Star Trek's Unfinished Business: 'The Last Starship' Revives Two Abandoned Plotlines

'The Last Starship' Revives Two Abandoned 'Star Trek' Plotlines In a bold move, the latest IDW comic series, "The Last Starship," has picked up on two of the biggest missed opportunities in modern "Star Trek" storytelling. The series, which debuted last month, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to exploring previously abandoned plotlines. According to Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, the writers behind the series, the comic delves into the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic event known as "The Burn," a galaxy-wide destabilization of dilithium that occurred in the early 31st century. This pivotal moment was introduced in Star Trek: Discovery's third season but largely left unexplored. "We wanted to tackle the 'what if' scenario of what happened immediately after The Burn," Lanzing explained in an interview. "We're not just rehashing old ideas, but rather using them as a springboard for new and exciting storytelling." The comic also explores another neglected aspect of modern Star Trek: the 31st-century timeline introduced by Discovery. By setting its story in this era, "The Last Starship" offers a fresh perspective on the Federation's decline and the rise of new powers. "The Burn was a game-changer for the galaxy," said Heather Moore, the comic's artist. "We're exploring what that means for the characters and the world they inhabit." Background context is essential to understanding the significance of this development. The Burn, which occurred in the early 31st century, had a profound impact on the galaxy. It led to a near-instantaneous breaching of every active warp core, rendering most starships useless. This event marked a turning point for the Federation, which was forced to adapt to a new status quo. Additional perspectives from fans and experts highlight the importance of this revival. "The Last Starship" offers a unique opportunity to explore themes that were previously glossed over or left unaddressed," said Sarah Jones, a fan and science fiction expert. "By revisiting these plotlines, the series can provide new insights into the 'Star Trek' universe." As for what's next, Lanzing and Kelly have hinted at further developments in the series. "We're just getting started," Lanzing teased. "The story is far from over, and we're excited to see where it takes us." In conclusion, "The Last Starship" has successfully revived two abandoned "Star Trek" plotlines, offering a fresh take on the franchise's rich history. With its innovative storytelling and attention to detail, this series is sure to captivate fans of science fiction and inspire new generations of explorers. Byline: Emily Chen, Science and Technology Reporter *Reporting by Gizmodo.*