In the last two seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, we’ve seen time and again that the Enterprise has a first officer of many talents. Enter Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), who flits from singing her heart out in one episode to staring down Gorn the next. In Season Two’s cliffhanger finale, ‘Hegemony’, we get to see her properly demonstrate her resolve and command chops. But as season three approaches, the fate of Chin-Riley and the rest of the Enterprise crew remains a mystery.
In the lead-up to season three, we have been boldly exploring the stars of Strange New Worlds. So, with her destiny uncertain, let’s unravel the character of Una Chin-Riley through the prequel show’s first two seasons.
Heritage
Una Chin-Riley, known lovingly as Number One, exists as an enigma with her secret Illyrian heritage. Illyrians, genetically engineered before birth, adapt to different planetary environments through modifications. This means the species can thrive in a variety of natural settings.
While other episodes within the franchise explore the Illyrians, Strange New Worlds takes it a step further. By grappling with the banning of genetically modified people from joining Starfleet.
Number One reveals her secret heritage in ‘Ghosts of Illyria’ and deals with a subsequent court martial in ‘Ad Astra per Aspera’. The trial is tough but ultimately brings to life the discrimination the Federation has created through its law. At the end of her trial, Starfleet Command grants Una asylum and clears her of all charges. It’s a powerful story that resonates all too well with present-day behaviors and events.
Character
Una Chin-Riley becomes key to the discussions of loyalty, friendship, and justice throughout the series. Strange New Worlds, in Star Trek style, confronts numerous real-world issues, including civil rights through the character of Number One. The image of Number One in a cell at the start of ‘Ad Astra per Aspera’ is one example. This harkens back to some of the historical framing and early injustice linked to the character. The original Number One also found herself incarcerated. For Una Chin-Riley, the future of her character exists in the past.
Strange New Worlds gives Number One a name and a family history, something the character was denied in her original appearance. Over 60 years ago, the beloved Majel Barrett played Number One in ‘The Cage’. The episode did not air in its entirety until 1988, 24 years after it was first filmed. The shortened version of ‘The Cage’ loses some of Number One’s importance as the first officer compared to the full version. Unfortunately, Number One’s character has been cited as the reason a new pilot for the series was ordered. Many viewers in the 1960s were not ready for a woman in a command position.
For the current version of Chin-Riley’s character, her name Una appears in David Mack’s 2017 novel ‘Desperate Hours’. Tweets from Mack indicate that he named Number One after another Star Trek novelist, Una McCormack. The name eventually became canon during the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. Recent fans of the franchise might not know that the character hails from the first pilot of Star Trek. Both Discovery and Strange New Worlds attempt to seamlessly fold her historic presence from the past to today.
Looking Ahead
Now, Strange New Worlds warps into Season 3 with Rebecca Romijn’s presence as Una Chin-Reily well established. Seeing a woman in a command role on the bridge might not be surprising for modern Star Trek audiences. However, Number One’s historical significance must not be forgotten.
Strange New Worlds returns to Paramount+ on July 17th with more exciting storylines for the whole crew. Looking ahead to the new season brings some well-deserved excitement for the individual characters and their developing storylines. For Una’s character, I hope she continues to have more command responsibilities and maybe a few more showtune moments!
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