Summary
TheStar Trekuniverse has always teemed with diverse characters, each contributing a unique piece to the tapestry of the final frontier. The arrival of Commander Pelia inStar Trek: Strange New WorldsSeason 2, Episode 1, “The Broken Circle,” brings a breath of fresh air to the Enterprise crew. In a ship accustomed to a revolving door of Chief Engineers, Pelia stands for both her technical prowess and the enigma that shrouds her existence.
This new character has no ties to existing canon. She claims to have witnessed all of Human history, including allegedly rubbing shoulders with Pythagoras. Pelia’s introduction sparks curiosity among viewers, and sets the stage for a fascinatingjourney into the unknown. Who is Commander Pelia, and what secrets does her journey through time hold?
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Appears in
Star Trek: Strange New WorldsSeason 2, episodes:
Carol Kane breathes life into the character of Pelia, the new Chief Engineer of the Enterprise. She becomes part of the crew after her predecessor, Hemmer, met his demise in the closing moments of Season 1. Pelia’s arrival is not just a passing of the torch, but a seismic shift. She assumes her role as a lead inspector with a unique qualification – she’s a professor of engineering at Starfleet Academy. Her expertise extends to teaching a course in warp core breaches, a subject that becomes pivotal in the unfolding narrative.
Despite her human appearance, Pelia’s true identity is revealed by Nyota Uhura, who identifies her species based on her accent. Pelia proudly admits to being a Lanthanite, a revelation that sends shockwaves throughStar Treklore. The revelation that aliens lived undetected among Humans in the 22nd century reshapes the historical narrative, adding a layer of complexity to the Federation’s early days. The lack of substantial information about Lanthanites raises questions about their history, purpose, and why their existence remained a mystery.
What sets the Lanthanites apartis their humanoid appearance. Unlike typical Trek aliens, Lanthanites lack distinctive foreheads, ears, or nose deviations, making them remarkably similar to humans. This uncanny resemblance enables them to seamlessly integrate into human society, living on Earth undetected. In the “Broken Circle” episode, viewers learn that Amanda Grayson, Spock’s mother, was the first human to uncover Pelia’s true identity as a Lanthanite.
The Lanthanites' most distinctive feature, as demonstrated in this episode, is their extended life span. The narrative reveals the astonishing fact that Pelia lived for more than a centuty, carrying the weight of witnessing the passing of loved ones.The prolongedlife span of Lanthanites adds a poignant layer to Pelia’s character, providing insight into the unique challenges and experiences that come with such a vast life.
In a pivotal scene, Spock drops a bombshell about Lanthanites in conversation with Pelia:
I’ve always been fascinated by your people. That you managed to live on Earth among other humans undetected until the 22nd century is remarkable.
This revelation sets the stage for further exploration of Pelia’s past and the impact of her species on the unfoldingStar Treknarrative.
Commander Pelia’s Role in the Federation
Beyond her species, Pelia’s role in the Federation unfolds as a rich tapestry of experiences. A formerinstructor at Starfleet Academy, she played a crucial part in the events of “The Broken Circle.” Pelia’s involvement begins when she and a team of inspectors board the Enterprise for system inspections and upgrades. However, a distress call from La’an Noonien-Singh interrupts their routine, propelling Pelia into the center of a brewing crisis.
Acting captain Spock devises a plan to steal the Enterprise to respond to the distress call. But Pelia, with her keen insight into warp core breaches, sees through the subterfuge. Despite recognizing the deception, Pelia allows Spock to proceed, acknowledginghis logical reasoning as a Vulcan. This pivotal moment not only averts a potential catastrophe, but also shows Pelia’s willingness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
As the episode unfolds, Pelia’s true motivation emerges during a conversation with Spock over bloodwine. Boredom, she confides, is her driving force. The routine of teaching at Starfleet Academy no longer challenges her. The Enterprise, with its potential for unpredictability, beckons as a remedy. Pelia’s assumption of the chief engineer’s position injects a fresh perspective into the crew dynamics and sets the stage for new adventures.
The introduction of Commander Pelia not only diversifies the Enterprise’s crew, but also raises questions about the untoldhistory of theStar Trekuniverse. The revelation of Lanthanites living among humans in the 22nd century reshapes the understanding of Earth’s past, challenging long-held assumptions. AsStrange New Worldsunfolds, Commander Pelia stands at the intersection of history and mystery. Her claims of witnessing Human history firsthand and the revelation of her Lanthanite heritage create intrigue that propels the narrative into uncharted territory. As fans await the next episodes, one thing is clear – Commander Pelia is not just a new face on the Enterprise; she is a catalyst for unraveling the mysteries of theStar Trekuniverse.
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