Summary
Star Trek: Deep Space Nineis responsible for a huge canon creation that is shaping the future ofStar Trek. Filling the space left behind by the ending ofStar Trek: The Next Generationwasn’t easy, butStar Trek: Deep Space Nineproved it could handle the challenge.DS9introduced iconic characters, concepts, and narratives that would outlast the show, which eventually ended in 1999. UpcomingStar TrekTV shows and movies,Star Trek: Discovery, andStar Trek: Into Darknessowe a lot to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nineis often considered the most politicalStar Trekproject to date by adding more depth to the allegorical sci-fi franchise. Additionally,DS9’s setting breaks away from theStar Treknorm — the majority ofStar Trek: Deep Space Ninetakes place on a space station rather than a starship, such as the famed Starship Enterprise.Star Trek: Deep Space Ninewas more than how it differed from previousStar Trekshows, andit deserves way more credit for one of its biggest and longest-lasting creations.
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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Introduced Section 31
The shadowy section of Starfleet was interesting and often controversial
Section 31 is first introduced in theStar Trek: Deep Space Nineseason 6 episode “Inquisition.” Chief Medical OfficerDr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig)is accused of being a spy and learns about Section 31, and he then questions the legality and ethics of the operation.The shadowy section of Starfleet was a fascinating add-onto the extensive canon lore about the United Federation of Planets. Still, some fans were skeptical of the dark narrative because it contradicted the peaceful utopia created by Gene Roddenberry.
The secretive organization resembled those that don’t promote peace, and some fans didn’t take well to the fact that Section 31 would protect Starfleet by any means necessary, even if those means didn’t supportStar Trek’s core philosophy.
Section 31 remained a recurring presence in the sixth and seventh seasons ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nineand eventually featured in several key episodes ofStar Trek: Enterprisein the early 2000s. Some argue that Section 31 was meant to create balance and add a dose of realism to the peaceful Federation, but others disagree. The secretive organization resembled those that don’t promote peace, and somefans didn’t take well to the fact that Section 31 would protect Starfleet by any means necessary, even if those means didn’t supportStar Trek’s core philosophy.
Section 31 was created by Ira Steven Behr, executive producer for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
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Section 31 Contributed To Star Trek: Discovery’s Early Success
The mystery behind Section 31 boosted interest in Star Trek: Discovery
Section 31’s comeback inStar Trek: Into Darknessproved the naysayers right. Section 31 is led by Admiral Alexander Marcus (Peter Weller), the film’s ill-guided villain.Starfleet under Section 31 control is depicted as a military operation, confirming many concerns about Section 31 inStar Trek: Deep Space Nine. However, afterStar Trek: Discoveryended over a decade-longStar TrekTV drought, Section 31 made another colossal comeback.Star Trek: Discoveryseaosn 2 gave insight into Section 31’s questionable beliefs and motives, butStar Trek: Discoveryportrayed Section 31 as a more nuanced organization than previous projects.
Section 31 has contributed to some ofStar Trek’s greatest plot twists and provided the other side of Starfleet’s utopia.
Star Trek: Discovery’s nuanced portrayal made Section 31 a more popular concept, eventually leading to the upcomingStar Trek: Section 31movie. Even beforeStar Trek: Discovery,the role of Section 31 in the last three decades ofStar Trekcan’t be understated. Section 31 has contributed to some ofStar Trek’s greatest plot twists and provided the other side of Starfleet’s utopia. While it’s not always the most popular concept among fans, Section 31 gaveStar Trek: Deep Space Nineeven greater complexity and contributed to the present and future of moreStar Trekprojects.
