The Captivating Evolution of Pike's Strange New Worlds Mission: Unveiling Rigel 7's Astonishing Transformation!

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, season 2, episode 4 - "Among the Lotus Eaters". Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) transforms Rigel VII into a tourist destination in his Star Trek: Strange New Worlds mission. In season 2, episode 4, titled "Among the Lotus Eaters," Pike returns to Rigel VII to rectify his past mistakes. He discovers that he left Yeoman Zac Nguyen (David Hyunh) behind after a disastrous planetary survey mission. Pike takes action to undo the negative impact caused by Zac's violation of the Prime Directive. By the end of the episode, Pike also removes an asteroid from the planet's surface, which has hindered progress on Rigel VII for over a thousand years due to its radiation.

"Among the Lotus Eaters" marks the first return of the franchise to Rigel VII in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 4. Although the planet had not been shown on-screen since its appearance in the classic Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Menagerie," there were subtle mentions of Rigel VII in the TOS movies and 1990s TV shows. These references suggest that Pike's removal of the asteroid and its exotic radiation has transformed Rigel VII into a popular vacation destination for Federation citizens. This development is a significant improvement for a planet that posed a threat to the life of Lt. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) long before the events of Star Trek: TOS.

Pike's Strange New Worlds Mission Changed Rigel VII For The Better

Captain Pike defied the Prime Directive by altering the course of history on Rigel VII. Despite Starfleet regulations prohibiting interference in the development of pre-warp civilizations, Pike removed the asteroid and restored the memories of the Kalar, liberating them from centuries of memory loss and tinnitus. This act not only relieved the radiation effects on everyone but also promoted equality between the Kalar of the Field and the Kalar of the Palace, with the potential of establishing a more democratic society.

The changes made by "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" to Rigel 7 have laid the foundation for its portrayal in the 24th century. Thanks to the Kalar's newfound awareness of Starfleet and their recollection of previous encounters, the Federation can now foster a positive relationship with the planet. As hinted in Star Trek lore, this partnership includes beneficial trade agreements and surprisingly, even tourism, ultimately leading to the betterment of Kalar society.

Rigel VII Is A Tourist Trap In Star Trek's 24th Century

In Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) suggests a campfire singalong of the song "Moon Over Rigel VII", symbolizing the improvement of things after Pike's removal of the asteroid. The fact that a musician and songwriter could visit the planet and witness the breathtaking moon illustrates how the initial hostility towards Pike on Rigel VII is a thing of the past. Years later, advertisements in Quark's Bar and on the Promenade in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine offer the opportunity to behold the "spectacular castles of Rigel VII," an homage to Albert Whitlock's renowned matte painting of the planet.

Star Trek: Picard season 3 reveals that the USS Enterprise-D had previously visited Rigel VII, where they were compelled to create the Myriad codec. Additionally, in Picard, Commodore Geordi La Forge (played by LeVar Burton) resides on Rigel III with his spouse. This raises the possibility that Geordi, his wife, and their daughters Sidney (portrayed by Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut) and Alandra (played by Mica Burton) embarked on family vacations to Rigel VII. With a tourism industry and visiting artists, it is evident that Captain Pike and the USS Enterprise crew bestowed a much brighter future upon Rigel VII after eliminating the asteroid in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

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