Why didn't Anson Mount Return to Star Trek Discovery Season 3?

With the high expectations and vast universe of Star Trek, many fans have long wished to see Anson Mount's Captain Pike return in Star Trek: Discovery Season 3. However, there are several compelling reasons why his return did not happen. These reasons align with the established storyline and the unique narrative of the series.

The Future Focus of Star Trek: Discovery

Season three of is set in a blisteringly far future, well beyond the events of the Battle of Azati Prime and even the era of the Voyager series. The Discovery has ventured over 900 years into the future, leaving behind its 32nd century setting. This decision allows the writers to focus on different narrative threads and continue the unique journey of the crew of the Discovery.

Contract and Future Plans

Anson Mount's contract was signed for one season of Star Trek: Discovery. The end of Season 3 and the subsequent trailers for the third season clearly indicate that the series has moved into the far distant future. It makes no logical sense for Captain Pike's portrayal by Mount to return in a main role since he does not accompany the Discovery and her crew into this time period. Pike has his own ship, the Enterprise, and his path is known to have separate linearity. TOS has already shown his future when Kirk and Spock brought him back to Talos to reunite with Vina. His story is divergent from the current Discovery crew, registering a distinct timeline and purpose.

Character Development and Narrative Consistency

While there's a possibility of Mount making a surprise cameo, leaving messages, or revealing more about what happened to him, his character's progression and the established storyline take precedence. His time in the past has been characterized by his impending destiny and the significant choices he made. This narrative path is firmly cemented, and straying from it would feel like a raw deal for both the character and the audience who have come to appreciate his journey.

DataSource On Fans and Budget Constraints

Some fans believe that Mount needed to jump forward 900 years in time to interact with the Discovery crew more, only to be sent back later to face a painful storyline. While this might seem appealing to fans who long for more of Mount's character, it is less practical for the show's narrative and budget constraints. Season 3 is specifically designed for its unique and futuristic setting, making it difficult to reconcile with a character from the past.

Future Possibilities and Speculation

As of now, Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 has not been dropped, but it is set to come after Star Trek: Picard. Although nothing is certain, it is clear that Anson Mount will not be part of this season. However, this absence does not diminish his potential for a standalone show. In fact, given the rich history and unique journey of Captain Pike, it is easy to envision a series that delves into his story further, separate from the current timeline of Discovery.

For now, the audience must embrace the unique narrative direction of Star Trek: Discovery and continue to follow the thrilling journey of Captain Christopher Pike, knowing his character has already been well established and developed for a future standalone series.