The journey through Samuel A. Peeples’ early story treatment for Star Trek II continues, and this week, we’re venturing into some of the most imaginative territory yet.
Long before the final script for The Wrath of Khan took shape, Peeples envisioned a film that introduced entirely new characters to the Trek universe. There’s a brilliant young doctor with unorthodox methods and a bold romantic interest in Dr. McCoy. Then there’s Sub-Commander Thal Arctos: a towering, genetically engineered officer who's all Starfleet and part polar bear.
These ideas never made it to screen, but they offer a fascinating look into the creative what-ifs of Star Trek’s cinematic future. Returning guest Ben Robinson helps us unpack these bold swings, what they tell us about the era, and why some of Trek’s most intriguing concepts are the ones fans have never seen... until now.
Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples’ Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt, part 2)
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The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha
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