Exploring Alternate Realities and Canon in Star Trek

Star Trek, a beloved franchise with its own rich and complex universe, has always fascinated fans and creators alike. As the franchise has evolved, new stories and timelines have emerged, often challenging the established canon. This article explores one such example: the inclusion of Star Trek: Phase II in the overall Star Trek multiverse, specifically through the lens of the alt-universe concept. We will also delve into the possibilities of multiverse crossovers and their potential impact on the storytelling.

Accepting the Alternate Universe

The question of whether certain Star Trek stories can be considered canon often leads to heated debates. Take, for instance, the case of Star Trek: Phase II. This fan project from James Cawley was set in an alternate universe where the timeline and characters diverged significantly from the established canon of Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS).

Cowritten by Cawley and his Star Trek: Phase II: The End partner, the project featured a unique Kelvin timeline where Klingons never lost their ridges, and the Constitution-class starships had a more advanced design during the 23rd century. Moreover, the main characters had distinct appearances compared to their PRIME universe counterparts. This divergence raises the question: can an alternate universe truly be considered canon?

The Concept of Multiverse

The idea that there can be multiple universes or alternate realities has gained traction in various forms of media, including Star Trek. The multiverse theory suggests that parallel universes exist, each with its own timeline and outcomes. This concept allows for divergent storylines and characters, making room for different versions of Star Trek.

For example, the CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths series showcased the concept of multiverse in comic book form, featuring various protagonists with different faces and personalities. Similarly, in the MCU’s The Flash, several versions of the Flash, each with a different actor playing the role, coexist in the multiverse, creating unique storylines and interactions.

Leaning into the Multiverse

The inclusion of Star Trek: Phase II in the Star Trek multiverse framework is interesting because it breaks from the established canon and offers a new, exciting direction for the franchise. This alternate universe provides an opportunity for fans to explore what might have been and imagine how events could have unfolded differently.

A potential crossover event where characters from the Star Trek: Discovery and the 23rd century meet could revolutionize the Star Trek storytelling. Imagine the excitement of the crew of the Enterprise-G visiting the USS Enterprise in the 23rd century, witnessing history in action and perhaps uncovering hidden truths about their counterparts.

Star TrekTM creator Terry Matalas, who reimagined the USS Enterprise as a Star Trek: The Original Series-era Constitution-class design, might be open to these fan theories. The idea of a crossover episode could provide a fun, speculative narrative while also contributing to the rich tapestry of Star Trek lore.

Conclusion

The exploration of alternate realities and the concept of multiverse in Star Trek extends the franchise’s storytelling possibilities while keeping it adaptable and exciting. Whether such alternate universes are officially recognized as part of the canon, they offer valuable fan engagement and creative possibilities.