Commentary — Good Or Bad, ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Justified Its Existence
by Frank Martin
Fans tend to look at television shows and films as a matter of good or bad, but entries into expansive franchises exist for other purposes than just quality. When stories add to existing canon, they can be viewed as more than just a piece of entertainment. They become enshrined in the lore and give meaning to characters, storylines, and even the universe itself. Star Trek: Section 31 received a largely negative reception from critics and Trek fans, but the film’s plot could be viewed as serving a larger purpose within the mythology that was largely successful.
The movie follows Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh), a character who hails from the Mirror Universe — a reality where regular Star Trek characters are evil and constantly at war. After becoming stuck in the Prime Universe, she is recruited by Starfleet’s covert ops division, Section 31. But when she goes rogue, another Section 31 team tracks her down outside of Starfleet’s jurisdiction. Together, Philippa and the team have to stop a weapon called the Godsend, which has the potential to destroy the entire universe.
Section 31 has existed as an organization since it premiered in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine almost thirty years ago. It exists as a part of Starfleet yet operates outside of its normal bureaucracy. It was positioned as a clandestine organization meant to battle threats that Starfleet otherwise can’t. DS9 tackled this slightly, and Section 31 was also mentioned in Star Trek: Discovery, but the film puts the organization in the spotlight. It demonstrates why Section 31 is actually needed — the threat of the Godsend was great and Starfleet itself wouldn’t have been able to stop it. Regardless of how fans received the film, it’s plot succeeded in illustrating why Section 31 should exist and have a proper place within the canon.
Star Trek: Section 31 is now streaming on Paramount+.
