Before Kirk and Spock there was Captain Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). A trailer for CBS All Access’ new “Star Trek” series hints that its universe was originally led by women. A matriarchal sci-fi series? We could get into that.
Plot details about “Star Trek: Discovery” are being kept under wraps, but the trailer sets up what seems to be the most important relationship of the series: the mutually supportive one between Georgiou and Michael. “You’ve served under me for seven years,” Georgiou says to Michael. “Commander Burnham, I think it is time we talked about you having your own command.”
The women have different leadership styles — Georgiou is cautious, while Michael is more aggressive — but they obviously have a lot of respect for each other.
It’s always exciting to see a series toplined by women of color, but the “Discovery” trailer is even more significant considering CBS’ fall 2017 slate. The network recently announced its eight new shows — none of which are led by women. At least CBS All Access, CBS’ streamer, is taking a cue from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One” and creating female protagonists in order to revitalize a beloved franchise.
Created by Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal,” “American Gods”) and Alex Kurtzman (“Star Trek” film franchise), “Star Trek: Discovery” hits CBS All Access this fall. No word on an official premiere date yet.
