Unveiling Star Trek's TOS Enterprise Doctor Switch in a Mind-Blowing Revelation
Strange New Worlds introduces a captivating twist in Star Trek's TOS Enterprise as a Klingon Ambassador's demise paves the way for a significant change in the ship's doctor Explore why Captain Kirk's decision favors McCoy over M'Benga
Summary
Dr. M'Benga's killing of Ambassador Dak'Rah could have consequences for him, as Starfleet might investigate his actions and he could face repercussions.
M'Benga's battle with PTSD has resurfaced in the latest episode, causing him to contemplate resigning from his position as Chief Medical Officer.
In Strange New Worlds, Captain Kirk's upcoming role as the Enterprise's commander and his close bond with Dr. McCoy may pave the way for McCoy to eventually take on the role of the ship's doctor.
Dr. Joseph M'Benga, previously the Chief Medical Officer on the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series, undergoes a change in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2. Episode 8, titled "Under the Cloak of War," introduces Klingon Ambassador Dak'Rah, who triggers significant trauma for both Dr. M'Benga and Nurse Christine Chapel due to their experiences during the Klingon War. Dak'Rah, a former ruthless General responsible for numerous war crimes, visits the USS Enterprise and attempts to persuade M'Benga to collaborate with him.
Despite M'Benga's efforts to avoid Dak'Rah throughout the episode, the Klingon Ambassador persists and pushes M'Benga to his breaking point. Eventually, M'Benga succumbs to his emotions and kills Dak'Rah. Nurse Chapel, an eyewitness to this act, supports M'Benga's claim that it was in self-defense. While Captain Pike harbors suspicions, he chooses to trust his officers' account and seemingly lets the incident pass. M'Benga firmly believes that certain actions are unforgivable, whereas Pike, reflecting Starfleet's values, believes in the potential for redemption in everyone. However, even with Pike's acceptance of M'Benga's explanation, Starfleet will likely launch an investigation into Dak'Rah's death.
Dr. M’Benga’s Klingon Ambassador Death Could Set Up Star Trek TOS’ Doctor Switch
Starfleet's investigation into Ambassador Dak'Rah's death may have consequences for Dr. M'Benga. Although M'Benga appears in two episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series and remains in Starfleet, it does not guarantee that he will not face any repercussions. In TOS, M'Benga no longer serves as the USS Enterprise's Chief Medical Officer, indicating a demotion or voluntary resignation. Ambassador Dak'Rah held great importance as a celebrated ambassador for the United Federation of Planets, and his death may result in significant consequences for Dr. M'Benga.
Throughout the initial two seasons of Strange New Worlds, M'Benga has been struggling with evident PTSD. Following his experiences in the Klingon War, he has chosen to prioritize saving lives rather than taking them. His intention is to leave his past behind, but the events of "Under the Cloak of War" have resurfaced his suppressed trauma. It is possible that M'Benga might decide to step down from his role as Chief Medical Officer as he continues to address his personal challenges. Although he does not appear to regret the decision to kill Dak'Rah, he is likely to cooperate with any Starfleet investigation, even if he does not disclose the complete truth. This could potentially result in him being away from the Enterprise for a significant duration.
Why Captain Kirk Will Make McCoy Enterprise Doctor Instead Of M’Benga
Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) commands the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series alongside Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) as the Chief Medical Officer. In J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (2009), James Kirk (Chris Pine) and Leonard McCoy (Karl Urban) develop a close friendship while attending Starfleet Academy. While it is unclear how they initially met in the Prime Universe, Strange New Worlds has the opportunity to delve deeper into their friendship and shed light on their origins. It is likely that Kirk and McCoy crossed paths prior to serving on the Enterprise, suggesting that Kirk may have personally requested McCoy as his Chief Medical Officer. Whether Dr. M'Benga steps down or is asked to do so by Starfleet, his tenure as CMO will eventually end. However, he remains in Starfleet and continues to be a respected physician during the time of TOS. The introduction of Dr. Leonard McCoy and the groundwork laid in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds pave the way for him to become the Enterprise's doctor.
