Summary
Warning: contains spoilers for “The Knight Errand,” appearing inStar Trek Celebrations: Pride!
The Kelvin timeline introduced a number of changes to theStar Trekfranchise, and now they have doubled down on one of its most controversial in the best way possible. In the buildup to 2016’sStar Trek: Beyond, it was revealed that Hikaru Sulu, theEnterprise’shelmsman, was gay. Thedecision was controversial, but in the newStar Trek Celebrations: Pride, fans see it worked out for the best.
The Kelvin incarnation of Sulu returns in the story “The Knight Errand,” by Steve Orlando and Lauren Knight. On a distant planet, Sulu is using his fencing skills in a sword fight with an alien warlord. Hanging in the balance: the life of the away team. Sulu narrates the events as if he is a knight in a medieval story. Fans learn that Sulu is relaying the story to Demora, his young daughter.
As the story comes to an end, fans see Sulu, his husband and Demora enjoying quality time in Sulu’s quarters.
The Kelvin Timeline GaveStar TrekA Shot in the Arm
The Kelvin Timeline Also GaveStar TrekIts First Gay Character
The Kelvin timeline was introduced in 2009’sStar Trek, directed by JJ Abrams. In it,Spock travels back in time, and is followed by Romulans. The Romulans arrived in the early 23rd century, where they attacked theUSS Kelvin, creating an alternate timeline. This allowed the creative teams the ability to tell newStar Trekstories without violating what came before. Changes were introduced to the franchise, such as a sleakerEnterprisein addition to new actors playing established roles. The film was followed by 2013’sStar Trek Into Darknessand in 2016 withStar Trek Beyond.
As details aboutStar Trek Beyondleaked to the press, it was revealed that, in the Kelvin timeline, Sulu was gay. This change was done as a tribute to George Takei, the openly gay actor who first brought Sulu to life. This made Sulu the first openly gay character in the franchise. However, the decision was met with controversy, and Takei himself weighed in at one point. WhenBeyondarrived in theaters, fans only saw Sulu’s family in a brief scene. Forwhat was to be a milestone in theStar Trekfranchise, it was very underwhelming.
Star Trek’s Kelvin Timeline Accomplished a Major Starfleet First
Star Trek’s Kelvin timeline changed the face of the franchise forever, and it also accomplished a major first, a century before the Prime timeline.
Sulu’s Family Offers Possibilities for FutureStar TrekStories
The Story Proves Why Sulu is aStar TrekIcon
Not only does Sulu save the day, but he makes it home in time to tuck Demora in, showing him to be the consummate family man, and reinforcing the Kelvin timeline’s most controversial decision.
Orlando and Knight show that this was the right decision to make. It adds layers to Sulu’s character, and gives him development that was lacking in the classicStar Trekshow. In “The Knight Errand,” fans get to see Sulu’s prowess with a sword, as well as his leadership qualities. Sulu cares deeply about the away team, and is confident in his ability to save them. Not only does Sulu save the day, but he makes it home in time to tuck Demora in, showing him to be the consummate family man, and reinforcing the Kelvin timeline’s most controversial decision.
