Unveiling the Mysterious Star Trek Encounters with Mark Twain

Summary

Star Trek has featured Mark Twain on multiple occasions, beginning with his cameo appearance in the episodes "Time's Arrow, Part 1" and "Time's Arrow, Part 2" in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Captain Picard, a character from The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard, has a deep admiration for Mark Twain. This is evident through his skillful rephrasing of Twain's renowned quote and his proud exhibition of a photograph featuring Twain in his personal study.

Similarly, Captain Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager holds a strong appreciation for Twain's literary contributions. This is demonstrated when she presents a copy of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court to her romantic partner in the episode called "Spirit Folk." Their shared love for literature serves to enhance their bond and bring them closer together.

"Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 4 - "Something Borrowed, Something Green"

The Star Trek franchise has never shied away from showcasing its appreciation for classic literature, and although there have been references to various authors, Mark Twain (Jerry Hardin) holds the unique distinction of actually visiting the USS Enterprise. Over the course of Star Trek's extensive history, Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel L. Clemens, has been prominently featured. The affectionate connection between Star Trek and Mark Twain first emerged in Star Trek: The Next Generation, when Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) found himself transported to 1890s San Francisco, California in the memorable episode titled "Time's Arrow, Part 1" from TNG season 5."

4 Mark Twain in Star Trek: TNG's "Time's Arrow"

In "Time's Arrow, Part 1" of season 5 and "Time's Arrow, Part 2" of season 6 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the crew of USS Enterprise-D embarks on a time-travel adventure to late 19th-century San Francisco. The mystery unfolds when Lieutenant Commander Data's disembodied head is discovered in a cavern near Starfleet Academy, prompting the Enterprise to launch an investigation. While exploring the cavern, Data unintentionally passes through a time portal and finds himself transported to the year 1893. There, he unexpectedly encounters Guinan (played by Whoopi Goldberg), the El-Aurian bartender from the Enterprise, and seeks her assistance in understanding this bewildering predicament. Meanwhile, the renowned author Samuel Clemens overhears Data and Guinan's peculiar conversation, piquing his curiosity.

3 Captain Picard's Love of Mark Twain in Star Trek: The Next Generation & Star Trek: Picard

Upon returning to the Enterprise, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (portrayed by Patrick Stewart) and his team stumble upon a method to access the time portal. Intrigued, they follow the android Data into the past. Meanwhile, as the crew of the Enterprise diligently works to expose extraterrestrials who have been covertly consuming human life essence, they are joined unexpectedly by Clemens, who has also journeyed back to the 24th century. Reflecting on their limited interaction, Picard expresses regret over not getting to know Clemens better. In response, Clemens suggests that Picard can gain insights into his character by reading his written works, asserting that his essence is already essentially captured within them.

Following his successful heart surgery in TNG season 2, episode 17, "Samaritan Snare," Captain Picard cleverly modified a well-known quote attributed to Mark Twain. Picard humorously declared, "Any stories regarding my close encounter with death have been greatly exaggerated." He later revisited the modified quote in Star Trek: First Contact, declaring, "Reports of my assimilation have been highly exaggerated." Although not exact replicas of Twain's famous words, both of these variations find their roots in his original saying.

2 Captain Janeway Also Read Mark Twain in Star Trek: Voyager

Contrary to newspaper reports in 1897 announcing Mark Twain's demise, he responded in the New York Journal, stating, "The report of my death was an exaggeration." This remark, in a slightly modified form, has since become one of Twain's most renowned expressions. In Star Trek: Picard, Picard himself proudly exhibited a photograph alongside Mark Twain from the "Time's Arrow" episode, gracing the sideboard in his study.

In addition to Captain Picard, Captain Kathryn Janeway of the USS Voyager (played by Kate Mulgrew) was also a fan of Mark Twain's works. In season 6, episode 17 of Star Trek: Voyager, titled "Spirit Folk," Janeway and her crew are immersed in a holodeck program set in the charming Irish village of Fair Haven. Prior to this, Janeway had entered into a romantic relationship with Michael Sullivan, the barkeeper of Fair Haven, portrayed by Fintan McKeown. Their conversations often revolved around their mutual appreciation for literature. While Sullivan admits to having read some of Twain's books, Janeway surprises him with a copy of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, which he has yet to explore. When describing the novel to Michael, Janeway mentions that it chronicles the love story between two individuals from different periods in history, amongst other captivating themes.

1 Lt. Boimler, Lt. Rutherford, & Captain Freeman Cosplay As Mark Twain In Star Trek: Lower Decks

In Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 4, titled "Something Borrowed, Something Green," Lieutenants Brad Boimler (played by Jack Quaid) and Sam Rutherford (played by Eugene Cordero) become roommates and find themselves in a silly argument. To resolve their differences, they both dress up as Mark Twain in a holodeck program and attempt to imitate him, complete with questionable Southern accents. Through their conversation as Mark Twains, Boimler and Rutherford manage to work through their issues. Inspired by their experience, Boimler suggests to Captain Carol Freeman (played by Dawnn Lewis) that she try the same approach with Captain Coqqor (played by Eric Bauza), a Chalnoth captain determined to be the first to scan a nearby nebula.

However, it comes as no surprise that the Mark Twain strategy only proves effective for Boimler and Rutherford, leaving Captain Freeman frustrated with the two lieutenants. In the end, Coqqor finds satisfaction by indulging in Boimler and Rutherford's bonsai tree, much to their disappointment. With its blend of costumes and comical Southern accents, Lower Decks creates a hilariously memorable chapter in the Star Trek and Mark Twain saga.

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.