WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 2 finale.
Summary
In the season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the mystery of why the Gorn enticed the USS Enterprise to Cestus 3 in the original series episode "Arena" is finally unraveled. Retaliating against Captain Pike's betrayal, the Gorn targeted Cestus 3 and cunningly lured the Enterprise into their territory in TOS.
The season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds could potentially bring about a temporary agreement between Starfleet and the Gorn Hegemony, effectively putting an end to the ongoing conflict. This development may also provide a resolution to a longstanding question regarding the Gorn, who have finally received significant attention and transformation in the Star Trek universe after being introduced in the original series. In Strange New Worlds season 1, the Gorn were reimagined as fearsome invaders who relied on humans as hosts for their parasitic eggs, reminiscent of Ridley Scott's Alien. This portrayal of the Gorn has contributed to some of the most intense and terrifying episodes in Strange New Worlds thus far.
Was Star Trek's Cestus 3 Attack Revenge By The Gorn?
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is raising concerns about its adherence to Gorn canon due to these new revelations. However, it actually helps unravel an unanswered question from their initial appearance. In the episode "Arena," the USS Enterprise discovers that Cestus 3 has been utterly devastated by unknown assailants. As Captain James T. Kirk narrowly escapes the planet's clutches, he ponders the motive behind being led there in the first place. It is possible that the events following the Gorn attack on Parnassus Beta in the season 2 finale of Strange New Worlds could finally shed light on this inquiry.
Questioning why the Gorn enticed the Enterprise to Cestus 3, Kirk hypothesized that their intention was to eradicate the sole guardian in that specific sector of space. However, in a later encounter when Kirk combats the Gorn as per the wishes of the Metrons, the reptilian adversary clarifies that the colony was viewed as an infringement on their domain. Nevertheless, this explanation fails to account for the necessity of luring the USS Enterprise to the planet. Hence, it is conceivable that the Gorn sought retribution for the events that transpired on Parnassus Beta several years prior.
Parnassus Beta, located in Gorn territory, became the target of attack in the season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. If Captain Christopher Pike successfully negotiates a retreat from Gorn space, the establishment of the Earth observation outpost on Cestus 3 will render this agreement null and void. With the Gorn feeling enraged by Pike's perceived betrayal, it is reasonable to assume they would entice the USS Enterprise back into their territory for revenge, unaware that Kirk has now taken over as the captain.
How Strange New Worlds' Gorn Story Changes TOS' Arena
If the Gorn were seeking retribution due to a perceived betrayal by Captain Pike, it would be logical for the Metrons to orchestrate a confrontation between Kirk and the Gorn Captain. Kirk's relentless pursuit of the Gorn ship is fueled by his vengeful determination to avenge the gruesome deaths of all those on Cestus 3. By forcing the two Captains into primal combat, the Metrons would be demonstrating the pointlessness of seeking revenge to both species. It will be intriguing to witness how Strange New Worlds season 3 further develops this iconic Star Trek: The Original Series episode.
In "Arena," Lt. Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy) acknowledges the limited knowledge about the Gorn-claimed space region. This is likely due to the upcoming events on Parnassus Beta, which may result in a temporary agreement between Starfleet and the Gorn Hegemony. Assuming this agreement is reached, Starfleet would cease exploration beyond Parnassus Beta in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3. Reflecting on the disputed borders in "Arena," Spock suggests that the resolution should be left to diplomats, implying that Kirk's battle with the Gorn will finally conclude what Captain Pike initiated.
All episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 are currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
