Viacom and CBS Merger: Implications for Star Trek Continuity and Distribution
The recent merger between Viacom and CBS is a significant development that is expected to have far-reaching effects on the entertainment industry. In the context of Star Trek, one of the most anticipated outcomes is the potential for a unified universe that can transcend the traditional boundaries between TV and film. This article explores the implications of this merger on Star Trek's continuity and distribution strategy, as well as the ongoing discussions about the future of the franchise.
Unified Universe and Canon Consistency
The merger between Viacom and CBS allows for a unified universe, where past and future TV shows and movies can share the same characters and settings. This is a powerful development for the Star Trek franchise, as it will enable more seamless crossovers and extended storytelling across multiple media platforms. Previously, there were some restrictions and disagreements between CBS and Viacom, but the merger is expected to simplify these issues, allowing for greater creative freedom and consistency in the franchise's canon.
Some have questioned whether the Discovery and the 2009 movie in the "Prime" timeline are canonical, given the restrictions in place between the two networks. However, with the merger, these questions might no longer be relevant. The upcoming Picard series and other shows under development can now seamlessly integrate into a single, cohesive universe, bringing a new level of richness and depth to the Star Trek narrative.
TV-Shows and Cinema Crossovers
One of the most significant benefits of this merger is the potential for TV-based mainline Star Trek to transition to cinema much like the original Star Trek: The Original Series (ToS) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) did. This means that if a television show ever reaches the level of prestige and popularity to warrant a theatrical release, it can now do so without the usual obstacles. For example, a show like Star Trek: Lower Decks could potentially cross over into the big screen, offering audiences a fresh take on the franchise's characters and storylines.
However, it is important to note that the immediate impact of this merger is still speculative. For the next few years, the ongoing series such as Picard, Lower Decks, Discovery, and Section 31 will continue to proceed as planned. Additionally, the acquisition of Nickelodeon, another Viacom-owned network, means that any children's series in development for Nickelodeon may be streamed via CBS All Access, offering a more cohesive and family-friendly viewing experience across different platforms.
Potential Changes in Feature Film Distribution
There are several theories about how this merger might affect Star Trek's feature film distribution. Some believe it could facilitate the production of a fourth film in the Kelvin timeline, addressing the issue of Paramount’s previous budgetary restraints. Others predict that this merger might lead to the end of the Kelvin timeline, with plans to retire the continuity altogether.
Another interesting speculation is that the merger might prompt the creation of a "Marvel-like" universe within Star Trek, where films and series can coexist and extend each other's storylines. This scenario is still purely speculative, as there is no concrete information about CBS's plans for distributing feature films. At the moment, it seems unlikely that any major changes will occur, at least not in the near future.
Taking a Wait-and-See Approach
Given the early stage of the merger, it is crucial to take a wait-and-see approach to its impact on Star Trek. The speculation phase is still ongoing, and it will be some time before any definitive changes are made. For now, the ongoing series and the development of new shows will proceed as planned, without any immediate disruptions.
In conclusion, while the merger between Viacom and CBS presents exciting possibilities for Star Trek's continuity and distribution, the immediate impact on the franchise is still unclear. The community will need to monitor developments closely and remain open to the new opportunities that this merger may bring in the future.