Key Takeaways:
– Jonathan Frakes, known for his work on Star Trek, has broken a major rule in the franchise by allowing improvisation.
– This approach was first applied to the animated series, Star Trek: Lower Decks.
– The improvisational approach impacted the show positively, influencing Strange New Worlds.
– The audience and critic ratings of both series on Rotten Tomatoes indicate approval for the new creative direction.
Actor and director Jonathan Frakes has left a significant mark on the Star Trek franchise over the course of his comprehensive career. Recognized for both starring in and directing numerous series, Frakes decided to stir things up in a significant way.
Breaking the Rules: Where No Director Has Gone Before
In the early days of Star Trek, the strict, by-the-book approach was the norm. There was little room for improvisation or creativity outside the written script. This approach, however, didn't sit well with Frakes following his experience as Commander William T. Riker in “The Next Generation”.
Recognizing the lack of creative liberty granted to actors, Frakes decided to bring some change within the Star Trek universe. His unique direction first emerged in Star Trek: Lower Decks, an animated series from 2020.
The Change Takes Flight: Lower Decks and The New World of Improvisation
In an interview with Variety, 71-year-old Frakes revealed the strictness of the franchise, comparing it to performing Shakespearean plays. This, however, dramatically shifted when he, along with executive producers and writers on Lower Decks, allowed actors Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome to improvise.
This decision resulted in a dramatic departure from the original “strict script policy”, marking a significant milestone in the Star Trek franchise. Moreover, the ripples of this change reached beyond the realm of Lower Decks.
The Improv Influence: Casting a New Light on Strange New Worlds
Turns out, the creative freedom allowed in Lower Decks had a bit of an “infectious effect” on another Star Trek series, Strange New Worlds. Although Frakes did not helm this series, the inspiration drawn from Lower Decks in terms of allowing improvisation is apparent.
When asked about the effect of improv on the Star Trek series, Frakes eagerly expressed how fantastic it was. The innovatively devised changes creating room for creativity seemed to be well-received and exciting for everyone involved in the production.
Soaring Ratings: An Indication of Positive Change
The fresh and creative take on both the animated and live-action series has mirrored in their ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Lower Decks earned a splendid 92% rating from critics and a fitting 73% approval rating from the audience.
Strange New Worlds, too, bagged impressive ratings. It garnered 98% approval from critics and a 79% audience score. This clearly shows that the decision to allow more creative freedom and improvisation has resonated well with the viewers and critics alike, reinforcing the idea that moving away from strict rules can indeed bring more creativity and charm to the table.
Stream and Experience the Change
As a viewer, you can also witness these sweeping changes brought by Frakes to the Star Trek franchise. “The Next Generation” is available for streaming on Netflix, and you can catch “Lower Decks” and “Strange New Worlds” on Prime Video.
In conclusion, Jonathan Frakes's move to break the rules and allow improvisation has injected new life and creativity into the Star Trek universe, proving that sometimes, daring to venture off the script can lead to even greater heights.
