As a long-time Trekkie who has witnessed the evolution of these iconic characters over the years, I must say that I find the redesign of the Klingons in Discovery to be a bit excessive. Don’t get me wrong, the special effects are impressive and the budget clearly allowed for some creative freedom, but it feels like they’ve transformed the Klingons into a completely different species.
The long-running science fiction series known as Star Trek, which began in 1966, consistently releases new productions almost without pause. Each movie and show within the Star Trek universe is set in the same fictional realm, implying that they should adhere to similar in-universe guidelines and concepts. Over six decades of producing episodes and films has involved a large number of writers, directors, producers, and editors, leading to unavoidable inconsistencies for such an extensive franchise. Remarkably, given the multitude of contributors, Star Trek still exhibits impressively few discrepancies.
Retcons (retroactive continuity changes) can stem from a variety of sources. Sometimes, showrunners may have differing opinions that lead to adjustments in the storyline. Other instances of backtracking might be due to simple errors made by human creators. However, there are some retcons that are carefully planned and strategically inserted into the series, providing additional layers of meaning to earlier stories without contradicting previous events. These thoughtfully executed retcons are often well-received by fans instead of being met with disappointment as many others might be.
In some cases, changes made to the “Star Trek” series, such as character resurrections and alterations of alien species, may be noticed by devoted fans, but can also be perceived as jarring by casual viewers. Here are 10 significant revisions in “Star Trek’s” history that caused a stir among fans.
10 Captain Benjamin Sisko’s Father
Is Captain Sisko’s Father Dead or Alive?
In the TV series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” Benjamin Sisko oversees a distant outpost. His promotion to Captain in the Season 3 episode “The Adversary” has solidified him as one of Starfleet’s finest captains, earning widespread admiration. A noteworthy aspect of Sisko’s history involves his connection with his father, Joseph. Initially, he reminisces about Joseph affectionately in the past, suggesting that Joseph is no longer alive. However, a subsequent retcon reveals that this assumption was incorrect.
The Writers Decided an Appearance by Sisko’s Father Would Boost the Story
Initially, Sisko’s history is tinged with a somber mood. In the Season 2 episode “The Alternate,” Sisko recalls: “When my father fell ill, I vividly remember how frail and powerless he seemed in his bed…….Ultimately, I understood that there was nothing he could manage, and no help I could provide him.
In Season 6’s episode “Far Beyond the Stars,” Captain Sisko’s father makes his first journey away from Earth to reach Deep Space 9. This event might have elicited feelings of relief and amusement among viewers, as they discover that Sisko’s father is a lively Creole chef, known for humorous lines like, “Guide me towards a gathering and a lovely lady, and I’ll demonstrate how great I’m feeling!” His character provides depth and tension by stubbornly holding onto his earthbound New Orleans roots, shunning advanced technology, and expressing suspicion towards a blood test during the crew’s search for shapeshifters in “Homefront.
Although the alteration (retcon) might seem evident, it proved to be a valuable decision for the plot. Watching Joseph adhere to traditional methods like homemade cooking in the advanced universe of Trek, where food can simply be synthesized, creates a captivating struggle and establishes an intriguing and relatable dilemma for Ben Sisko. This also offers a revealing insight into his background.
9 Dr. Beverly Crusher’s Secret Son
How Old Was Beverly Crusher When She Gave Birth to Her Son With Captain Picard?
Dr. Beverly Crusher serves as the ship’s doctor on the Starship Enterprise-D within Star Trek: The Next Generation. Throughout the series, there’s an unspoken affection between her and Captain Picard, stemming from the tragic loss of Crusher’s husband, who was Picard’s closest friend. This emotional burden appears to have hindered them from pursuing their feelings. In the spin-off series Star Trek: Picard, it is revealed that Dr. Crusher has withdrawn socially, avoiding contact with her former crewmates for the past two decades.
In Season 3, she comes back prominently to disclose that she conceived during their previous encounter with Picard. Now, she is a mother of two, one being her eldest son Wesley, who is known for his exceptional intellect – a trait often depicted among the gifted characters on the show.
