This week's 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' included a 'Doctor Who' easter egg in plain sight
A tiny TARDIS graces Star Trek, hinting at a cross-universe visit from Doctor Who's crew.
In a remarkable crossover, a recent episode of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' features a sneaky appearance of Doctor Who's TARDIS. The episode named 'The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail' throws Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Farragut into a surprise encounter with a notorious scavenger ship. As the story unfolds, eagle-eyed fans noticed Doctor Who's iconic TARDIS subtly wrapped in the tendrils trapping the Enterprise. This Easter egg delights fans of both franchises who eagerly spotted this rare sci-fi crossover moment.
The seeds of this crossover were sown two years ago, during the premiere of Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor Who era. In a cheeky nod to Star Trek, when a companion likens a transporter to Trek technology, the Doctor agrees, hinting they might explore the Star Trek universe soon. This witty exchange foreshadowed the Doctor Who nod within this Star Trek episode. Such inter-franchise teases are a fan's delight, sparking creative narratives across beloved universes.
This crossover isn't just about nods and winks; it also reflects deeper storytelling. Within 'The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail,' the Enterprise narrowly escapes the scavenger ship's clutches, and when it does, the TARDIS disappears. Fans speculate whether the TARDIS was trapped, then freed, or survived on its own, leaving the scenario open to interpretation. The discussion enriches the fan communities, engaging viewers in debates about the possible outcomes and the TARDIS's fate.
This brief intersection of worlds was highlighted during 2024's San Diego Comic-Con. Then Doctor Who showrunner enthused about potential Trek crossovers, particularly contemplating its philosophical themes like the Borg. Though this particular Easter egg doesn't quite promise such an event, it cleverly primes audiences for potential future cross-universe escapades involving these science fiction titans. Such prospects inspire fervent discussions and spark much conjecture.
For those intrigued by sci-fi's endless potential, resources online offer additional insights. Websites such as Gizmodo provide recap articles and speculative pieces, deepening engagement with the episode's context and Easter eggs. By exploring these writings along with community forums, sci-fi aficionados can further immerse themselves in both the Whoniverse and Star Trek lore, stimulating the imagination about what might come next when these universes briefly converge.
Sources: Gizmodo, Pressbee