Star Trek Just Tragically Rewrote One of Captain Kirk’s Most Famous Episodes (with a Devastating Twist)

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In a span of three victorious seasons, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has demonstrated its eagerness to incorporate and honor the rich and diverse Trek lore that spans over six decades, infusing it into the series’ narrative. As a prequel to The Original Series, set earlier in the timeline, Strange New Worlds weaves numerous references, both apparent and subtle, into its episodes, pleasing dedicated fans who eagerly seek familiar names and hidden treasures!

From exploring Spock’s early romance with T’Pring, to paying homage to classic adversaries through Doctor Korby’s entrance, the series frequently navigates the franchise’s history and established facts, albeit sometimes playfully, as it forges its own unique path.

In a nod to its rich history that dates back nearly six decades to when “The Original Series” was a much-anticipated Thursday night spectacle (even capturing the attention of Martin Luther King’s children), “Strange New Worlds” does more than just pay homage to Star Trek’s illustrious past. By reintroducing classic characters and alluding to storylines from TOS, SNW often invites us to revisit TOS episodes with fresh eyes, offering a novel perspective on the legendary adventures of Kirk and his crew. However, Episode 9 of Season 3 might have pushed this reinterpretation further than ever before, casting one of Captain Kirk’s most recognizable escapades in a heart-wrenching new shade.

An Unexpected Prelude

In the story “Terrarium,” Lieutenant Ortegas encounters an unforeseen situation when she’s drawn into a wormhole and ends up crash-landing on a barren moon in a shuttle accident. Stranded in a hostile setting filled with what appear to be enormous, flesh-eating centipedes (quite the wildlife adventure!), Ortegas is astonished to find a damaged Gorn pilot nearby. Defying all odds, they forge an unlikely bond that grows into a genuine friendship amidst this dire situation. Initially a harrowing ordeal, their relationship evolves into a tale of improbable camaraderie. Despite the history between Ortegas and the Gorn, they find a way to collaborate, looking out for each other, treating wounds, and exchanging food – though she wasn’t particularly fond of the local delicacy, giant centipedes… quite delicious, it seems!

One possibility for paraphrasing could be: “One of Star Trek’s most authentic representations of its core values is showcased here – even adversaries can find common ground, especially when they discover shared experiences. In this instance, both the Gorn and Ortegas share their roles as pilots, and also the fact that they are both women. A touch of camaraderie among females can work wonders – let’s salute to the solidarity!

However, beyond the surface-level survival tale and Star Trek’s timeless allegory of empathy triumphing over hostility, there lies a more profound layer of intrigue. Amidst the turmoil of a crash landing and the frantic state of survival instincts, Ortega manages to recognize mysterious flickering lights in the sky and surmise that higher powers may be involved. What initially appears as a straightforward survival narrative transforms into something much larger, as the plot gradually lays the groundwork for an iconic Star Trek: The Original Series storyline.

The Return of the Metrons

Fervent Star Trek enthusiasts may have noticed that the episode shares notable resemblances to an earlier “Star Trek” story from the 1967 episode titled “Arena.” This renowned installment of the Original Series showcased Captain James T. Kirk engaging in a fierce battle with a Gorn captain, whose appearance was somewhat rubbery. The intriguing ‘Metrons,’ a mysterious group of superior beings, appeared in human form and forced both captains to fight (putting their crew’s lives at risk) as a means to evaluate humanity’s brutality.

Under the scrutiny of these divine entities, Kirk employed his wit and intelligence to defeat the Gorn, but even then he chose to show mercy towards his adversary. This act of kindness led the Metrons to remark, “You remain half savage, but there is promise,” and suggested that humanity revisit them in a thousand years’ time once they have progressed further (thanks for the advice…).

As a die-hard Trek fan, I can’t help but notice that Ortega’s harrowing journey isn’t merely a homage to our beloved series history; it’s a prequel of sorts to one of the franchise’s most iconic moments. The heart-stopping reveal that the Metrons masterminded Ortega’s and the Gorn’s encounter is more than just setting the stage for “Arena.” Instead, it redefines the entire episode.

