Star Trek debuted in 1966 with a cast that was practically unheard of in terms of diversity. True, it was headed up by white, straight (Kirk/Spock fanfiction notwithstanding) men, but the supporting cast was strikingly inclusive. For many sci-fi fans, this was the first time they'd felt represented within their favorite genre. Notably, Nichols was asked by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to continue on with the show rather than quit because she was a beacon of hope for audiences who longed to see themselves playing characters who were not maids. Astronaut Dr. Mae Jennison - the first African-American woman to go to space - was inspired as a little girl by seeing Nichelle Nichols as Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series, and later went on to play a small role in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation at LeVar Burton's invitation.

Roddenberry's view of the future saw the barriers that divide society melting away in favor of a truly united society that looks to the future with hope, not fear. And that was reflected as much as possible in the Original Series, as well as following Trek ventures. Now, we get this generation's Trek series, Star Trek Discovery. This series is truly living up to the potential of Roddenberry's vision, while at the same time possibly throwing that vision into some danger.

Nichelle Nichols and Mae Jemison on the set of Star Trek TNG
Nichelle Nichols and astronaut Mae Jemison on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation

Discovery released its first major look at the series at San Diego Comic Con, promising war with the Klingons and the invention of the warp drive as key elements of the plot. Still, it follows the mystery box attitude of most major franchises, and also keeps certain details under wraps. We do know it will retcon one very important family ” Sarek (played this time around by James Frain), his wife Amanda, and their son Spock will be joined by Sarek and Amanda's adopted daughter Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). Burnham will be the protagonist of the series, marking this as the first time an officer, rather than captain, has been the lead.

It also marks the first time that a black woman has been the lead of a Star Trek series. Most Trek leads have been white men; while there have been exceptions to the rule, four of seven Trek franchises have had white male leads. Martin-Green's casting proves that the Discovery writers are not thinking inside the box for this show. Instead, they are truly embracing diversity by casting a black woman in the lead role, a move that is truly progressive considering how white female leads are usually the ones hailed as feminist victories. This is a fresh move for Star Trek, and indeed for science-fiction, which still has trouble envisioning diverse heroes for mainstream products. Another notable casting choice is Michelle Yeoh as Captain Georgiou, captain of the U.S.S. Shenzou, and mentor to Burnham.

Anthony Rapp also joined the cast as the first major LGBT recurring character in Trek history - one with a promised love interest. Trek shook things up with the reveal that Sulu was gay in Star Trek Beyond, but there has yet to be a major LGBT character in one of the television shows. This is undiscovered territory for the franchise, and one that is a long time coming. Trek's inclusive nature points to the inclusion of LGBT characters, and who knows? Discovery could really shatter stereotypes by possibly including a trans or gender nonconforming character in the next season.

Star Trek Discovery Trailer Breakdown

Showrunner Alex Kurtzman's reassurance that the writer's room is packed with Trek devotees who believe in Roddenberry's vision is clear in these casting choices. We are seeing a future that's diverse and without the same problems that plague modern society. Here, everyone can be a hero. Here, the future does not solely belong to white straight men but to everyone. And that's important. That is a realization of Roddenberry's dream, and the culmination of more than 50 years of progress. There is still ground to be broken, but this is a positive step in the right direction.

However, there is a cloud on the horizon of this utopian look at the future, and it's not the Klingons. It is the fact that the series is inspired by Game of Thrones in that major characters are in danger of being killed off, and indeed will be killed off. This is still unique enough that it's a shock for Trek fans. After all, only three major characters have ever been killed off throughout the entire 50+ year series. And honestly? That's probably for the best.

The question of whether or not Discovery taking a page from Game of Thrones' book is a good thing is layered. First and foremost is the fact that not every show needs to massacre characters on the regular to be considered quality. Thrones and it's zombie counterpart The Walking Dead thrive on the shock and suspense of major character deaths, but that's because the worlds of their respective shows need to have major deaths in order to seem realistic. Trek might be firmly based on the science side of science fiction, but it is also supposed to be a utopian universe. Killing off too many characters might throw off the sense of hope that permeates the entire basis of the show. Red shirts may die for dramatic effect, but losing too many characters we know and love might be a step too far.

Secondly, the diverse cast of Discovery also makes the potentially fatal encounters a bit of an issue. This is not to say that characters of color, female characters, and LGBT characters can never be killed off of a series. That would be a ridiculous stance to take. But there are far fewer of them than there are white male characters, who often get plot armor. While Burnham will hopefully have plot armor as the main character, others such as Georgiou do not. Killing off, or rather fridging, important characters who serve as representation would be a step backwards. Again, these characters should not have plot armor simply based on their identity, but Discovery killing them off without consideration would be a sign of not caring about these characters. And to be fair, the most diverse Trek cast also being the one in the most danger is somewhat disheartening.

Star Trek has survived for over fifty years by spreading a message of hope and inclusivity. Discovery looks to be a new, exciting part of that legacy, but that legacy could be tainted if only women, characters of color, and LGBT characters die. The show does not need to be Game of Thrones in space, nor does it need to be The Walking Redshirts. Instead, it needs to focus on continuing the longstanding tradition of presenting a view of the future as it should be. In a world where politics are grim and the news is full of tragedy, audiences need an escape, and a view of the future that isn't as bleak as ours seems to be. Discovery has the chance to be that show, but it can't be if we spend each episode fearing for the lives of the main characters. Hopefully, reports of the deaths in the series are overblown, and instead we'll get the chance to see these characters survive and, more important, thrive.

Next: Tribbles Confirmed For Star Trek Discovery