6 Iconic Star Trek Characters from Kirk’s History That Strange New Worlds Should Introduce

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has a wealth of opportunities to bring back familiar faces from Captain James T. Kirk’s past. Here’s a look at six characters whose reintroduction could add depth and nostalgia to the series.

6 Gary Mitchell

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1, Episode 3 — “Where No Man Has Gone Before”

In the iconic episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before, ” Lt. Commander Gary Mitchell (portrayed by Gary Lockwood) served as a helmsman on the USS Enterprise. Kirk and Mitchell formed a friendship during the 2250s when Kirk was an instructor at Starfleet Academy. Mitchell affectionately recalled Kirk as “a stack of books with legs, ” and even played matchmaker by introducing Kirk to a lab technician who could be the mother of his son. By the timeline of Strange New Worlds, it’s plausible that Mitchell could be aided by Kirk in securing a role on the USS Farragut.

However, an encounter with the Galactic Barrier in 2265 drastically alters Mitchell’s fate. The incident leaves him with formidable telepathic and telekinetic abilities, but it also corrupts him, ultimately leading Kirk to make the painful decision to end their friendship in order to protect the Enterprise and her crew.

5 Benjamin Finney

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1, Episode 20 — “Court Martial”

Benjamin Finney (played by Richard Webb) served as the record officer aboard the Enterprise in the episode “Court Martial.” His relationship with Kirk dates back to 2252 when they met as colleagues aboard the USS Republic. Over time, Finney’s aspirations of becoming a captain were marred by an unfortunate incident where Kirk reported him for negligence. This caused a deep-seated grudge that culminated in Finney framing Kirk for a crime he did not commit, leading to a tense court martial.

As Strange New Worlds develops, it might explore the aftermath of their complicated friendship, providing a narrative that reveals the long-lasting effects of their early camaraderie and betrayal.

4 Carol Marcus

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Dr. Carol Marcus (portrayed by Bibi Besch) was one of Kirk’s significant romantic interests and the mother of his son, David. During their relationship, which began when both were junior officers, they developed a complex and often turbulent bond. By 2259, she was stationed at Starbase 1, while Kirk served on the USS Farragut. Their on-again, off-again relationship is highlighted in a musical episode of Strange New Worlds, suggesting that her character could easily be woven into future storylines.

Kirk’s struggle with the legacy of their son, David—particularly in light of his fate at the hands of Klingons—is a poignant narrative thread that could potentially resurface in the upcoming seasons.

3 Finnegan

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1, Episode 15 — “Shore Leave”

Finnegan (Bruce Mars) is remembered as a rival and bully from Kirk’s time at Starfleet Academy. In “Shore Leave, ” Kirk confronts a holographic version of Finnegan while visiting a bizarre planet that brings fantasies to life. This encounter reflects upon Kirk’s formative years and highlights the playful yet tormenting relationship they shared.

While Kirk manages to best Finnegan in a physical altercation, this rivalry remains largely unexplored. Future seasons of Strange New Worlds could reveal more about Finnegan’s life post-Academy and revisit their tumultuous connection.

2 Captain Garrovick & His Son David

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2, Episode 13 — “Obsession”

Kirk’s early career at Starfleet featured a pivotal mission aboard the USS Farragut under Captain Garrovick, who tragically died in action against a dikironium cloud creature in 2257. This incident instilled a deep survivor’s guilt within Kirk, especially as the creature resurfaces in 2268 while Ensign David Garrovick, son of Captain Garrovick, serves on the Enterprise.

This storyline, which includes David’s hesitation in confronting the creature—a reflection of Kirk’s own past—provides fertile ground for exploring themes of legacy, trauma, and the responsibilities inherent in command.

1 Lt. George Kirk

Star Trek (2009)

Lieutenant George Kirk, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in J. J.Abrams’ Star Trek (2009), remains an influential yet largely unexplored character in the Prime timeline. Young and idealistic, George Kirk joined Starfleet and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as the youngest first officer in history at 29, a record later broken by his son, James.

Despite his brief appearance in the film, George Kirk’s legacy looms large over his sons, with James idolizing him and Sam grappling with their father’s expectations. As Strange New Worlds continues to explore Kirk’s narrative, it would be compelling to see more of George Kirk’s character, particularly given his influence on his sons during their formative years.

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