary shared an intriguing experience from the late 1990s when he was part of a Hollywood think tank. This group of creatives was asked to devise scenarios for how bad actors might carry out attacks in Los Angeles, to help authorities develop preemptive defenses.
Avary's scenario involved the use of shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach to smuggle a dirty bomb, exploiting prevailing winds that could carry radioactive material into downtown LA. This exercise was part of a broader effort to anticipate and prevent terrorist attacks.
Roger Avary's reflections highlight a tension between preserving the intellectual and philosophical roots of iconic science fiction franchises and the pressures of modern media to conform to contemporary social and corporate agendas. His insights invite fans and creators alike to consider the importance of storytelling quality, respect for canon, and the balance between innovation and tradition in beloved cultural properties.
