Part 4/8:

Shatner’s critique extends beyond this specific omission; he believes it reflects a broader pattern of neglect and marginalization. He expressed frustration that the studio appears threatened by the very character that helped launch the franchise into global popularity in the 1960s. This sentiment echoes a common frustration among Star Trek purists who see the current direction as a departure from the core themes and characters that made the series iconic.

Some fans and critics argue that this is part of a larger trend across franchises like Star Wars and Doctor Who, where nostalgic characters are sidelined or reimagined in ways that upset long-standing audiences. Shatner sees these moves not as evolution, but as an outright dismissal of the franchise’s historic roots.