Major Star Trek Announcement: Scott Bakula's Epic Return in 'Strange New Worlds' Crossover Episode
Captain Pike's encounter with his Star Trek idol Archer leads to a captivating crossover episode in 'Strange New Worlds' Find out why Scott Bakula's return as Captain Archer is a must for Star Trek enthusiasts
Summary
In the seventh episode of Season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds titled "Those Old Scientists," viewers are given a thrilling glimpse into a possible comeback for Captain Archer, portrayed by Scott Bakula. This exciting development sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated crossover with the Enterprise crew.The admiration of Captain Pike for Captain Archer and the crew of the Enterprise NX-01 in Strange New Worlds delves into the theme of legacy, potentially restoring the reputation of the often criticized Star Trek: Enterprise cast. By reintroducing Captain Archer, portrayed by Scott Bakula, in Star Trek, the franchise has an opportunity to rectify previous errors and further explore the narratives of underappreciated characters, as it has successfully accomplished with other characters in the series.
The crossover between Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks subtly hints at a possible return of Scott Bakula's character, Captain Jonathan Archer. In the episode "Those Old Scientists," Ensigns Brad Boimler and Beckett Mariner encounter some of their Starfleet idols from the 23rd century when they time travel. This crossover allowed the crew of the USS Enterprise to show their admiration for their own heroes from Starfleet history in a humorous and affectionate manner.
By the end of the crossover episode, it becomes clear that the Enterprise NX-01 is crucial in sending Boimler and Mariner back to their own time. The horonium used in constructing the first Enterprise powers the Krulmuth-B portal for their return journey. Fortunately, a part of the NX-01 was incorporated into the legendary USS Enterprise NC-1701, leading many crew members to reflect on the accomplishments of their predecessors. Surprisingly, Captain Christopher Pike himself, portrayed by Anson Mount, is revealed as a big fan of the NX-01 and Captain Jonathan Archer, suggesting a potential return in the future of the Star Trek franchise.
Captain Pike's Archer Love Sets Up A Star Trek: Enterprise Crossover
The immense love for Star Trek: Enterprise showcased in Strange New Worlds creates an irresistible desire for a potential crossover episode. Imaginations of viewers at home run wild as Pike contemplates the prospect of stepping foot onto Archer's Enterprise. Moreover, the introduction of Romulan time agent Sera in Strange New Worlds season 2 has hinted at the revival of Star Trek's temporal wars, in which Captain Archer and the Enterprise NX-01 were involved. The idea of merging these two elements and transporting Archer to the 23rd century or Pike's Enterprise to the 22nd century is incredibly alluring.
If there has been an underlying theme in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds thus far, it is that of legacy. Captain Pike, fully aware of the tragic fate that awaits him, is determined to establish his legacy and make a lasting impact while he still can. In the crossover episode with Star Trek: Lower Decks, Pike's fondness for Boimler stems from the realization that the young Ensign's hero-worship offers hope for a different fate. Similarly, Pike's affection for Captain Archer and the crew of the Enterprise NX-01 has the potential to bring redemption to the often unjustly criticized Star Trek: Enterprise cast.
Why Scott Bakula's Captain Archer Should Return To Star Trek
The finale of Star Trek: Enterprise received criticism for its lackluster conclusion to Captain Archer's journey. However, a potential solution to rectify this long-standing franchise mistake would be to reunite Scott Bakula's Captain Archer with Anson Mount's Captain Pike in the Star Trek universe. Not much is known about Archer's Enterprise during the Romulan wars or after the formation of the Federation, which opens up numerous possibilities for captivating storylines in a potential crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
One of the strengths of modern Star Trek is its ability to rehabilitate and further develop characters who may have been previously overlooked. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, for instance, has elevated Jeffrey Hunter's Christopher Pike from a conventional and somewhat chauvinistic space captain into one of the most revered Enterprise captains. In addition, the series has delved into the backgrounds of Majel Barrett's Nurse Chapel and Number One characters, providing them with rich histories that position them as significant figures in Star Trek lore. By bringing back Scott Bakula's Captain Archer, Star Trek has the opportunity to bestow the same treatment upon him, highlighting his true importance as a pivotal historical figure.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.
