In “TOS” episode “The Squire of Gothos,” the Enterprise came across a mysterious planet called Gothos, home to “General Trelane” (William Campbell). He’d long been observing Earth, but due to light years’ distance, he thought Earth was still in the Victorian era, so he dresses himself and his home like it’s 18th century Europe.
Trelane wants the Enterprise crew to make Gothos their home, and they can hardly say no because he has godlike powers. While Trelane looks human, he’s actually an incorporeal entity … and a child, at that. His parents, not even bothering with human shape, show up to scold him and call him home during his climactic fencing duel with Kirk.
“The Squire of Gothos” is an influential “Trek” episode, one that can be seen as the basis for many future “the Enterprise encounters godlike beings” episodes: “Who Mourns For Adonais?”, “Catspaw,” any of the run-ins involving Captain Picard’s (Patrick Stewart) recurring foe Q (John de Lancie) in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and, of course, “Wedding Bell Blues.”
In this episode, Trelane has put his powers to work by brainwashing everyone, except Korby, to think Spock and Chapel are engaged to be married. He inserts himself into the festivities as their wedding planner (apparently wearing a different face to everyone who lays eyes on him). His goal is as petty as a child’s often is; he’s jealous of how handsome and perfect Dr. Korby is and wants to play a prank on him. Like in “The Squire of Gothos,” the heroes can’t overpower Trelane, but he has no choice but to comply when his dad comes along. (Who voices Trelane’s dad? Q actor John de Lancie, confirming the long-held theory that Trelane is a Q.)
As for how Trelane thought mankind was still in the days of conquest back during “The Squire of Gothos,” when he already got a firsthand look at Starfleet in “Wedding Bell Blues”? Well, “Strange New Worlds” has proven before that it’s willing to waive canon to tell a good story like “Wedding Bell Blues,” and the show is better for it.
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is streaming on Paramount+. New season 3 episodes will hit the streaming service every Thursday until the season is complete.
