Discover the Captivating Role of Yetide Badaki as Neera in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 2 - "Ad Astra Per Aspera"

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," a new character named Neera Ketoul, played by Yetide Badaki, is introduced. The episode features one of the best Star Trek courtroom scenes, where Commander Una Chin-Riley, also known as Number One, faces a court-martial for lying about being a genetically enhanced Illyrian, a race banned by the United Federation of Planets. Captain Christopher Pike, portrayed by Anson Mount, ventures to the Vaultera Nebula to enlist Neera Ketoul's help in defending Una.

Neera's successful defense prevents Number One from receiving a dishonorable discharge and a 20-year sentence in a Federation penal colony, after Una refuses a plea deal offered by Starfleet. While Neera initially aimed to hold the Federation accountable for their mistreatment of Illyrians and other genetically engineered species, it was her strategic move of placing Una on the witness stand that ultimately cleared Number One's name. Una's heartfelt revelation about her life as an Illyrian, where she aspired to join Starfleet, satisfies the court's requirements for granting her asylum. Thanks to Neera's efforts, Number One is reinstated in her position as the First Officer of the USS Enterprise, resuming her duties.

Who Is Yetide Badaki’s Neera Ketoul In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Neera Ketoul, played by Yetide Badaki, portrays an Illyrian civil rights lawyer. Her expertise lies in representing genetically modified individuals against the Federation in legal cases. Neera and Una Chin-Riley, both Illyrians who were raised in a Federation colony within the Vaultera Nebula, were childhood friends. However, their friendship became strained when Una left home to join Starfleet, and Neera was further dismayed to discover that Una had concealed her true Illyrian identity. Neera initially took on Number One's case as a means of holding the Federation accountable for its treatment of the genetically modified. Nevertheless, Neera found satisfaction in Una, an Illyrian herself, publicly serving aboard the USS Enterprise and earning the respect of her crew. This victory marked a positive starting point for Neera. Fortunately, in season 2, episode 2 of Strange New Worlds, Neera and Una resolve their differences.

Aside from her role in Star Trek, Yetide Badaki is highly regarded for her portrayal of Bilquis in American Gods. She has also made appearances in popular series such as Lost, Criminal Minds, Masters of Sex, NCIS: New Orleans, This Is Us, and The Magicians. In addition to her on-screen work, Badaki lends her voice to the character Queen Meru in the animated series Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas on Netflix. Moreover, she is reportedly involved in the development of Najia Vamp, a Nigerian vampire series that includes a comic book run and a television adaptation.

Will Yetide Badaki’s Neera Return In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

Yetide Badaki's guest starring role as Neera Badaki in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2 was truly unforgettable. The question remains whether Neera will make a return. Celia Rose Gooding, the actor who played Ensign Nyota Uhura, expressed on Twitter that the show should find a way to bring Neera back. This suggests that there are currently no plans for her to reprise the role. However, this may change once the WGA writer's strike is resolved and season 3 of Strange New Worlds begins filming. Neera's storyline could potentially continue as she and Number One work towards securing further recognition for Illyrian rights from the Federation. Considering the enthusiastic response from fans towards Yetide Badaki's portrayal of Neera, she would undoubtedly be warmly received back on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Don't miss Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.