For a fleeting moment, it seems like Ortega and her improbable ally might have won over the Metrons with their display of cooperation and humanity’s noble qualities. But then, a Metron dressed in Roman-inspired attire reveals to Ortega that they were taken aback – even intrigued – by the unity they witnessed. However, it was short-lived, as calamity soon ensued. The twist that the Metrons orchestrated their encounter with the Gorn and Ortega’s crash landing sheds new light on the events of “Terrarium.” It’s not just a test; it’s an examination of humanity’s inherent barbarism, serving as another experiment in the Metrons’ quest to understand the coexistence between humans and Gorn.

A Devastating Twist

Upon the arrival of La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) and her rescue team, they come across Gorn, who Ortegas intended to establish peaceful relations with. However, due to La’an’s past traumatic experiences and an instinctive reaction, she perceives the creature as a menacing monster and takes drastic measures to eliminate it before Ortegas could explain. In her perspective, it was an action aimed at protection. On the other hand, Ortegas views it as a devastating loss. Moreover, this event may have served as irrefutable evidence for the Metrons that humanity is prone to resorting to violence, casting doubts on their readiness for peaceful coexistence with other species. Essentially, La’an’s hasty action undermines Ortegas’ efforts and raises concerns among the Metrons regarding human behavior.

By firing at the Gorn, La’an might unintentionally have sparked the sequence of events leading to “Arena.” This could potentially have delayed humanity’s encounter with a superior being, although this being doesn’t appear to be particularly desirable. The Metrons hint that they require additional information about whether humans and Gorn can coexist peacefully. Instead of concluding that peace is achievable, it seems La’an’s action convinces them that further research is necessary. Although questioning their right to experiment on less intelligent species is a topic for another discussion, thanks to La’an, the test with Ortegas fell short at the final hurdle. Their continued need for study might be why they later forced Kirk and a Gorn captain into a brutal contest on the doomed planet Cestus III.

In this scenario, there’s a twist of tragic humor at play. Ortegas managed to demonstrate compassion, which was unexpected given the hostile appearance of the Gorn. Despite their rough exterior and menacing fangs, she found a connection with one of her fellow pilots, forming a friendship. This bond seemed like a victory for human kindness, but only lasted for a brief moment. Unfortunately, La’an attacked first, leaving the Metrons’ study inconclusive. Later, when Kirk encounters his Gorn adversary in “Arena,” he chooses mercy – a choice that might indicate he finally passed the test Ortegas almost aced.

In simpler terms, it’s not La’an’s fault for making her choice, as it was fueled by trauma and seemed reasonable in the immediate situation. However, the irony lies in that very human fear caused a delay that potentially hindered an early opportunity for peace. This action of La’an might have indirectly led to the devastation of Cestus III colony at the hands of the Metrons later on. Thus, “Terrarium” can be seen as a tragic prelude, showing a glimpse of what could have been and how one unfortunate event can alter the course of history.

Trek Legacy & Connections at Their Best

In a fresh and captivating way, “Terrarium” stands out by not merely repeating old Star Trek elements but rather expanding upon and reinterpreting them. For instance, after learning that the Metrons had previously evaluated humanity (and found them wanting), Kirk’s decision to spare the Gorn in “Arena” takes on a whole new significance. He doesn’t just meet their standards; he rectifies an earlier mistake. This level of complexity is where Strange New Worlds truly shines when it delves into existing lore. Rather than reworking and overpowering our cherished classic episodes, it enhances and fortifies them. To be fair, there are instances when the series stumbles, with fans criticizing excessive adjustments to canon, particularly in regards to Spock’s background. However, “Terrarium” is one of those rare moments where everything aligns perfectly, offering a satisfying resolution. Ortega’s connection with the Gorn doesn’t lessen Kirk’s struggle on Cestus III. Instead, it adds depth, implying that the Metrons had been observing for much longer, thereby increasing the importance of Kirk’s act of mercy.

A terrarium serves as an intriguing introduction to the ‘Arena,’ yet it represents so much more. By linking Ortega’s sorrowful tale with Kirk’s upcoming court case, ‘Strange New Worlds’ demonstrates its ability to pay homage to Star Trek’s legacy while introducing fresh emotional layers. Occasionally, the most captivating Star Trek narratives aren’t just about our future destinations; they’re about reflecting on our past and discovering new insights along the journey.

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2025-09-06 01:05