Expanding the Star Trek Universe: Uniting Iconic Aliens from DS9 and TOS in a Mind-Blowing Crossover!
Explore the intriguing alliances and secrets of Star Trek's Bajorans and Cardassians in the 23rd century crossover event of Strange New Worlds
Summary
"Those Old Scientists" is the seventh episode of season 2 of "Strange New Worlds," which delves into the compelling worlds of the Bajorans and Cardassians, two noteworthy species introduced in "Deep Space Nine."The crossover episode showcases uproarious dialogue and an abundance of jokes that cleverly allude to previous Star Trek series. It tantalizingly suggests the potential for further exploration of the captivating Bajorans and Cardassians during the 23rd century, a prospect that fills Star Trek enthusiasts with excitement.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' crossover with Star Trek: Lower Decks references the Bajorans and Cardassians, two warring species that played a significant role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In episode 7 of Strange New Worlds season 2, titled "Those Old Scientists," Ensigns Brad Boimler and Beckett Mariner from the USS Cerritos time travel to the 23rd century and meet their idols on Captain Christopher Pike's USS Enterprise. The main challenge of the crossover becomes finding a way to return Boimler and Mariner to their own time.
The crossover between Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks is a heartfelt tribute to the Star Trek franchise and its dedicated fanbase. The dialogue throughout is filled with hilarious moments. Many of the jokes reference other Star Trek series, as Boimler disregards temporal protocol and name-drops iconic characters like Worf and Captain William T. Riker. Boimler is fascinated by the state of Starfleet in the 23rd century, considering it the "golden age of exploration" preceding Star Trek: The Original Series, which Strange New Worlds is a prequel to. Additionally, there are noteworthy references to other elements of the Star Trek franchise, including the Bajorans and Cardassians.
Star Trek's Bajorans & Cardassians Referenced In Strange New Worlds Crossover
In an attempt to relax her workaholic hero, Ensign Nyota Uhura (played by Celia Rose Gooding), Mariner took her to the Port Galley and ordered Orion Hurricanes. However, even while trying to unwind, Uhura couldn't resist glancing at her PADD, trying to decipher the language on the Krulmuth-B time portal. Her files included information on both the Cardassians and Bajorans, two significant alien species in the 23rd century of Strange New Worlds. These races were initially introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation as warring factions with a complex and tragic history of resistance and occupation. However, their potential was fully explored in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
The Cardassians were first mentioned in Star Trek: Enterprise season 2, which revealed that this reptilian authoritarian race had been capable of interstellar travel since the 22nd century. By this point in the Star Trek Timeline, it is likely that the Bajorans and Cardassians had already established First Contact. Interestingly, in the 16th century, the Bajorans were known for sailing through space using lightships powered by solar sails. In DS9 season 3, Captain Benjamin Sisko (played by Avery Brooks) and his son Jake (played by Cirroc Lofton) embarked on a similar journey on a Bajoran solar lightship, which took them into Cardassian space. However, the presence of Cardassians and Bajorans in the 23rd century has not been established yet. It was only in Star Trek: Discovery season 3, after the show's setting shifted to the 32nd century, that Bajorans and Cardassians were depicted.
What DS9’s Bajorans & Cardassians Are Doing In Strange New Worlds’ 23rd Century
In the 23rd century of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: The Original Series, the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor is still many years away. This brutal occupation took place in the 24th century, starting in 2328 and lasting until the Cardassians finally left Bajor in 2369. The occupation left deep scars on the Bajorans, transforming them from peaceful individuals into guerrilla fighters engaged in a relentless battle against their Cardassian rulers. However, during Star Trek's 23rd century, the Bajorans had a different culture. They followed a strict caste system known as D'jarras, which determined each citizen's role in society.
The inclusion of Cardassians and Bajorans in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is thrilling because it opens up the possibility of exploring these races further during the 23rd century. So far, Strange New Worlds has already reimagined the Gorn and brought the Klingons back into the spotlight. Apart from the Bajoran Lt. Shax on Star Trek: Lower Decks, Cardassians and Bajorans have not had significant roles in the Star Trek universe since Deep Space Nine ended. The potential for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds to delve into the Bajorans and Cardassians of the 23rd century is truly captivating.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.
