Mind-blowing Twist: Showrunner Reveals Shocking Timeline Change in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'

In season 2, episode 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, there was an exciting adventure through time. However, this episode also introduced a surprising twist to the well-known Star Trek lore.

The episode delves into the significant historical event known as The Eugenics War, a conflict that was expected to take place between 1992 and 1996. This war revolved around the attempt to harness genetic engineering. Scientists aimed to enhance the Human race through augmentation and manipulation of DNA. One of the notable individuals created through this process was the iconic Star Trek villain, Khan. Eventually, the consequences of this experiment led to the prohibition of selective breeding. However, in Strange New Worlds, when La'an Noonien-Singh traveled back in time to contemporary Toronto alongside an alternate timeline Kirk, it became evident that the Eugenics War had not yet taken place. La'an encountered her ancestor, Khan, who was just a child at that time.

The continuity of the event in the best Star Trek movie required Khan to have already experienced genetic augmentation, which sparked the Eugenics War. However, showrunner Akiva Goldsman explained why they decided to move the Eugenics War, as well as The Wrath of Khan, further into the future during a conversation with CinemaBlend. Goldsman expressed that their goal for Star Trek is to present an aspirational future, allowing viewers to envision themselves as part of the Federation and Starfleet. He emphasized that the enjoyment of the series lies in the ability to dream about this future. To maintain Star Trek within our timeline, they continuously shift the dates forward. Goldsman stated that setting the Eugenics War in the '90s would not resonate with the optimistic story they aim to tell for a contemporary audience.

In Strange New Worlds, the decision made by La'an regarding the assassination attempt on a young version of Khan serves to reinforce a significant point. The Romulans had sent a time agent back in time to eliminate Khan, preventing humanity from progressing. However, viewers of The Wrath of Khan and even Into Darkness in the Star Trek reboot series are well aware of the monstrous character he becomes. Faced with an impossible dilemma, La'an ultimately makes the choice not to kill the child, aligning with the essence of Star Trek.

Star Trek stands apart from other science fiction franchises as it is not a cautionary tale. As demonstrated by the title Strange New Worlds, Starfleet's focus lies in embarking on exploratory missions. The Star Trek universe depicts a generally utopian society where money is obsolete and social issues like racism and sexism belong to a bygone era. If events as disturbing as purposeful selective breeding took place in the '90s, the audience cannot be optimistic about the future. Although it is undeniably challenging, La'an comprehends that she cannot take the life of an innocent child, despite the legacy associated with Khan. Similarly, Kirk makes the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs. Viewers are spared from contemplating a reality where a war revolving around eugenics occurred in the '90s.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is currently airing on Paramount Plus.

Source: CinemaBlend