There’s a reason ‘Star Trek Continues‘ newest episode “Embracing The Wind” is not only great but important.
On June 3rd, 1969, ‘Star Trek: The Original Series‘ aired it’s final episode, entitled “Turnabout Intruder”. The episode, considered by many fans to be the worst of the entire original series, was centered on a “deranged crazy female” using alien technology to take over Kirk’s body, because at the time the series aired, “women in the 23rd century” still suffered from sexism, bias, and discrimination based on gender.
The newest episode of this fantastic series focuses on the issue of Gender Equality in Starfleet, using storytelling concept that one of the member races of the UFP, the Tellarites, would pull out if Starfleet promotes a female to command the USS Hood, one of only seven remaining Constitution class starships.
Commander Garrett, the female officer up for consideration for the position, is played beautifully by Clare Kramer, who ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘ fans may remember as big villain “Glory”.
Captain Kirk (portrayed perfectly as always by actor Vic Mignogna) faces an ethical dilemma, as he is chosen to help advocate and help make the decision on who will become the Hood’s new Captain, Commanders Garrett or Spock?
What this episode delivers is an outstanding nod to the final episode of the original series, while at the same time doing what ‘Star Trek’ does best, take contemporary real world issues and make us examine them under a new microscope.
‘Star Trek Continues’ is more than just a fan film series, its spirit is ‘STAR TREK’ and what ‘Star Trek’ stands for: hope for the future, trying to make us thrive to be better people while entertaining us at the same time.
Erin Gray of ‘Buck Rogers‘ reprises her recurring role as Commodore Gray, and she adds a poignant touch to the issues presented, as her own experiences as a Woman in Starfleet are brought up and it offers some seamless exposition into not only her character but helps streamline the overall subject that TOS eluded to about Gender bias still being “an issue” in the 23rd century in a believable and realistic way.
I have rewatched this new episode multiple times, and you should watch it if you are a fan of Star Trek, because it doesn’t get any better than this.
One final thought: It is more than implied that her future descendant will become Captain Rachel Garrett, Captain of the Enterprise-C… and that works for this fan.
George Silsby is the creator of audio series “Starfinder”, a Star trek fan series, as well as podcasts “Super Geeks” and “Bat Radio”. Starfinder can be found at ussstarfinder.com, and the rest under Youtube channel Chooch99 and its various playlists.
