Beyond Time and Space: Discover Mark Twain's Unforgettable Role in Star Trek

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 4, "Something Borrowed, Something Green."

Summary

"Star Trek: Lower Decks" maintains its infatuation with renowned author Mark Twain by ingeniously portraying him as an unconventional means of resolving a domestic disagreement.

Throughout the franchise, there has consistently prevailed a profound captivation with literary figures, spanning from Twain to Shakespeare, resulting in frequent allusions across various series.

In "Time's Arrow," Twain's visit to the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek showcased the universe's admiration for the American author.

Continuing this love for Twain, Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 4, "Something Borrowed, Something Green," explores the character's presence. As the rest of the Lower Deckers attend a wedding on Orion, roommates Lieutenants Bradward Boimler and Sam Rutherford use the Holodeck to assume the roles of Twain in order to approach a domestic dispute. However, their strategy proves ineffective when it comes to a diplomatic dispute between Captain Carol Freeman and Coqqor.

Star Trek’s Love Affair With Mark Twain Explained

: Star Trek: Lower Decks' comical subplot involving Mark Twain is just one example in a series of references to the pseudonym of author Samuel L. Clemens. Throughout the franchise's history, there has always been a fascination with renowned writers, ranging from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Philip Marlowe. Shakespeare, too, has had a significant presence in Star Trek, with mentions like the Klingon translation in The Undiscovered Country and the iconic speech from Julius Caesar in Star Trek: Picard. Lower Decks' recent holodeck counseling session reaffirms Mark Twain as Star Trek's beloved author, even after 31 years since his first appearance in the franchise.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation's two-part episode "Time's Arrow," the crew of the USS Enterprise-D came across Mark Twain when they journeyed back in time to save Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), who was stranded. However, the mentions of Twain's work went beyond his cameo in TNG. From Captain Picard to the USS Voyager's EMH Doctor (Robert Picardo), numerous Star Trek characters have paraphrased Twain's famous quote: "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

Mark Twain Has Visited The USS Enterprise-D

In Star Trek: Voyager, Captain Kathryn Janeway (played by Kate Mulgrew) had a strong admiration for the works of Samuel Clemens. She even went as far as gifting her holographic lover, Michael Sullivan (portrayed by Fintan McKeown), a copy of Mark Twain's Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Interestingly, her ancestor Henry Janeway (depicted by Kevin Tighe) owned Alexandria Books in the early 1900s in Portage Creek, which proudly showcased a picture of Samuel Clemens on its wall. Adding to the connection, William Shatner, the actor who portrayed Captain Kirk, made a guest appearance as Mark Twain in an episode of Murdoch Mysteries season 9, aptly named after the iconic author.

Not only did the crew of the USS Enterprise-D engage with Mark Twain in his native 19th century San Francisco, but they inadvertently transported him to the futuristic 24th century as well. In the two-part episode "Time's Arrow," which served as a bridge between seasons 5 and 6 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Twain became disenchanted with the idea that Earth and humanity were the focal points of the universe. Strange disappearances caused by the enigmatic Devidians and the suspicious behavior of the Enterprise crew only reinforced Twain's belief that there was a greater complexity at play.

Twain confronted the crew regarding their involvement in the disappearances. Subsequently, he followed them through a portal into the 24th century. Commander William T. Riker, not wanting to leave Twain alone in the unfamiliar era, brought him aboard the Enterprise. Twain's glimpse into the future served to strengthen his belief in humanity and he returned home to resume his writing. Additionally, he ensured that history stayed on track by hiding Data's head in a cave, to be discovered five centuries later. Among the real-life historical figures featured in Star Trek, Mark Twain stands out as one of the few who was not a hologram, android, or illusion. This distinction highlights the special regard for the esteemed American author. Catch Star Trek: Lower Decks streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.