Awesome. Okay, seriously not the Star Trek I grew up with but that's really okay. If J.J. Abrams can create a new timeline then CBS can (and does) make a Star Trek which is more post-9/11, more 21st century, than anything which came before. It's darker and grittier, people die. The idealism of the Federation is balanced by ugly realities. Characters aren't black and white but messy, complicated greys. The most important thing is that this is the first Star Trek which doesn't focus on the Captain of a given ship but on an officer who excels, falls, and digs herself out. It's a slow process and she acknowledges that it takes time. Perhaps a lifetime. Elements of the other series, particularly the original series (TOS), are prevalent, as are nods to Battlestar Galactica and Star Wars. The societal commentary which made TOS so perfect for the 1960s is present in season one with not-so-subtle references to a xenophobic human society which is dictatorial and bears a hatred for anyone who is "other." Acting, writing, direction and look of the show, including special effects, is top-notch. Season one has a tremendous number of twists and turns. I saw one coming but not others. At least two moments had me gasping "Whaaatttt?", followed by "my head hurts." Unlike TOS this isn't episodic. You really must watch it in order. There is an amazingly well thought-thru storyline and I have to give kudos to the creative staff for how they crafted the many threads of this tale over 15 episodes. I got it on disc (sorry CBS, not paying for yet another streaming service) and it comes with a plethora of extras which highlight all elements of the production. Great new series for the current age. So glad to have something of quality as the next step in this 50 year franchise. Live long and prosper.
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