Unveiling the Profound Meaning of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 3, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." Star Trek often incorporates Shakespearean phrases into its episode titles, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues this tradition with season 2's "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." This quote is taken from Act 5, Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, where Macbeth reflects on the futility of his actions after hearing of his wife's death. While this may seem dark for Star Trek, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" suggests that every individual's life holds significance and the choices they make truly matter.

The episode "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" follows a classic time travel plot commonly seen in Star Trek. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) and an alternate version of Captain James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) find themselves in the past, battling to safeguard the future. Although Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3 concludes on a somber tone, La'an seizes the opportunity to open up to Kirk and eventually falls in love with him. As La'an and Kirk strive to secure their own tomorrow, James ensures they take moments to appreciate the present, even indulging in some street hot dogs. Ultimately, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" celebrates the connections people forge and provides La'an with a chance to confront her ties to the merciless dictator, Khan Noonien-Singh.

What "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" Means In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Macbeth's speech, which begins with this phrase, interestingly discusses the meaninglessness of life. Following the death of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth asserts that life is "a tale told by an idiot [...] signifying nothing." However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds presents a contrasting viewpoint. In this episode, the actions and achievements of La'an and Captain Kirk are far from futile. They successfully restore the ideal utopian timeline and prevent the Romulans from altering the future, thereby saving countless lives. La'an and Kirk successfully safeguard La'an's future and ensure a better tomorrow for Kirk and his brother, Sam (Dan Jeannotte).

Regrettably, for this particular iteration of Captain Kirk, their triumph in stopping the Romulan assassin leads to Kirk and his timeline ceasing to exist. Nevertheless, this does not render his life insignificant. Not only was his involvement essential in saving the day, but he also leaves a lasting impression on La'an. She will undoubtedly remember him, and this alone brings significance to his life (and death). Still, similar to Macbeth in his renowned speech, La'an concludes the episode in solitude. As the episode reaches its conclusion, La'an grieves in her room over the loss of her Captain Kirk and the fact that she can never reveal his existence to anyone.

Star Trek Has Quoted Shakespeare Many Times Before

Many Star Trek episodes feature Shakespearean quotes as titles and include characters who often quote from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. Captain Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, frequently references Shakespeare and incorporates the Bard's words into his famous speeches. Shakespeare's enduring fame and influence are evident even in the 23rd century, as seen in the episode "All Our Yesterdays," which derives its title from the same speech as "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow."

Though it has a heartbreaking ending, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" challenges the notion that life is merely "a walking shadow." This episode subverts Macbeth's words and highlights the significant impact that one or two individuals can have on history. While Macbeth ultimately regrets his wicked choices and loses everything, La'an's actions contribute to saving the future, leading her to embrace her sacrifices instead of regretting them. With exceptional performances from Christina Chong and Paul Wesley, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" enriches the extensive collection of Star Trek episodes that pay homage to Shakespeare.

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