The disappearance of the Turtles may be answered in Star Trek: Episode 31.
Delving into the vast universe of Star Trek, one question has been swirling around in fans’ minds for years, as mysterious as the far reaches of space: whatever turtles on Starfleet uniforms are? Iconic in style and meaning, the outfit disappeared without a trace, leaving fans wondering about its fate. But like a shooting star in a giant night, the next Star Trek movie, Episode 31, promises to illuminate this mystery with the long-awaited reappearance of a legendary character from the saga.
Ever since the USS Enterprise-C appeared in “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) that took us back in time to the 2340s, fans have speculated about the fashion process in Starfleet. Kacey Rohl’s character, playing young Captain Rachel Garrett, along with Michelle Yeoh as Empress Philip Giorgio, hint that Episode 31 could be set between the year 2293 and the beginning of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. of TNG in 2364 AD.
Known for being the home of any long-running “Monster Mormon” style home in the franchise’s history, this era is notable for its distinctive red wool jacket and practical yet mysterious turtleneck.
Icon evolution
First seen in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan in 2285, the “Monster Marion” uniforms date back to the beginning of TNG in the 2360s. The design has been preserved through the decades, with insignias on the sleeves and sections marked with colorful shoulder straps. However, the non-turtleneck variant introduced in the USS Enterprise-C uniform begs the question: How long have these collars disappeared from Starfleet uniforms?
Depending on the exact timeline in which episode 31 is set, the series has the potential to unravel the mystery of the mysteriously missing turtles. This change may be due to a more militarized Starfleet opting for a more streamlined version of the “Monster Marmon” uniform, similar to the alternate reality presented in “Yesterday’s Enterprise”. But this doesn’t explain Turlink’s absence in the Prime Timeline flashbacks as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in TNG, or his presence in Captain Christopher Pike’s alternate, future aggressor in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Change in reason?
Exploring further, variations on the “Monster Marion” uniforms designed by Robert Blackman for TNG suggest an evolution in the Lost Era. From “Middle Maroon”, without a turtleneck but a collarless shirt in 2327, to “Mini Maroon”, in 2344, these changes lead us to think that there are internal reasons for this change in the Star Trek universe.
It’s important to note that while uniforms change quickly in other Star Trek eras, “Monster Marmon” has lasted more than 80 years. This phenomenon is all the more remarkable when you consider that Starfleet uniform designs were constantly being adapted and improved, reflecting the diverse needs and aesthetics of their time. The upcoming Episode 31 film not only has the opportunity to shed light on this unique aspect of Starfleet’s history, but also to further explore the rich cultural and temporal tapestry of Star Trek.
With Star Trek: The Next Generation and Episode 31 set to release on Paramount+, fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting for answers to age-old questions across time and space. Will we finally find out the fate of the Elks in Starfleet uniforms? Only time and perhaps the next installment of this intergalactic saga will tell.