The Mind-Blowing Star Trek Theory That Will Forever Change How You See Kirk & Khan

Summary

Wil Wheaton proposes that Kirk's connection to La'an in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds influenced his decision to exile Khan in Star Trek: The Original Series.

La'an's emotional involvement with both versions of Kirk, alongside her connection to Khan, brings an added layer of depth to the narrative and the characters. The past relationship between Kirk and La'an implies that his actions towards Khan in "Space Seed" might have been influenced by their friendship, ultimately resulting in a compassionate gesture of granting Khan his own planet.

Star Trek actor Wil Wheaton presents an intriguing theory regarding the relationship between Lt. James T. Kirk and Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh in the new series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. According to Wheaton, this connection serves as a retcon that could shed light on Captain Kirk's treatment of Khan Noonien-Singh in the original Star Trek series. In an episode of Strange New Worlds titled "Subspace Rhapsody," La'an confesses her feelings for Kirk, but he is unable to reciprocate due to his commitment to his pregnant partner, Carol Marcus. Decades later, Khan poses a threat to Carol and her son, David Marcus, in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Wheaton explains this theory to his guest, Christina Chong, who agrees with the idea. For more, read Wheaton's statement and watch the video clip below.

Kirk & La'an In Strange New Worlds Adds New Dimensions To Star Trek: The Original Series

Upon rewatching The Original Series "Space Seed," a thought-provoking joke crossed my mind as the episode came to a close. In jest, I shared with my wife how Kirk, despite the fact that Khan was a eugenicist responsible for countless deaths, nonchalantly decided to drop him off on Ceti Alpha V, seemingly oblivious to any potential future consequences in the '80s. However, as I immersed myself in the captivating melodies of [Strange New Worlds' musical], a realization struck me: could it be that Kirk's deep bond with La'an influenced his choice to grant her ancestor a chance at redemption through his exile?

The addition of La'an Noonien-Singh's complex emotions towards two different iterations of James T. Kirk is a captivating development in the Star Trek canon. In Strange New Worlds, La'an experiences a deep connection with an alternate timeline version of Captain Kirk during their time-travel excursion to 21st-century Toronto. Additionally, she encounters a young Khan (Desmond Sivan) in Season 2, Episode 3, titled "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." Subsequently, La'an actively seeks out the Lt. James T. Kirk from the Prime Timeline, whom she also harbors affection for despite him not being the James she initially knew. However, Prime Kirk is unable to pursue his feelings for La'an due to his imminent fatherhood and his ongoing relationship with Carol Marcus.

The retcon of Kirk and La'an's relationship in Strange New Worlds has a significant impact on Star Trek: The Original Series. It deepens the complexity of Captain Kirk's encounter with Khan in 2266. At this point, Kirk had not only formed a bond with La'an, but also shared a musical performance with the entire USS Enterprise crew in Strange New Worlds. With the history between Kirk and La'an Noonien-Singh, Kirk's actions towards Khan in "Space Seed" take on new meaning. This includes Kirk's decision to grant Khan his own planet to rule instead of turning him over to Starfleet. It's possible that Kirk's act of mercy was influenced by his friendship with La'an Noonien-Singh in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Catch the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.

Source: The Ready Room