Warning: this article contains spoilers for Star Trek: Lower Decks #5!
After an impressive span of 36 years, Star Trek has finally acknowledged one of its most divisive films. Following the cancellation of the original series in 1969, the franchise made a triumphant return with a series of feature films released from 1979 to 1991. While these films generally enjoyed box office success and fan adoration, they also sparked significant debate. Notably, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier stands out as one of the most controversial entries, a sentiment reiterated in the latest issue of Star Trek: Lower Decks (#5).
In this episode, the crew of the USS Cerritos takes a much-needed break at Arakia Base while the ship undergoes maintenance. During their downtime, several officers gather to watch a puppet rendition of a pivotal scene from Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, where Spock confronts a mysterious entity claiming to be “God.”However, the performance features altered dialogue and actions, prompting T’Lynn to quip that the “puppet-based play is, at best, of dubious canonicity.”
Star Trek V: A Dubious Legacy
Ambitious Concepts, Flawed Realization
T’Lynn’s jest may initially appear to be a casual remark, yet it subtly calls attention to one of the most debated films within the Star Trek universe. Released in 1989 and helmed by William Shatner, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier introduced audiences to Spock’s half-brother, Sybok—a Vulcan who embraces his emotions. The story centers around Sybok’s quest for “Sha-Ka-Ree,”a mythical realm akin to the Garden of Eden, which he believes is located at the center of the galaxy.
While Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has hinted at Sybok’s ultimate appearance, fans are still awaiting a full-fledged introduction as of Season Two.
Upon reaching the galaxy’s center, the crew is confronted with “God” —a cosmic entity seeking freedom from imprisonment. Though Kirk, Spock, and their crew manage to thwart this creature, the quest for Sha-Ka-Ree remains unresolved, leaving audiences questioning the nature of divinity and belief. Despite achieving box office success, the film faced harsh criticism from reviewers and portions of the fanbase alike.
Roddenberry’s Discontent with Star Trek V
Gene Roddenberry’s Complex Relationship with Star Trek
Roddenberry’s frustration with aspects of the film was so profound that he attempted—unsuccessfully—to have portions deemed non-canon. Following his promotion to Executive Producer after the initial seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Roddenberry found himself with limited influence over the franchise’s direction. He was particularly irked by the introduction of Spock’s half-brother, elevating his concerns to the studio in the hopes of relegating the film to non-canonical status.
It’s essential to recognize Roddenberry’s broader conflicts with parts of the franchise. After the mixed critical response to Star Trek: The Motion Picture, he lost some creative control, which was passed to producer Harve Bennett. Notably, Roddenberry expressed dissatisfaction with Bennett’s work, especially with The Wrath of Khan, as he felt it misrepresented Starfleet’s ideals, steering it toward a more military-focused portrayal. His discontent extended to later seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation as well.
Lower Decks References Roddenberry’s Sentiments
Rethinking The Final Frontier’s Legacy
Despite its ambitions, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is often regarded as a cinematic misstep that falls short of its grand aspirations. The film not only strays from established character arcs—a point of contention for Roddenberry—but also illustrates his complicated relationship with the franchise he created. His attempts to deny the film’s canonicity reveal a broader rift between him and the direction in which Star Trek was headed. In a meta-commentary 36 years later, the sentiments of Roddenberry are playfully echoed in Star Trek: Lower Decks #5.
Don’t miss out on the latest insights and references in Star Trek: Lower Decks #5, currently available through IDW Publishing!