Highlights
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds reused the same phaser props from Star Trek: Discovery, which caused concern among fans who expected more advanced phasers in the new series.
- Some fans argued that using the same phasers made sense because Section 31, who used the phasers in Discovery, had already engaged with the Gorn, suggesting the phasers were already advanced.
- It’s possible that while the phasers may have looked similar externally, they could have more advanced functionalities such as a newer emitter, bigger battery, and advanced frequency tuning.
Star Trek fans are very particular when it comes to phasers, so some were taken aback when they realized that the device shown in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 finale is the same as those issued in Section 31 in one episode of Star Trek: Discovery season 2.
Phasers are an iconic and essential element of the Star Trek franchise. Starfleet personnel and other characters use these handheld energy weapons throughout the Star Trek franchise. Their design gives a futuristic appearance and makes them easily recognizable, as they are synonymous with the Star Trek franchise. That was why eagle-eyed fans immediately noticed that the assault phaser featured in Strange New Worlds season 2 was something familiar.
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One fan (Haphazard Melange) took to Reddit and shared a fun fact about the assault phasers featured in Strange New Worlds in the Gorn Protocol Box. The netizen shared a snap and stressed they were the same phasers issued to Section 31 in Star Trek: Discovery season 2. The phasers are identical despite the different timelines between the Discovery and Strange New Worlds. The latter picks up where the former left off and provides a setup for Star Trek: The Original Series. Discovery‘s timeline is between 2256 and 2258, while Strange New Worlds is set in 2259, leading to The Original Series that takes place in 2265. Considering the timeline, the phasers in Strange New Worlds should have been more advanced and different from those featured in Discovery. So, the fan’s concern was valid.
The post on Reddit received mixed responses, with several wanting the online user who raised the concern to let it go as prop reuse. They believed the production was just being resourceful by using the existing props. However, a number also pointed out that utilizing the same phaser made sense because, before Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Section 31 had already engaged with the Gorn, suggesting that the phaser featured in Discovery was already advanced and utilizing them in Strange New Worlds was not a random reuse of props.
Phasers are highly versatile weapons capable of various settings and functions. Depending on the setting, they can stun, kill, vaporize, or cut through obstacles. This versatility makes them invaluable tools for Starfleet officers in various situations, from peaceful exploration to combat. They symbolize the ideals of Starfleet and the Federation and are designed to minimize casualties and preserve life whenever possible. Most importantly, they play a crucial role in the plot of Star Trek episodes and movies, so It is understandable why fans are critical of their design and functionality.
The concern being raised is valid. Star Trek fans expect more advanced and futuristic phasers in Strange New Worlds. However, the phasers given to Section 31 may already be advanced enough to handle the Gorn, hence the props being reused. Section 31 already used advanced technology like transporters, the holodeck, and memory-altering technology, so they likely had access to the latest prototypes and research. Also, it’s possible that the phaser looked similar to those featured in Discovery externally but had more advanced functionalities. It probably has a newer emitter, a bigger battery, and more advanced frequency tuning. It’s better not to be overly critical of the props and give it to production unless it becomes a real concern.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streams on Paramount Plus.
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Source: Haphazard Melange/Reddit
