Mirror Universe Thoughts
Posted: 2011-08-20 05:34pm
I find that I tend to enjoy the mirror universe Star Trek stories more than the ones from the regular Star Trek Universe. By mirror universe I mean any alternate universe depicted in a Star Trek episode, book, or comic where the people in that universe are depicted as more evil or more militaristic than the main Star Trek universe. Obviously, I am free to enjoy whichever Star Trek stories I want, but I also tend to think that the mirror universe stories undercut aspects of Star Trek’s peaceful exploration/peaceful coexistence theme. Below are a couple of things I like about the mirror universe stories and my explanation of how they relate to major Star Trek themes. Comments encouraged.
More Aliens-The ships from mirror universe stories seem to have more aliens than the ships from the regular universe. First, the ISS Enterprise from the Original Series featured at least two Vulcan crew in addition to Spock. Second, Deep Space Nine, in effect, had a main character as a starbase commander with Intendant Kira. Third, the Captain Janeway of the holographic Voyager from Living Witness seems to have forged alliances with both the Kazon and the Borg. Fourth, the Imperial Starfleet from Enterprise has at least eight nonhumans as starship personnel. In at least one published story, this version of the Mirror Universe even features alien admirals in the 22nd century. Budgetary concerns obviously limit the number of aliens that can be in a Star Trek series. Additionally, many of the aliens in the Imperial Starfleet are probably conscripts or slaves. Nonetheless, the number of aliens in mirror universe stories suggests to me that the Imperial Starfleet is better at incorporating aliens into its operations than the regular Starfleet.
Sexuality-First, I kind of like the idea that Captain Kirk, with Marlena Moreau, and Captain Forrest/Archer, in Hoshi Sato, would have someone they can confide in. There are obvious drawbacks in the mirror universe but something similar, without the drawbacks, could probably work in the regular universe. Second, a couple of my favorite uniforms in all of Star Trek are Kirk’s vest uniform from Mirror, Mirror and the bare midriff uniforms. The uniforms certainly have practical limitations but as a heterosexual male it seems like it would be visually appealing to work with the women of the Imperial Starfleet. Third, I am not the only person to be critical of the lack of gay characters in Star Trek but it is interesting that the only definitely gay or bisexual characters in filmed Star Trek come from the mirror universe. In summary, the characters in the mirror universe seem more sexually successful than many of their regular universe counterparts.
More Aliens-The ships from mirror universe stories seem to have more aliens than the ships from the regular universe. First, the ISS Enterprise from the Original Series featured at least two Vulcan crew in addition to Spock. Second, Deep Space Nine, in effect, had a main character as a starbase commander with Intendant Kira. Third, the Captain Janeway of the holographic Voyager from Living Witness seems to have forged alliances with both the Kazon and the Borg. Fourth, the Imperial Starfleet from Enterprise has at least eight nonhumans as starship personnel. In at least one published story, this version of the Mirror Universe even features alien admirals in the 22nd century. Budgetary concerns obviously limit the number of aliens that can be in a Star Trek series. Additionally, many of the aliens in the Imperial Starfleet are probably conscripts or slaves. Nonetheless, the number of aliens in mirror universe stories suggests to me that the Imperial Starfleet is better at incorporating aliens into its operations than the regular Starfleet.
Sexuality-First, I kind of like the idea that Captain Kirk, with Marlena Moreau, and Captain Forrest/Archer, in Hoshi Sato, would have someone they can confide in. There are obvious drawbacks in the mirror universe but something similar, without the drawbacks, could probably work in the regular universe. Second, a couple of my favorite uniforms in all of Star Trek are Kirk’s vest uniform from Mirror, Mirror and the bare midriff uniforms. The uniforms certainly have practical limitations but as a heterosexual male it seems like it would be visually appealing to work with the women of the Imperial Starfleet. Third, I am not the only person to be critical of the lack of gay characters in Star Trek but it is interesting that the only definitely gay or bisexual characters in filmed Star Trek come from the mirror universe. In summary, the characters in the mirror universe seem more sexually successful than many of their regular universe counterparts.