By Joshua Tyler
| Published
When Star Trek: Enterprise was canceled after its fourth season in 2005, fans were left wondering what might have been. With the show’s premature end, much of Captain Jonathan Archer’s arc was left unresolved, and many were disappointed to see the series fall short of its potential. But now, there’s hope. Scott Bakula, the actor who brought Archer to life, is eyeing a return to the Star Trek universe, and it might just be the revival Enterprise fans have been waiting for.
In a conversation with the site Trek Movie, writer/producer Michael Sussman revealed that he’s teaming up with Scott Bakula to pitch a new Star Trek series, Star Trek: United. The show would focus on Archer’s post-captaincy life as the President of the United Federation of Planets.
Star Trek: Enterprise was canceled in 2005 after its fourth season due to declining ratings. Despite a solid fanbase, the show’s viewership steadily dropped during its run, with the final season averaging lower numbers than earlier seasons. Additionally, the decision was made within the context of changes at UPN, the network that aired Enterprise, as they shifted focus away from sci-fi programming.
For those who spent years grieving the show’s cancellation, this idea has the potential to right a wrong. The series would explore the challenges of leading the Federation, drawing on political drama, much like The West Wing or Andor. “It’s a political thriller and a family drama set in those chaotic, formative years of the Federation,” Sussman says.
The new show aims to shift the focus from space battles to the intricate, often perilous world of diplomacy. It would examine how a man like Archer, once a starship captain, deals with the weight of an entire galactic government on his shoulders.
The idea has already pitched to Secret Hideout, the production company behind Discovery and Strange New Worlds, but it wasn’t greenlit then. With Paramount’s recent merger with Skydance, Bakula and Sussman hope the project might get a second chance.
As much as fans desperately want a continuation of Enterprise, I doubt this is the continuation anyone wants. Star Trek: Enterprise left us hanging at what should have been the start of the Earth/Romulan war. Instead of getting that, Sussman wants to give us a show about sleazy politicians standing around jockeying for votes. No matter how much we want Archer back, I doubt any Trek fans want him back like this.