The Explanation for Beverly Crusher’s Secret Pregnancy Is Surprisingly Simple
Initially, it appears that Crusher’s revelation about a secret baby is implausible given the timeline. In the episode “The Conundrum”, we learn that she was born in 2324, which means she would have been 55 years old during the events of Nemesis, the final movie for The Next Generation crew. Her dialogue in Picard suggests that her son was born after this timeframe.
However, fans must not forget that in another movie, Insurrection, the crew visits a rejuvenating planet known as Ba’ku. It is plausible that Crusher’s jaunt to the planet extended her fertility, making the surprising twist possible. This retcon works because it is not contradictory, and makes a nice Easter egg for devoted detail-finding fans.
8 The Eugenics Wars
Were the Star Trek Eugenics Wars the Same as World War III?
In the “Space Seed” episode of Star Trek, the concept of the Eugenics Wars is introduced. These wars took place in the 1990s and involved genetically enhanced individuals attempting to seize control of Earth. This is discovered by Captain Kirk’s crew when they stumble upon a time-frozen ship carrying a few of these specially bred beings, headed by Khan Noonien Singh. The crew leaves Khan and his group on an uninhabited planet, Ceti Alpha V, to see if they can build something there. This event paves the way for the 1982 movie “The Wrath of Khan,” a highly recommended watch for fans of classic action films.
The Dates of Star Trek’s Wars Were Retconned to Keep Them in the Future
In the 1960s, when Star Trek’s creators were penning episodes, the ’90s might have appeared as a futuristic and remote era to them. Given that they had no way of knowing Star Trek would endure as an extended franchise, they didn’t consider advancing the timeline enough to keep their depiction from being outdated. By the time fresh episodes and movies were produced, however, the ’90s were no longer a distant prospect, necessitating a shift in the series’ timeline.
Occasionally, World War III and the Eugenics Wars are discussed as distinct incidents, while at other instances, certain characters suggest that they might be one and the same. Additionally, a conflict known as “The Second Civil War” is introduced into the discussion. Captain Pike from Strange New Worlds provides an insightful perspective, stating that these wars represent an uninterrupted sequence of conflicts, each labeled differently as they escalate.
In summary, even though adjustments to the timeline of Earth’s wars might be a bit frustrating, they don’t really disrupt the storyline or contradict Star Trek’s fundamental ideas. The main point is that Earth plunged into chaos, teetering on the brink of self-destruction through nuclear warfare, before establishing contact with an extraterrestrial race, the Vulcans, in 2063 and coming to understand the importance of cooperation for survival.
7 Lieutenant Geordi LaForge Becomes an Engineer
Why Was Geordi’s Uniform Changed from Red to Green?
Geordi LaForge, a beloved character from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” is famed for his charming dialogue and role as the chief engineer on board the Enterprise-D. Initially, LeVar Burton was cast as a generic bridge crew member wearing red uniforms who operated the helm. However, by Season 2, his character’s expertise in engineering became evident, as he started donning the green uniform worn by those in operations, security, and engineering departments, and took charge of the ship’s engine room.
Geordi Was Possibly Promoted Because the Chief Engineer Was Fired Over a Salacious Star Trek Scandal
Season 1 of “The Next Generation” introduces several characters overseeing the engineering department, such as Sarah MacDougal, Mr. Singh, and notably, Chief Engineer Argyle. Although it’s plausible that the series was experimenting with different engineers in search of the ideal candidate during its early stages, there’s a rumor circulating that Biff Yeager, who portrayed Chief Engineer Argyle, was dismissed from the program. It is said that he requested fan mail backing his character, some of which were received at the studio before his episodes aired.
It’s definitely not appreciated by any studio to disclose spoilers, more so in an era when television surprises could be kept secret due to the lack of social media. However, Geordi LaForge’s promotion was fitting, considering his exceptional ability to perceive minute details that are invisible to other humans with his enhanced vision, making him perfectly suited for engineering tasks.
6 Changes to the Borg
Where Did the Borg Queen Come From?
