Star Trek: Discovery Writers and the Challenge of Crafting a Game of Thrones-Inspired Show

Star Trek: Discovery, the popular science fiction series, has a team of writers and production staff that has been praised for its diverse background across various shows. However, what would happen if the Discovery writers were to attempt creating a show inspired by the intricate and occasionally overwrought world-building and complex plotlines of Game of Thrones? Expectation gaps and creative limitations make this a project fraught with potential for disappointment.

Why a Transition Might Be Difficult

Despite the creative expertise of the Discovery writers, several factors could hinder their ability to successfully adapt to creating a Game of Thrones-like show. The current team's background, which is heavily rooted in drama and romance-driven narratives, such as Reign, GCB (Ghost County), and Revenge, emphasizes the challenges in shifting gears to the depth and complexity demanded by fantasy and sci-fi fare.

Production Constraints and Insular Culture

The insular nature of the US TV production industry, where the same people and shows are repeatedly produced, limits the scope for creative innovation. Writers like Alex Kurtzman and Akiva Goldsman, who have extensive experience in drama and action-adventure series, may not possess the necessary expertise in crafting the detailed world-building and intricate politics required for a show akin to Game of Thrones. Reimagining such a show would require a significant infusion of talent from the fantasy and science fiction genres, not to mention the budget constraints and the logistical challenges of setting a fantasy series in a modernly-cloaked Seattle, Vancouver, or neighbouring regions.

Writer Specialization and Past Failures

The core writers for Star Trek: Discovery, who have backgrounds in various drama series such as Sleepy Hollow, The Mummy, and ('agent_body', '');GCB, likely lack the experience and willingness to return to the world-building and logical constraints of science fiction. Some of the writers, like Akiva Goldsman and Aaron Harberts, have written for dramatic and mixed genre projects but have not necessarily demonstrated a strong past or future relationship with the scientific and factual integrity demanded by Star Trek. This could lead to a show that, while visually engaging, may fall short of the depth and consistency needed to captivate audiences in a fantasy or science fiction setting.

Setting and Production Challenges

The choice of setting in a modern Seattle or a blend of Canadian and American landscapes poses its own set of problems. The locations may appear 'untouched' and 'wild,' but this can also be a significant liability, as authenticity and believability in a fantasy setting often require elaborate world-building that goes far beyond simply replicating a natural landscape.

Current Writers and Their Backgrounds

To illustrate these points, let's take a closer look at the current and past writers of Star Trek: Discovery and their relevant writing credits. From IMDB, the core writers include:

Notable Writers Backgrounds

- Alex Kurtzman is known for his work on The Mummy, Hawaii Five-O, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, showcasing a range in action and fantasy. However, his background might not offer the necessary expertise for the rigorous world-building and depth required for a Game of Thrones-style show.

- Akiva Goldsman has a mix of drama and fantasy credits, including The Dark Tower and Transformers: The Last Knight, which may seem promising but again lacks the specific sci-fi and fantasy nuances needed.

- Kirsten Beyer and Sean Cochran, for instance, have written extensively for drama series like Revenge and Mercy, respectively. These backgrounds point towards a blend of romance, drama, and elements of criminal proceedings, rather than the epic, political, and magical settings of Game of Thrones.

Reign and Other Influences

Many of the current writers, including Kirsten Beyer and Sean Cochran, have previously worked on Reign, a historical drama that borrows heavily from medieval and renaissance European themes. This experience might translate into a show that is set in a period-drama framework, complete with romantic subplots and revenge-driven narrative arcs, setting the expectation that any Game of Thrones-inspired show would deviate significantly from the original source material.

Conclusion: A Teenage Drama in Disguise?

In essence, if the Star Trek: Discovery writers attempted to craft a show with the intricacy and depth of Game of Thrones, the result might be more akin to a teenaged drama with elements of historical romance and fantasy. The existing writers' background is more suited to creating dramatic, action-driven narratives rather than the expansive world-building and intricate storytelling demanded by a series like Game of Thrones. As a result, any such show risks becoming more of a period-drama with occasional magical or sci-fi elements, rather than a fully-realized fantasy epic.