Mike Sussman, a notable writer linked to the Star Trek franchise, has revealed exciting details about a forthcoming series titled “Star Trek: United.” This new show aims to continue the story of Jonathan Archer, the character famously brought to life by Scott Bakula in “Star Trek: Enterprise.” Although the project has yet to receive official endorsement from Paramount, it has certainly piqued the interest of devoted fans.
“Star Trek: United” is poised to delve into Captain Archer’s legacy as the President of the United Federation of Planets. Sussman disclosed that Archer will have four children, each of whom will pursue different careers that will contribute to the overarching narratives of the federation. One child is expected to work with Federation intelligence, another will serve in Starfleet, a third is set to become a diplomat, and the fourth will carry the surname Hernandez.
The mention of Hernandez alludes to Erika Hernandez, a character who appeared during the fourth season of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” portrayed by Ada Maris. Hernandez commanded the NX-02 Columbia, the second Starfleet vessel capable of Warp 5 travel. Her past romance with Archer, complicated by their commitments to Starfleet, adds an intriguing layer to both characters’ arcs. Their relationship, which ebbed and flowed due to their duties, was reignited after one of Archer’s missions, although Hernandez would later recruit the Enterprise’s chief engineer, Trip Tucker, for her crew.
Hernandez’s character serves as a significant addition to Star Trek lore, as she challenges longstanding fan theories regarding gender roles in command positions in the franchise. Previously, it was believed that women were excluded from being starship captains until the introduction of new themes in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Hernandez’s presence on screen represents a break from this limiting narrative, showcasing the evolution of female leadership in the Star Trek universe.
As “Star Trek: United” remains in the conceptual phase, it signals Paramount’s renewed dedication to the Star Trek franchise. Following the success of “Star Trek: Picard,” there is a clear commitment to expand the storyline and introduce new characters that resonate with both long-time and new fans. With “Star Trek: Enterprise” available for streaming on Paramount+, fans can revisit Archer’s original journey as excitement builds for this anticipated new chapter in the beloved franchise.