Summary
"Strange New Worlds" season 2, episode 6 uncovers previously unseen meetings that hold great importance in the Star Trek canon, with Ensign Uhura being at the heart of these moments.In addition to crossing paths with Lieutenant Kirk, Uhura also bears witness to Kirk's initial interactions with Captain Pike and Spock, amplifying the significance of these canonical occurrences.
Unlike "Star Trek: TOS," "Strange New Worlds" greatly enhances Uhura's character development by exploring her background and granting her a more prominent role within the ensemble cast.
Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Season 2, Episode 6 of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" titled "Lost in Translation." Season 2 of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" continues to delve into significant canonical events that have never before been portrayed within the franchise. Ensign Nyota Uhura (portrayed by Celia Rose Gooding) takes center stage in all of these events. Set approximately ten years prior to the happenings of "Star Trek: The Original Series," "Strange New Worlds" serves as a prequel that showcases moments merely hinted at in the first show.
Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 6, titled "Lost in Translation," presented several noteworthy instances, particularly highlighting three significant encounters that had not been previously depicted in the Star Trek franchise. This episode featured the long-awaited arrival of Lieutenant James T. Kirk (portrayed by Paul Wesley) aboard his future vessel, the Enterprise. Additionally, Kirk established connections with three individuals who would later play pivotal roles in his life, among them Ensign Uhura. It is intriguing to note that Uhura's involvement in the major canon events of episode 6 extended beyond her initial encounter with Kirk.
Strange New Worlds’ 3 Big Star Trek Canon Events All Involve Uhura
Not only was Uhura clearly present in her own initial encounter with Kirk, but she also happened to be in the room when Kirk met Pike, and, most significantly, when Kirk was introduced to Spock (Ethan Peck). Prior to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 6, any prior meetings between Kirk and the Strange New Worlds crew occurred in different timelines. However, with Kirk finally paying a visit to the Enterprise, all of his pivotal first encounters were bound to take place. While Uhura and Kirk meeting each other is undeniably a monumental canonical event in itself, the fact that Uhura was present during Kirk's meetings with Pike and Spock added an unexpected twist to the episode.
Further, while Uhura was only present when Kirk introduced himself to Pike, she was the one responsible for introducing Spock and Kirk to each other. This update holds great significance in the Star Trek canon and serves as a remarkable enhancement to the first encounter between Kirk and Spock in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Witnessing the introduction of the franchise's most iconic duo was already exciting, but having Uhura, a pivotal character from Star Trek: TOS, be the one to facilitate their meeting elevated this moment to become one of the most enthralling in the entire episode.
How Strange New Worlds Is Improving Uhura From Star Trek: TOS
Star Trek: TOS had Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) as a main character, but Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has gone above and beyond to revitalize and enhance her role. In TOS, the focus was mainly on Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), leaving other cast members, like Uhura or Sulu (George Takei), with relatively limited screen time. However, these characters, now considered iconic Star Trek figures, played smaller roles in most episodes of TOS during its original run.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has greatly addressed the lack of character development for Uhura in TOS. The series has substantially filled in gaps in Uhura's backstory, with dedicated episodes in both seasons 1 and 2. Moreover, Uhura is a prominent member of the ensemble cast in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and regularly plays a crucial role in episodes that do not revolve around her directly. This comprehensive approach has significantly enriched Uhura's characterization, granting her the recognition she rightly deserves.
