Star Trek: Enterprise characters may return… via Lower Decks

As one of the more forgotten Trek series, Star Trek: Enterprise is an obscure treat for series fans. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the adventures of Captain Archer have yet to be continued in the vein of Star Trek: Picard.

However, it looks like there are plans to at least nod to the series in the future. Well, at least if Lower Decks creator and showrunner Mike McMahan has anything to say about it, that is.

The (animated) return of Star Trek: Enterprise?

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lower Decks’ Mike McMahan revealed a number of dream scenarios he has for the animated show. As it turns out, McMahan has more than a few ideas.

The showrunner pointed out that he would love to work with Hikaru Sulu actor George Takei or Data actor Brent Spiner. However, he is most interested in working with characters from Star Trek: Enterprise.

“I’m a huge fan of [Star Trek: Enterprise], and I would love to work with as much of that castas possible,” he explained. “I’ve been trying to figure out a respectful, cool, funny, surprising way to celebrate that show with Lower Decks and, you know, we’ve had 30 episodes. We haven’t gotten there yet.”

The ending of Enterprise has been left very open, meaning Paramount could revisit those characters if they wish. After all, time travel and temporal distortions are par for the course in Trek. Of course they could return! But when?

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A few years away at least?

As reported by TrekMovie, it seems that it will be a while until anything comes of this planned crossover. While Season Three of the fantastic animated show is currently ongoing, Season Four is already near completion.

“In season 4, the writing is pretty much done. We’re seeing animatics come in, which is the black-and-white version of the episodes before they’re animated,” he told the outlet. “And it’s awesome. We’re recording the actors. They’re getting to see how the season arcs are going. It’s really cool.”

In that same interview, McMahan explained that Paramount has not greenlit Season 5 or 6 as of yet. However, the showrunner would like to keep the show going for as long as he has ideas.

“If it were up to me, I’d pick us up for 100 episodes, and we would just keep going forever,” he said. “But you just have to keep your fingers crossed and hope that we get to make more Lower Decks.

“I know, seven is always such a magic number. Although I did write at TNG season 8 for a little while on Twitter. I think for me, there’s a part of me that’s like I could go forever. I can make movies. I could explore how the show changes and always keep the thematic Lower Decks-ishness to it. But at the same time, if we had to have seven or eight perfect seasons, I can imagine that too.”

Star Trek: Lower Decks is a gem of series, and one we enjoy heavily. Whether it uses Star Trek: Enterprise characters or not, it will still be a great series.