Warning: SPOILERS Ahead for Star Trek: Section 31
Star Trek: Section 31, which debuted on January 24 on Paramount+, will not influence the upcoming Star Trek series planned for the streaming platform. This film, marking the first made-for-streaming feature in the Star Trek franchise and the first new Star Trek film since 2016, is being critically examined by fans and reviewers alike.
Unfortunately, the reception of Star Trek: Section 31 has been less than favorable. While some fans appreciate its unique blend of ‘Mission: Impossible’ with a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ flair, critics and longtime Star Trek enthusiasts lament the show’s shift away from the franchise’s traditional storytelling elements. Consequently, the future of Emperor Georgiou’s narrative and potential sequels remain uncertain.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Remains Independent of Section 31
A Unique Narrative in the 23rd Century
Filming for the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds concluded in 2024, with the release of the next ten episodes expected in 2025. This prequel is set in the mid-23rd century, prior to the events of Star Trek: The Original Series, placing it over 60 years earlier than Star Trek: Section 31, which unfolds in the year 2324. Significantly, Strange New Worlds has not made any references to Section 31.
Although Section 31 is present in this timeline, it does not connect with the version seen in Star Trek: Section 31. Commander Ash Tyler was appointed to lead Section 31 at the conclusion of Star Trek: Discovery Season 2, yet the episodic format of Strange New Worlds primarily explores diverse genres rather than interweaving with Section 31’s narrative.
The prospect of a spy-themed storyline featuring Section 31 does exist for seasons 3 or 4, yet it would be disconnected from Star Trek: Section 31 unless a time travel crossover were to take place, which has not been suggested. Additionally, most characters from Star Trek: Section 31 have yet to be born by the time of Strange New Worlds, with Emperor Georgiou appearing in the 32nd century during her storyline in Star Trek: Discovery.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Set Centuries After Section 31
Continuing Discovery’s Legacy in the 32nd Century
Currently, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is in the process of filming its first two seasons back-to-back in Toronto. Similar to the other upcoming series, this one is unrelated to Star Trek: Section 31, as it takes place in the late 32nd century, following the events of Star Trek: Discovery Season 5. By this future point in time, the Prime timeline has significantly diverged from the Mirror Universe to avoid further crossovers.
Despite potential connections, such as the possibility of Emperor Georgiou’s character being used as a hologram, Starfleet Academy is primarily focused on exploring new narratives stemming from the 32nd century.
Section 31 Is In a Limbo Era of Star Trek
Current State of Section 31 in the Trek Universe
Star Trek: Section 31 is set in the year 2024, establishing a timeline of Stardate 1292.4, marking it as the first adventure within Star Trek’s 24th-century “lost era, ”which unfolds prior to Star Trek: The Next Generation. While this setting grants Section 31 creative liberty, it also positions it far from the storylines of both TNG and Star Trek: The Original Series.
As a result, Section 31 does not directly influence future Star Trek series, apart from the fact that Emperor Georgiou helps save the Federation from an unknown threat from the Mirror Universe in 2324. Furthermore, Georgiou remains in a precarious limbo, rendering her reappearance in future series unlikely unless a sequel to Section 31 is produced, given her storyline’s temporal distance from other current Star Trek narratives.
Is a Sequel to Star Trek: Section 31 Possible?
Uncertain Future for Emperor Georgiou
Although Star Trek: Section 31 launched with considerable anticipation, largely due to the presence of Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, the response has been lukewarm at best. The film has faced major criticism, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of only 20% and an audience score of 17%, marking it as the lowest-rated Star Trek film.
On a brighter note, Star Trek: Section 31 became the second most-watched film on Paramount+ shortly after its release, trailing only behind Gladiator II. This viewership indicates that despite critical reception, there is a significant audience willing to engage with Section 31, which could pave the way for a potential sequel if viewership trends continue favorably.
While the future of Star Trek: Section 31 remains uncertain, the Star Trek franchise on Paramount+ is set to continue expanding with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The likelihood of these upcoming series referencing Star Trek: Section 31 seems rather slim.
Leave a Reply