Number One's (Rebecca Romijn) storyline in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 bears similarities to Mystique's (Rebecca Romijn) in the X-Men films, but the Star Trek series handles Commander Una Chin-Riley's quest for her legal rights in a much more effective manner. In the season 1 finale of Strange New Worlds, Number One is arrested by Starfleet after her true identity as an Illyrian, a race banned by the United Federation of Planets for their practice of genetic engineering, is revealed. However, Una's court-martial in the second episode of season 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera," delves into and resolves her story in ways that Mystique never experiences in the X-Men franchise.
Mystique, the blue-skinned, shape-shifting character, is introduced in the 2000 film X-Men as the trusted accomplice of Magneto (Ian McKellan), the leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants. Mystique serves as Magneto's most powerful weapon, excelling in combat and espionage due to her ability to assume the appearance of anyone. Despite their deep connection, Magneto abandons Mystique when she is transformed into a human in X-Men: The Last Stand. In a turn of events, Mystique betrays Magneto and aids the US government in neutralizing and capturing the mutant leader. The themes of persecution and discrimination against mutants, which are central to the X-Men series, align with Una Chin-Riley's narrative in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Strange New Worlds Did Mystique's Story Better Than X-Men Movies Ever Did
In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," Number One echoes her previous dialogue as Mystique from the X-Men movies. She expresses to her legal counsel and fellow Illyrian, Neera Ketoul, that they should not have to conceal their true identities from the Federation. Commander Una Chin-Riley's court-martial becomes a turning point for her, as she seeks acceptance and the freedom to embrace her Illyrian heritage. Throughout her distinguished career in Starfleet, Una had hidden her true self, but now faces the risk of losing everything because of who she truly is. This reference to Mystique's dialogue serves as a deliberate acknowledgement of the X-Men movies.
In Strange New Worlds, Number One's personal journey for acceptance as an Illyrian holds more depth compared to the portrayal of Mystique in the original X-Men movie trilogy. Mystique's character was largely underdeveloped, with minimal dialogue except for her memorable statement about mutants not needing to hide in X2: X-Men United. She was primarily utilized for her combat skills and sexual appeal, lacking significant character development. However, Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Mystique in the rebooted X-Men movies made her a central character, while Rebecca Romijn's Mystique was reduced to a mere physical presence in her X-Men trilogy.
Strange New Worlds Solves Number One's Problem But X-Men Didn't For Mystique
Number One's trial in Strange New Worlds season 2 resulted in a positive outcome that surpassed the resolutions received by both versions of Mystique in the X-Men movies. Through Neera's brilliant defense, Una was granted asylum by Starfleet, thus restoring her rank and position as First Officer of the USS Enterprise. While Number One's exoneration did not address the broader issue of the Federation's ban on Augments, it signified a crucial "first step" towards a greater acceptance of Illyrians. Una, now a public representative of her race serving in Starfleet, symbolized this progress.
In contrast, the X-Men movies provided no such rewards or acceptance for Rebecca Romijn's Mystique as a mutant. She was transformed into a human in X-Men: The Last Stand, with her only solace being revenge on Magneto for abandoning her. This unsatisfactory conclusion contradicted everything Mystique had fought for and believed in. Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Mystique faced an even worse fate in Dark Phoenix, where she was killed by Jean Grey (Sophie Turner). Star Trek: Strange New Worlds places a much higher value on Number One than the X-Men movies did on Mystique, showcasing Una as an exemplary figure for Starfleet rather than the mutant terrorist Mystique was depicted as.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.
