David Bianculli

The newest entry in the Star Trek franchise opens with a graphic logo that says it all.

Star Trek 60, it says.

An instant reminder that the original NBC show, the one that inspired this new Paramount Plus sequel, premiered 60 years ago in 1966.

Think of how long ago that was, in TV time and in real time.

and how much original producer Gene Roddenberry and his successors have given us since.

Sure, there's the string of Star Trek sequels, prequels, and spinoffs in the movies as well as on TV.

But there's also the now-familiar science stuff, shown in the original series and later brought to life by fans turned engineers.

Giant flat TV screens, flip phone communicators, sophisticated computers you address directly to get information.

But back in September 1966, when Star Trek launched, its impact was less impressive.

It lasted only three seasons and never ended a season ranked higher than 52nd place.

Its final episode was televised in June 1969, one month before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon.

But in syndication in the 1970s, Star Trek grew a large cult following and began its string of successful series and movies.

Sixty years later, the newest incarnation is called Star Trek Starfleet Academy, an eight-episode first season premiering with a double header on Paramount+.

Viewers without any Star Trek expertise, or with hazy memories, can enjoy the new adventures out of context.

But there are echoes and Easter eggs throughout for those who catch them.

Previous starship captains, including James T. Kirk, are referenced.

A few characters from old series reappear.

And even the classic Stardate opening is retained.

This time, it comes from Holly Hunter, who plays Nala Aki, the captain of the USS Athena, which in time becomes the floating classroom that is part of Starfleet Academy.

Starfleet Academy is in a rebuilding phase.