Berman’s early comment, “I don’t believe the 24th Century is going to be like Gene Roddenberry believed it to be,” really struck me. Frankly, I don’t have a whole lot of faith in humanity, either.

If I’d had his job, though, instead of using my influence on Star Trek to try and tone down the progressiveness, I’d welcome the opportunity to be optimistic. I’d tell that nagging voice in my head to shut up, and I’d encourage the writers to come up with thoughtful, creative, insightful, socially aware stories.

Maybe the lack of “Bermanesque” influences is why I like Strange New Worlds so much!