Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Lower Decks #2!
The Excalibans: A Fresh Take on a Classic Star Trek Alien
The Star Trek franchise has recently revitalized one of its most underrated alien species from the Original Series. Throughout Captain Kirk’s initial five-year mission, the crew of the USS Enterprise encountered a variety of alien races, not all of which were friendly. In the latest issue of Star Trek: Lower Decks #2, these themes are revisited as a notable alien race makes a compelling return with a contemporary twist.
Revived in Star Trek: Lower Decks #2
Creators Ryan North and Derek Charm developed the Eisner-nominated comic Star Trek: Day of Blood: Shaxs’ Best Day. The storyline follows Mariner, Boimler, and their fellow Lower Deckers who find themselves unexpectedly transported to a strange planet. Here, they discover they have been abducted by the Excalibans, a telepathic, rock-like species first introduced in the Original Series. The Excalibans aim to gain insight into human behavior, forcing their captives to engage in battles against holographic representations of iconic Starfleet figures. These matches are then shared with other members of their species throughout the galaxy.
Understanding the Excalibans’ Role in the Star Trek Universe
Star Trek: Lower Decks thrives on references and deeper cuts from the franchise, none more so than the Excalibans. First appearing in “The Savage Curtain,”from the Original Series’ third season, the Excalibans captured Kirk and his crew, exhibiting curiosity towards the new visitors. The episode is notable for its unique introduction featuring a holographic Abraham Lincoln, setting the stage for a bizarre but intriguing narrative.
Upon their capture, Kirk and his fellow officers are forced to confront holographic embodiments of historical figures, a concept echoed in Lower Decks #2. In the original episode, the Excalibans summoned both historical villains, like Genghis Khan, and heroic figures, such as Surak, to test Kirk’s moral compass. The outcome ultimately persuaded the Excalibans to let the crew go, demonstrating a blend of compassion and power.
The Excalibans: Untapped Potential in Star Trek Lore
The Excalibans were characterized by their distinctive appearance and advanced telepathic abilities, setting them apart from other species such as Klingons or Romulans. Despite their intriguing traits, they have not reappeared in subsequent Star Trek installments, leaving them as enigmatic entities within the series. This lack of further exploration is unfortunate, given the potential for rich storylines surrounding this exotic race. Alongside the Brikar—another rock-like species introduced in recent narratives—the Excalibans stand out for their unique attributes.
Star Trek: Lower Decks and the Modernization of the Excalibans
The latest Lower Decks edition effectively recontextualizes the Excalibans’ motivations. While the original series depicted them as merely curious, this new iteration suggests a more complex agenda. Their willingness to broadcast the matches raises questions regarding their capability for space travel and suggests a potentially advanced society with motives beyond mere observation.
Are the Excalibans a Threat to the Federation?
While the Excalibans may not currently seem aggressive, their telepathic capabilities present a significant risk. The ability to sway minds and create lifelike replicas offers them a powerful advantage in any conflict. Fortunately, their interest lies more in understanding than in domination, aligning them closer to Starfleet’s ethos of exploration.
Nevertheless, the shift in their approach—to broadcast their fights—indicates a newfound sense of superiority and disdain for lesser beings. This modernized perspective elevates the Excalibans from a one-off alien race to a substantial endpoint for future narratives within the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek: Lower Decks #2 is currently available from IDW Publishing!
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