The Unsettling Premonition of Klingon Banquets: A Bizarre Connection to Star Trek 6 After 34 Years

Summary

The dinner scene in Strange New Worlds bears resemblance to a comparable gathering in Star Trek VI. In both instances, esteemed Klingon officials strive to foster peace. However, both Strange New Worlds and Star Trek VI revolve around the assassination of a peace-promoting Klingon, yet the implications and consequences of these deaths diverge within each narrative.

The Klingon dinner scene in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds serves as a reminiscent event from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Season 2 of Strange New Worlds follows the continuation of the USS Enterprise's adventures under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. While the show's storylines are episodic in nature, the character arcs are serialized. In season 2, the focus shifts towards exploring the backstory of significant characters, particularly in regards to the Klingon War.

Episode 8 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 provides the most comprehensive portrayal of the impact of the Klingon War on Pike's crew thus far. The arrival of Klingon Ambassador Dak'Rah on the Enterprise triggers internal conflicts within the crew members who had fought in the war. Dr. Joseph M'Benga, in particular, harbors intense prejudices against Klingons, as revealed through his bloody history with Dak'Rah. However, Captain Pike's unwavering commitment to diplomacy sets the stage for a tense dinner scene that bears an uncanny resemblance to a previous scene in the franchise.

How Strange New Worlds’ Klingon Dinner Compares To Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

There are several similarities and differences between the Klingon dinners in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Both dinners take place in the context of a high-ranking Klingon official working towards peace between their people and the Federation. Uhura and Spock are present at both dinners, with Spock serving as a mediator during tense moments.

The main differences arise in the level of hostility and the roles of certain characters. In Star Trek VI, the tension between Klingons and the Enterprise crew is more evident, whereas in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, hostilities are intentionally subdued on both sides. Captain Pike and Captain Kirk have distinct roles in their respective dinners. Pike, who holds no personal ill will towards Klingons, acts as the voice of reason alongside Ambassador Dak'Rah. Conversely, Kirk antagonizes his Klingon guests due to his own biases.

Klingons Are Murdered In Strange New Worlds & Star Trek VI

Another significant similarity between Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 8 and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is that both revolve around the murder of a Klingon as the central event. Chancellor Gorkon from Star Trek and Ambassador Dak'Rah in Strange New Worlds are both killed by Starfleet officers, despite advocating for peace with the Federation. Although their motives differ, Gorkon and Dak'Rah can be seen as intriguing parallels. While questions surround Dak'Rah's morality more than Gorkon's, it is evident that both sought to bring about meaningful change before their untimely demise.

Regrettably, Dak'Rah's death holds significantly less significance compared to Gorkon's. In Star Trek's storyline, Gorkon's murder and the subsequent uncovering of a plot to derail the Klingon-Federation peace talks become a pivotal moment in the history of the series, representing the initial crucial step towards peace between the two sides. Conversely, Strange New Worlds takes a much darker turn, concluding its exploration of the impact of the Klingon War with Dr. M'Benga's slaying of Dak'Rah. Although M'Benga ultimately accomplishes the final objective of his mission from the war, the process reawakens distressing memories. Ultimately, while the Klingon narratives in Strange New Worlds and Star Trek VI run parallel, their underlying messages convey contrasting ideas.

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