Have you heard the news? Sure you have… Section 31 is getting its own spin-off series.
It officially ‘doesn’t exist’. Highly secretive in nature, its existence is only known only to a select handful of individuals. In fact, virtually no one in the Starfleet is aware of them. Lurking in the shadows is Section 31. Accountable to no one and willing to take whatever measures it deems necessary to manage and eliminate external threats.
There is no doubt that Star Trek portrays a positive and more enlightened future of humanity, full of righteous idealism that warms the heart and gives optimism for all. This paradise comes at a price though. And that’s where the secret organization comes into play.
While the sinister and mysterious nature of Section 31 will be on full display for all to see during the new series, that doesn’t mean that Star Trek is bringing a sudden halt to its customary optimistic future outlook. Writer and executive producer, Bo Yeon Kim was quick to dismiss fans’ concerns of the franchise taking an all-out darker direction. “Oof. That is NOT what we are aiming to do. We will never lose sight of what Star Trek represents.”
However, the Section 31 organization has employed methods of a more disturbing nature, including brainwashing, torture, and assassination. They are not bound by the same rules and ethical codes that Starfleet operates within.
Executive producer, Alex Kurtzman is upbeat about the direction of the series. Rather than following a single Star Trek blueprint, he likes each show as a unique entity, allowing it to develop its own style and unique tone.
Fans of Michelle Yoeh were delighted to learn that she was heading up the cast. The story will revolve around her playing the Mirror Universe version of Phillipa Geogiou. After being exiled in the prime universe she finds herself being recruited by Section 31. Not an official government branch, Section 31 operates on its own accord, answering to no one and bending the rules as it deems necessary to eliminate threats.
When discussing the lead actress, Alex Kurtzman has shared that “Michelle has shattered ceilings, broken boundaries and astonished us with her grace and gravitas for decades. As a human, I adore her. As an actor, I revere her.”
The actress herself is delighted to fly the flag for the franchise.
“I’m so excited to continue telling these rich ‘Star Trek’ stories,” said Michelle Yeoh. “Being a part of this universe and this character specifically has been such a joy for me to play. I can’t wait to see where it all goes – certainly, I believe it will go ‘where no WOMAN has ever gone before!’”
The series is to be written by Erika Kippoldt and Bo Yeon Kim. Both have written for season 1 of Short Treks, as well as Discovery. Fans are eagerly anticipating the series, hungry for the next announcement about cast, themes, plots, and of course, release dates. Stay tuned!