Explosive Comeback: How Discovery's Klingons Can Reclaim Star Trek in 3 Mind-Blowing Ways!

With the return of "proper" Klingons in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the chances of Star Trek: Discovery's unique version of these classic aliens making a comeback seem less likely. When Discovery's Klingons were first introduced in 2017, they sparked controversy and have remained exclusive to the show. Many fans believed that the dramatic redesign of the Klingons served no purpose and did not enhance the iconic nature of these aliens. It seems that even Star Trek: Discovery has distanced itself from its own Klingons since moving to the 32nd century.

Although Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Discovery both take place in the same time period, SNW's season 2 premiere opted to alter Discovery's Klingons instead of featuring the variant from the previous show. Nonetheless, there is an interesting narrative potential within Discovery's firmly traditional Klingon sect that could still be explored in the fifth and final season of Discovery. If that does not come to fruition, however, there are still other avenues for Discovery's Klingons to appear in the broader Star Trek franchise, which could potentially redeem this divisive interpretation.

Star Trek: Discovery’s Klingons Can Return In Season 5

In Star Trek: Discovery's fifth and final season, the return of the Klingons seems most fitting. The show has left us guessing about the state of the Klingon Empire in the 32nd Century, adding an intriguing element to their potential storyline. It would be fascinating to witness how the Klingons have dealt with the aftermath of the Burn, the emergence of the Emerald Chain, and the enigmatic Species 10-C with their Dark Matter Anomaly. Perhaps these catastrophic events have compelled the more aggressive Klingons, reminiscent of those seen in Discovery, to re-embrace the rich traditions of Kahless once again.

By bringing back the Klingons solely for Star Trek: Discovery season 5, it would establish them as a unique Klingon variant exclusive to the show. Just as the Kelpiens and Captain Saru (Doug Jones) are distinct to Star Trek: Discovery, this portrayal of the Klingons could have a similar sense of exclusivity. Although season 5 will take place long after the likes of Voq and L'Rell have passed, it feels fitting to explore how Discovery's Klingon faction has fared throughout the rest of history.

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Discovery’s Klingons Can Return In Star Trek: Section 31

, Star Trek: Discovery season 5 has the opportunity to reintroduce their distinct take on the Klingons, alongside the TNG-style versions, potentially solidifying them as yet another variant. This wouldn't be the first time that different Klingon variants have shared the screen together - Worf, for instance, coexisted with the Klingons from the original Star Trek series in the memorable "Trials and Tribble-ations" episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary. As Discovery season 5 explores a return to Qo'noS, it could unveil the vast array of Klingon variants that coexist within their 32nd-century society.

Another possible appearance of Klingons in the Star Trek universe could be in Michelle Yeoh's upcoming Paramount+ film, Star Trek: Section 31. This movie will delve deeper into the story of Emperor Philippa Georgiou and her involvement with the secretive Starfleet intelligence organization. During season 3 of Discovery, Georgiou was sent back in time by the Guardian of Forever, and it seems likely that she was sent back to the 23rd century, allowing her to interact with the Klingons in the Section 31 movie. This connection becomes even more intriguing when considering that Georgiou once threatened to detonate a nuclear bomb in the core of the Klingon home world during Discovery's first season.

Discovery’s Klingons Can Return In Star Trek: Lower Decks

Commander Ash Tyler (played by Shazad Latif) assumes leadership over Section 31's agents in the concluding events of Star Trek: Discovery season 2. As the Federation recovers from the devastating Klingon War, Ash serves as a crucial connection to the Klingons. Considering his anticipated involvement in Star Trek: Section 31, it would be logical for the narrative to explore the aftermath of both the war and Control's betrayal. Given Ash's unique position, he possesses invaluable insight into the strategies of the Klingon Empire. Additionally, he may have a vested interest in the Klingon-Federation mining syndicate featured in Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 might feature a surprising return of Klingons in a more unexpected fashion. This animated comedy series has gained popularity for its bold and self-aware humor that fearlessly mocks the questionable aspects of the Star Trek franchise. A prime example of this can be seen in the hilarious season 3 episode "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus," which cleverly pokes fun at the notorious Star Trek movie curse. Moreover, the show doesn't shy away from cracking jokes about the "Last Outpost Ferengis" and J.J. Abrams' Kelvin Timeline movies.

Given the well-known debate surrounding the varied appearances of Klingons in the Star Trek canon, it would not be unexpected for Star Trek: Lower Decks to address this issue in a similar fashion. As of now, the show has deliberately avoided delving into the Klingon forehead question, but it is conceivable that Ensign Beckett Mariner (played by Tawny Newsome) might come across some "Disco Klingons" or perhaps make a witty remark about the bald Klingons from Star Trek: Discovery in future episodes.