Jaw-Dropping Star Trek Comeback: Unveiling the Mysterious Dancing Klingon of Strange New Worlds Musical

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 9 - "Subspace Rhapsody"

Summary

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' musical episode, the characters delve into their deepest emotions and concealed realities, shedding light on Lt. James T. Kirk's inner turmoil. The presence of the dancing Klingons, who pose a threat to obliterate the subspace fold, heightens the tension in the storyline.

Returning as Lt. Hemmer in season 2, episode 6 of Strange New Worlds, Bruce Horak takes on the additional role of General Garkon, the Klingon who dances in the musical episode. The cast's profound admiration for Horak hints at the possibility of his recurring appearances in future episodes of the series.

Although Hemmer has passed away, there are possibilities for Bruce Horak's future appearances in subsequent episodes and seasons. Hemmer could be featured in flashbacks or prerecorded videos, while Horak could assume new characters as the series progresses.

In the first-ever musical episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, fans were treated to a delightful cameo by a beloved actor who portrayed the dancing Klingon General. Titled "Subspace Rhapsody," the ninth episode of Strange New Worlds season 2 boldly takes the Star Trek franchise into uncharted territory as a subspace fold imbues Captain Christopher Pike's crew on the USS Enterprise with both the ability and desire to sing and dance, in accordance with the rules of musicals. The result? A surprising and peculiar display of dancing Klingons.

Bruce Horak's Strange New Worlds Musical Comeback As Dancing Klingon Explained

: Strange New Worlds' musical episode transcended being a mere gimmick showcasing the musical talents of cast members like Celia Rose Gooding and Christina Chong. It delved deep into the profound emotions of the Strange New Worlds' characters, even exploring the innermost thoughts of visiting Lt. James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley). As a result of the subspace fold's influence, every individual was compelled to sing when their feelings surged, leading to the revelation of long-held truths and emotions that had been carried since the inception of Strange New Worlds. Interestingly, this phenomenon also extended to the Klingons, who posed a significant threat to the subspace fold, putting the entire galaxy at risk of imminent catastrophe.

Bruce Horak, known for his role as Lt. Hemmer in season 1 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, portrayed the dancing Klingon general in the show's musical episode. Horak took on the character of General Garkon, a commanding officer of the Imperial Klingon Defense Force. In an unexpected twist, Garkon and his Klingon D7 battlecruiser were caught in the musical wave emitted from the subspace fold, causing them to break into a lively Klingon K-Pop routine. During the thrilling grand finale musical number, the Klingon ships even engaged in a lively 'dance' alongside the USS Enterprise. It is worth noting that Garkon marks Bruce Horak's second Star Trek character on Strange New Worlds.

Bruce Horak returned in the role of Lt. Hemmer for Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 6, "Lost in Translation," but with a twist. In this episode, Hemmer appeared in a video recorded before his untimely death in season 1, episode 9, as well as in the form of a haunting vision experienced by Ensign Uhura while the Starship Enterprise was in Bannon's Nebula. However, once Uhura successfully prevented Starfleet from unknowingly harming the extraterrestrial beings within Bannon's Nebula, the spirit of Hemmer returned, expressing gratitude towards Uhura with a warm smile.

Will Bruce Horak Return In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3?

Bruce Horak's return in season 2 of Strange New Worlds was indeed confirmed by the producers, despite Hemmer's unfortunate demise. "Subspace Rhapsody" not only fulfilled their promise of Horak portraying a new character but also surprised viewers by having him reprise the role of Hemmer in season 2, episode 6 titled "Lost in Translation." Horak's brilliant performance, coupled with Hemmer's tough yet supportive mentorship of Uhura, transformed the blind Aenar into a captivating figure that captivated audiences in season 1 of Strange New Worlds. Unfortunately, Hemmer's fate was sealed before fans truly embraced the mesmerizing Aenar engineer.

Bruce Horak is held in high esteem by the cast, crew, and producers of Strange New Worlds. This admiration leads to the possibility of his return in future episodes and seasons. While Hemmer has been replaced as Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise by Commander Pelia (Carol Kane), the show has established that Hemmer can still appear through flashbacks or prerecorded videos. It is also conceivable for Horak to reprise his role as General Garkon, albeit without his previous singing and dancing Klingon K-Pop. Additionally, Horak may continue to appear as new characters as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds progresses. Catch season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.