Why Fans Aren't Complaining About the USS Enterprise's Advanced Look in 'Strange New Worlds'

Many viewers of 'Strange New Worlds' have noticed how the ship looks exceptionally advanced compared to the 'Enterprise' in 'Enterprise'. This stands in stark contrast to the complaints some fans had during the 'Enterprise' series' run. However, the reason for this difference lies in the evolution of the franchise and the lessons learned from previous iterations.

Discovery's Impact on Fan Expectations

The first season of 'Star Trek: Discovery' completely reshaped how audiences viewed the Starfleet vessels. In 'Choose Your Pain,' for instance, a Klingon D7 battlecruiser was shown that didn't even resemble its classic counterpart. The Federation ships of that era looked different from what viewers had previously seen. More significantly, the Klingons themselves were so reimagined that they were unrecognizable.

However, starting from the second season, the show began to walk that path back. They reintroduced the hair for the Klingons and introduced Captain Pike with his TOS-style uniform. Each change, bringing the series back closer to the familiar and beloved elements, made fans happier. But, the most impactful change was the USS Enterprise.

Initially, fans were dreadfully anticipating the changes producers would make to the Enterprise. The expectation was that she would be unrecognizably altered, similar to the Season 1 D7. However, to everyone's delight, the producers respected the Federation flagship's heritage. Every time the Enterprise is shown, it's appreciated for the attention to detail. What could have been a devastating change turned out to be a welcome return to the beloved design.

The Contrast Between Different Series

The contrast between the 'Enterprise' and 'Strange New Worlds' can partly be attributed to the lessons learned from 'Enterprise.' Its more advanced look led to complaints about inconsistency and deviation from what fans imagined. This experience may have conditioned some fans to expect a more realistic approach to technology in Starfleet. However, 'Strange New Worlds' presents a scenario that aligns more closely with what the original series might have been like, had the technology of the time allowed for such advancements.

Why 'Strange New Worlds' May Be Superior

Ultimately, the difference in fan reaction may lie in the overall quality of 'Strange New Worlds.' Though some may be more critical of the advanced look, the show is widely considered to be a much better version of the franchise, which explains why the change in the Enterprise's appearance is met with less complaint. The narrative and character development in 'Strange New Worlds' align better with what fans love about the Star Trek universe, making technical details like the ship's appearance less polarizing.

What's the Big Deal?

It's important to remember that TV shows don't need to be perfectly realistic or perfectly consistent. Suspension of disbelief and bringing a bit of personal imagination can transform a visualization into a more enjoyable viewing experience. Fans of 'Star Trek' are no exception. As long as the show remains true to the spirit of the franchise and delivers compelling storytelling, the technical details are secondary.

In conclusion, the relative silence from fans regarding the Enterprise's advanced appearance in 'Strange New Worlds' reflects both the learning from past series and the quality of the current production. The lesson is that innovation and respect for the past can coexist, even in a show as beloved as Star Trek.