Explaining the Surprise Return of Tasha Yar in Star Trek’s Latest Movie

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Section 31.

The upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 film intriguingly ties into the lore of Star Trek: The Next Generation by referencing a significant character, Lt. Tasha Yar, portrayed by Denise Crosby. Set during a pivotal period in the Star Trek timeline known as the “lost era, ”which occurs in the early 24th century, this film follows Emperor Philippa Georgiou (played by Michelle Yeoh) on a critical mission to safeguard the galaxy. While exploring uncharted territory within the Star Trek universe, Section 31 also illustrates connections to its rich narrative tapestry, expanding on Georgiou’s history and providing insights into the early career of Lt. Rachel Garrett (Kacey Rohl).

Control Assigns a Mission Involving Tasha Yar’s Planet

Control Dispatches Alpha Team to Turkana IV

Following the climactic events in Star Trek: Section 31, Emperor Georgiou engages with the Alpha Team at her nightclub, where the team leader, Control (played by Jamie Lee Curtis), briefs them on their new assignment. Despite having reservations about Georgiou’s involvement, Control is aware of her capability to deliver results. She prompts the team with a question about their familiarity with a planet named Turkana IV, which certainly resonates with fans of The Next Generation.

The USS Enterprise-D had previously visited Turkana IV, encountering Ishara Yar (Beth Toussaint), the sister of Tasha Yar, who was then part of the Turkana IV Coalition. Lt. Tasha Yar herself hailed from this troubled planet. Born in 2337, she grew up on Turkana IV, which was plagued by the collapse of a Federation colony and descended into civil strife and chaos in the early 2330s. Tasha escaped her challenging beginnings in 2352, eventually making her way to Starfleet Academy. By the time of the Enterprise-D’s encounter with Ishara in 2361, the conditions on Turkana IV had not improved, with ongoing poverty and conflict persisting.

Potential Sequel: Exploring the Decline of Turkana IV

Will Section 31 Aim to Rescue Turkana IV or Worsen Its Situation?

The storyline of Star Trek: Section 31 leaves the door open for a sequel, particularly with the groundwork laid for further exploration of Turkana IV. Given that the events in Section 31 occur around 2324, a mission to Turkana IV could take place just prior to the imminent deterioration of the planet’s governance.

This scenario sets the stage for Alpha Team’s mission, potentially focused on preserving the last remnants of the Federation’s presence on the planet. Such a narrative might even lead them to interact with Tasha Yar’s own parents, enriching the backstory established in the original series.

While Star Trek: The Next Generation provided only fragmented insights into Tasha Yar’s history and her home planet’s decline, a sequel could delve into the intricate political dynamics that culminated in the fall of Turkana IV. Given the context from TNG, the Alpha Team may either fail in their efforts to maintain order or inadvertently contribute to the disintegration of peace there. Regardless of the outcome, this plotline would offer a unique lens through which the Star Trek narrative could explore themes of hope and resilience amid adversity.

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