The Surprising Vulcan-Related Cameo That Almost Happened in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

The Almost-Cameo in 'Those Old Scientists'

In Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 7, 'Those Old Scientists,' Ensigns Brad Boimler and Beckett Mariner find themselves in the past on the USS Enterprise of Captain Christopher Pike. This crossover episode with Star Trek: Lower Decks not only thrilled fans with its hilarious storyline but also paid homage to the legendary Starfleet heroes. The final moments of the episode nearly featured a delightful scene of the Strange New Worlds crew in animation, teasing the possible appearance of a Vulcan sehlat.

Young Spock faces his pet sehlat, I-Chaya, in Star Trek: The Animated Series

During TrekTalks 3's 'Those Old Scientists' panel, the writers of the crossover, Kathryn Lyn and Bill Wolkoff, revealed that they had planned to include an animated sehlat in the final moments of the episode. However, the sehlat cameo was ultimately cut from the episode, leaving fans curious about the potential significance of such a cameo in the Star Trek universe.

Star Trek Animated Series Yesteryear Spock Pet Sehlat

The Significance of the Sehlat

The potential appearance of a Vulcan sehlat in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crossover episode holds great significance for Star Trek fans. Sehlats, bear-like creatures kept as pets by Vulcan children, have only appeared a few times in the Star Trek franchise, making them a rare and interesting aspect of Vulcan culture.

Star Trek Animated Series Yesteryear Sehlat fight

In Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Animated Series, sehlat pets are associated with iconic characters such as Spock and T'Pol, adding depth to their backgrounds and offering insights into Vulcan traditions. The potential inclusion of a sehlat in Strange New Worlds could further enrich the exploration of Vulcan culture and its impact on the Star Trek narrative.

Star Trek Enterprise The Forge Sehlat Archer T'Pol

The History of Sehlat Appearances in Star Trek

Sehlats have made notable appearances in past Star Trek series, providing valuable insights into Vulcan traditions and the relationships of prominent characters with these unique creatures. In Star Trek: The Original Series, Spock's pet sehlat, named I-Chaya, was introduced, revealing a significant aspect of Spock's childhood and his connection to Vulcan culture.

Star Trek Enterprise The Forge Sehlat

Additionally, in Star Trek: Enterprise, the character T'Pol also had a pet sehlat, highlighting the continued presence of sehlats in Vulcan culture and their significance to Vulcan characters. The history of sehlat appearances in Star Trek showcases the enduring relevance of these creatures in the Star Trek universe and emphasizes their potential to contribute to the narrative of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.