Mind-Blowing Revelation: Star Trek TOS Theory Finally Verified After 57 Years

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 5 - "Charades"

Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) and Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) finally give in to their feelings for each other in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 5, "Charades." This confirms the theory from Star Trek: The Original Series that the two had a romantic past. Despite a complicated situation with Spock's Vulcan fiancée, T'Pring (Gia Sandhu), Spock and Chapel share a kiss at the end of the episode. Throughout TOS, Nurse Chapel (originally played by Majel Barrett) longs for Spock from a distance, but Jess Bush's portrayal of Chapel in Strange New Worlds adds depth and reinvents this underused character. Her caring nature towards Spock and their romantic history adds a new layer of meaning to their interactions in TOS.

Strange New Worlds Confirms Spock & Chapel Had A Relationship In Star Trek: TOS

In the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Naked Time," Christine Chapel reveals her love for Spock while under the influence of polywater intoxication. Spock's subsequent apology to Chapel reveals a hint of sadness, suggesting that he may have had feelings for her as well. The revelation of Spock and Chapel's romance in Strange New Worlds adds depth and poignancy to their previous interactions in TOS. What was once perceived as Nurse Chapel being mocked now takes on a more genuine and tragic undertone, as it becomes clear that Spock and Chapel did indeed share a romance.

During TOS, Spock deliberately embraces his Vulcan nature and goes to great lengths to suppress his emotions. He even chooses to undergo the emotion-purging Kolinahr ritual following his retirement from Starfleet, as depicted in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. While Spock's human emotions occasionally surface, they are usually a result of external influences. Nonetheless, there are subtle hints throughout TOS that indicate a shared history between Spock and Christine, suggesting that Spock may still have some level of care for her. However, Nurse Chapel has the ability to awaken Spock's most human side, even as he has resolved to reject his more human inclinations.

Why Spock & Chapel Broke Up Before Star Trek: TOS

Spock and Nurse Chapel's relationship in Star Trek: The Original Series is portrayed as being over, despite Chapel's desires for it to continue. There must be something that intervenes between Spock and Christine during the time between Strange New Worlds and TOS. Despite T'Pring ending her engagement with Spock in "Charades," her relationship with him could still impact his connection with Chapel. Chapel represents Spock's human emotions, while T'Pring represents his Vulcan side. Unfortunately, neither relationship brings happiness to Spock.

Ethan Peck and Jess Bush's portrayal of their characters brings a fresh dynamic to the show, and it will be intriguing to see how their relationship progresses. The love triangle between Spock, Chapel, and T'Pring has the potential to evolve in various ways, as the characters have several years before the events of Strange New Worlds align with TOS. Whether it's Spock's decision to embrace his Vulcan side or Christine's future fiancée, Dr. Roger Korby, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has ample time to explore the possibilities.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.