“Star Trek: Prodigy” is an animated television series that premiered on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon on October 28, 2021. Created by Kevin and Dan Hageman, the show is aimed at younger audiences but has garnered interest from older Star Trek fans as well. Unlike previous series, “Prodigy” is unique in that it introduces new viewers to the Star Trek universe through a group of young, diverse characters who are not initially members of Starfleet.
The story follows a group of alien adolescents who discover an abandoned Starfleet vessel, the USS Protostar, and use it to escape their harsh conditions. Guided by a training hologram of Captain Kathryn Janeway, they embark on adventures across the galaxy, learning about Starfleet values and principles along the way.
Main Cast:
- Dal R’El
Voiced by: Brett Gray
Dal is a young, resourceful character who dreams of a life beyond the mining colony where he was raised. He becomes the de facto leader of the group aboard the USS Protostar. - Gwyn
Voiced by: Ella Purnell
Gwyn is the daughter of the villainous Diviner and has been raised to follow his harsh principles. Over the course of the series, she starts to question her father’s ways and seeks her own path. - Jankom Pog
Voiced by: Jason Mantzoukas
Jankom Pog is a Tellarite engineer with a knack for fixing things. He’s known for his outspoken and blunt personality. - Zero
Voiced by: Angus Imrie
Zero is a Medusan, a non-corporeal species known for driving those who look at them insane. To prevent this, Zero builds a containment suit to interact with others. - Rok-Tahk
Voiced by: Rylee Alazraqui
Rok-Tahk is a Brikar, a rock-like species. Despite her formidable appearance, she has a gentle and kind-hearted nature, and often feels misunderstood because of her size. - Murf
Voiced by: Dee Bradley Baker
Murf is a blob-like creature with unknown origins. While he doesn’t speak, Murf is an important and endearing member of the crew. - The Diviner
Voiced by: John Noble
The Diviner is Gwyn’s father and the main antagonist of the series. He seeks to control the Protostar for his own ends and has a complex relationship with his daughter. - Drednok
Voiced by: Jimmi Simpson
Drednok is a robotic enforcer working for the Diviner. He serves as one of the primary antagonists in the series, pursuing the Protostar and its crew. - Hologram Janeway
Voiced by: Kate Mulgrew
The holographic version of Captain Kathryn Janeway serves as a mentor and guide to the young crew. Mulgrew reprises her iconic role from “Star Trek: Voyager.”
Recurring and Guest Cast:
- Captain Chakotay
Voiced by: Robert Beltran
Chakotay, from “Star Trek: Voyager,” appears in a recurring role, providing additional connections to the established Star Trek universe. - Various Guest Characters
Throughout the series, various other Star Trek characters and new figures make appearances, voiced by a range of talented actors, adding depth and intrigue to the show’s narrative.
Note: The voice cast in “Star Trek: Prodigy” has been praised for bringing a dynamic range of characters to life, with performances that appeal to both young audiences and longtime fans of the franchise.
Season 1 (2021-2022)
Overview: The first season of “Star Trek: Prodigy” introduces the main cast and sets the stage for the series’ overarching narrative. The characters, led by Dal, a brash and ambitious leader, include Gwyn, Rok-Tahk, Jankom Pog, and Zero, among others. The Protostar itself is a mystery, and part of the season’s intrigue involves uncovering its secrets. The training hologram of Captain Janeway provides guidance to the young crew, teaching them about Starfleet and helping them grow as individuals.
Reception: Season 1 was well-received, particularly for its appeal to both younger audiences and established Star Trek fans. Critics praised the show’s animation quality, engaging storytelling, and the way it introduces Star Trek concepts in an accessible manner. The inclusion of the hologram Janeway, voiced by Kate Mulgrew reprising her role from “Star Trek: Voyager,” was highlighted as a strong point. The characters were noted for their diverse backgrounds and compelling arcs, making the show an excellent entry point for new viewers.
Season 2 (2023)
Overview: Season 2 continues the journey of the young crew of the USS Protostar as they encounter new challenges and deepen their understanding of Starfleet’s ideals. This season explores the characters’ backstories in greater detail, providing richer context for their motivations and growth. The stakes are raised as the crew faces more formidable adversaries and ethical dilemmas, pushing them to mature and develop their own sense of duty and teamwork.
Reception: The second season was acclaimed for expanding the scope of the series while maintaining its appeal to a younger demographic. The narrative became more complex, with more intricate plotlines and character developments. The show’s ability to blend action, humor, and educational elements was commended, as was its commitment to exploring themes of diversity, acceptance, and personal growth. The voice cast continued to deliver strong performances, and the visual quality remained consistently high.
Overall Series Reception
“Star Trek: Prodigy” has been praised for its fresh and accessible take on the Star Trek franchise, successfully introducing its themes and ideals to a new generation. The series is lauded for its inclusive and diverse cast, both in terms of characters and voice actors, as well as its ability to tell meaningful stories that resonate with both younger viewers and longtime fans. The show’s educational aspects, particularly its emphasis on teamwork, ethics, and exploration, align well with Star Trek’s core values, making it a unique and valuable addition to the franchise.