In the “Q Who” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation and further explored in the two-part series “The Best of Both Worlds,” we’re introduced to the Borg – a formidable, enigmatic antagonist. This entity comprises countless drones that operate individually but share a collective consciousness, making them an almost unfathomable adversary. Their mission is singular: to absorb any intelligent life they encounter into their collective. The peculiarity lies in the fact that Borg ‘members’ are neither dead nor alive as we understand it, which gives Star Trek episodes involving the Borg a disturbing quality akin to outstanding zombie films.
The Queen’s Human-Like Behavior and Motivations Detract From the Borg’s Fear Factor
1996’s film “First Contact” introduces the character of the Borg Queen, who stands out from other Borg due to her human-like speech and emotional traits, such as a personal vendetta against Captain Picard and sinister behavior reminiscent of typical movie villains, contrasting sharply with the cold, robotic Borg from previous series.
The significant shift in the Borg collective from The Next Generation is often considered one of the less favored retcons in Star Trek. This series, where fans were initially introduced to the Borg, prides itself on avoiding explicit horror and primarily uses psychological elements to instill fear and tension. However, the introduction of a grotesque-looking “monster queen” who dances menacingly and delivers lengthy speeches was deemed unnecessary and disruptive to this subtle approach.
5 Several Star Trek Characters’ Names Have Changed
Is Captain Kirk’s Middle Name Tiberius?
A fascinating aspect of the Star Trek universe involves character names. For instance, in the initial season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi use familiar terms for their friends Captain Picard (“Jean”) and Commander Riker (“Bill”). However, these nicknames are abandoned post-Season 1, with the characters being referred to by their formal names thereafter.
It’s become clearer that the middle name of Captain Kirk, as shown on a tombstone by crew member Gary Mitchell who was under possession and attempted to kill him, is not James. The episode “Bem” later disclosed this middle name to be Tiberius, with the movie explaining it was named after his grandfather.
The Writers Decided Other Names Were a Better Fit
In the instances of Riker and Picard, it’s possible that the writers felt their given nicknames weren’t quite fitting. “Bill” seemed too ordinary and outdated, while “Jean” lacked the same resonance as Jean-Luc. Regarding Captain Kirk, the writers likely considered his middle name insignificant initially, opting for a random letter instead. However, they eventually chose a specific middle name that added depth to his character background. The name adjustments, though apparent, are forgivable because the revised names seem more suitable and do not disrupt the narrative flow. No other name than “James Tiberius Kirk” would suit the legendary original captain as well.
4 The Origins of 10 Forward
What Does 10 Forward Stand For in Star Trek?
10 Forward, a significant aspect of the ship’s social life in both “The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Picard,” functions not only as a gathering spot but also as a bridge between events. It debuted as the public dining area on the Enterprise-D, where meals, celebrations, and even advice-seeking at Guinan’s bar were common. Guinan, a wise and enlightened character played by Whoopi Goldberg, offers counsel at her bar. Interestingly, Goldberg once portrayed a divine figure, which adds to Guinan’s mystique. The area where Guinan presides is named for its location at the forefront of the Enterprise’s tenth deck.
Not All Fans Love the 10 Forward Retcon in Star Trek: Picard
The character Guinan is famous for being a time traveler. This aspect was used in the 2020 series starring Captain Jean-Luc Picard to explain the origins of the bar 10 Forward. An episode titled “Seventeen Seconds” shows current-day Guinan running a bar in Los Angeles with the same name as her former restaurant on the Enterprise-D. However, later in the series, we see Picard, now an admiral, traveling through time to meet a younger version of Guinan. This younger Guinan is also running the same L.A. bar, implying that the familiar celestial gathering place from TNG is named after this earthly bar which existed first.
It’s hard to believe that Guinan could have had such an impact on the creators of Enterprise-D, as to position the café perfectly in tribute to her old hangout. This revision seems rather implausible and falls short of creating a satisfying full-circle moment.
3 Transformation of the Trills
Why Does Jadzia Dax Have Spots on Her Face?
