5 Changes Star Trek: Discovery should make in its second season

Here are five changes that need to happen for Star Trek: Discovery to really soar.

Last week, it was announced that CBS All Access’s Star Trek: Discovery will have a new showrunner for its second season. As the series has been plagued by behind-the-scenes issues since it went into production, this development was a cause for concern among fans. However, I think this may be an opportunity for the show to make a much-needed course correction.

The main reason for my optimism is that the series’ new showrunner is Alex Kurtzman. In addition to being one of Star Trek: Discovery’s creators, Kurtzman is also one of the executive producers of the rebooted Star Trek of the film series. As such, it’s clear that he has a passion for the franchise and knows how to make it work in a contemporary context. Plus, the ideas he has for the big twist that capped off Discovery’s first season sound very intriguing.

However, in order for the series to realize its potential, a number of significant changes need to take place. Although Discovery’s first year ended on a really strong note, the season as a whole was wildly uneven. It felt needless dark for a franchise that is optimistic at its core. The decision to tell one long story over the course of an entire season left the show’s characters and setting feeling undeveloped. And the first season’s behind-the-scenes issues had the effect of making the show’s feel tonally and narratively unbalanced.

But if Alex Kurtzman makes a few key changes to the show’s second season, Star Trek: Discovery could finally realize its full potential.

Note: this article contains spoilers for the first season of Star Trek: Discovery.