In the Star Trek universe, an obvious change or rewrite in the backstory of the Trill species is quite noticeable, especially considering that one of its members, the lively Jadzia Dax from Deep Space Nine, became a beloved character and joined the ranks of iconic sci-fi beauties. Not only has their physical appearance evolved, but also the ways in which they function and interact have been modified.
In “The Next Generation,” we encounter the Trills, a humanoid species characterized by their ridged heads. They house a unique organism called a symbiont, which is similar to a slug. An intriguing fact about them is that transporting a Trill using teleportation results in the death of their symbiont. In “Deep Space Nine,” a new variant of Trills emerges. These new Trills no longer have ridges but instead possess giraffe-like spots. They can be transported, and they function as a blend of the host’s and symbiont’s personalities rather than being controlled by a single consciousness linked to a worm.
The Trill of Deep Space Nine Should Have Been Introduced As a New Species
A more appropriate approach would have been to present the revised Trill character as a new addition rather than trying to reconcile and alter an existing one. It’s important to recall that when work on Deep Space Nine started in the early 1990s, the way television was consumed was vastly different. Streaming services didn’t exist yet, so retcons could easily slip past casual viewers, only catching the attention of die-hard Star Trek enthusiasts.
Even though it’s quite clear, the reason the revised Trill version works well is that it provides a more logical explanation for various aspects, such as what transpires when a Trill hosts a symbiont. Is their personality and consciousness erased upon merging, only to return after removal? If so, why do people still opt to serve as hosts?
2 The Klingon Redesign
Why Do the Klingons Look Different in Star Trek: Discovery?
Among Star Trek‘s alien characters, it’s hard to ignore the popularity of the Klingons. They made their debut in the episode “Errand of Mercy” from the original series, and have been a significant part of the franchise ever since, appearing in subsequent movies and shows. Originally, these Klingons bore a striking resemblance to humans, with their most notable distinguishing feature being their thick, arched eyebrows.
In the second installment of “Star Trek,” known as “Star Trek: Discovery,” the Klingon race is portrayed differently compared to its depiction in the original series. Worf, a Klingon character who serves as the chief of security, was prominently featured in the earlier series. In the original representation, Klingons had their distinctive eyebrows and ridged heads. However, in “Star Trek: Discovery,” the Klingons have undergone a significant transformation, with darker skin tones and a resemblance to turtles. Interestingly, these new Klingons are bald and lack eyebrows, which was previously one of their most prominent features.
Discovery’s Klingon Upgrade Goes Too Far
In the second portrayal of the Klingons, similar to Lieutenant Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the designers effectively utilized an increased budget and advanced cosmetic technology to enhance their appearance while preserving the essence of the original design. On the other hand, the Klingons depicted in Discovery appear to be a completely different species. The makeup effects are impressive when compared to other cinematic masterpieces, but they make the Klingons virtually unidentifiable from their previous versions. This redesign can be seen as a frivolous use of resources and introduces an overly flashy element that detracts from the overall aesthetic of the production.
1 Captain Pike Sees His Future
Why Did Spock Get Court-Martialed, and What Happens to Captain Pike in the Future?
As an ardent Star Trek fan, I vividly recall the gripping episode “The Menagerie” where our beloved Spock faced trial due to his daring move to flout Starfleet’s rules and secretly transport Captain Pike back to Talos IV. You see, poor Captain Pike had suffered a grave accident and found solace only on Talos IV – a planet with enchanting abilities that could alleviate his suffering instead of condemning him to a lifetime of misery.
Captain Pike Seeing His Future is the Best Star Trek Retcon of All Time
In the “Through the Valley of the Shadows” episode from Strange New Worlds, viewers will undoubtedly feel a shiver down their spine at the sight of Captain Pike’s foreseen future. Star Trek fans were already familiar with Spock sacrificing himself for his old captain, but watching fresh footage of the events leading up to Pike’s injury offers an additional perspective on Spock’s selfless act and deepens our appreciation for Captain Pike’s unwavering integrity.
In a chilling psychic vision, Captain Pike witnesses his own face dissolving due to radiation exposure. This harrowing insight makes his subsequent brave decision to risk his life to save cadets aboard a stricken training ship even more poignant.
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2024-09-12 04:02