Exploring the Uniform Mysteries of Star Trek: Discovery

Visual Continuity in Star Trek

When it comes to the Star Trek franchise, fans have a keen eye for continuity. However, one aspect that often confounds viewers is the design of the uniforms in Star Trek: Discovery. The show is set well after the events of Enterprise and just preceding the original series, but the uniforms bear a strong resemblance to those of the Enterprise crew. This article delves into the reasoning behind the iconic costume choices and explores the subtle evolution of Star Fleet uniforms through the years.

Design Evolution and Visual Continuity

The creators of Star Trek: Discovery made a conscious decision to establish a visual link with previous series while updating the aesthetic for a modern audience. This was done strategically to preserve continuity without entirely discarding the familiar elements beloved by long-time fans. The uniforms in Discovery draw heavily from the blue jackets worn by the Enterprise crew on away missions in the episode "The Cage". This choice seems to be a deliberate attempt to bridge the gap between the utilitarian designs of the early series and the more iconic look of the original series.

Narrative Flexibility and Uniforms as Symbols of Historical Transitions

Star Trek: Discovery is designed to explore themes of progress and change within Star Fleet and the Federation. The choice of uniforms in the show represents a transitional period in the history of Star Fleet. These uniforms symbolize the blending of the earlier utilitarian designs with the more polished aesthetic of the original series. It allows the show to introduce a new generation of characters while maintaining a visual connection to the past.

It's worth noting that uniformed services in the real world often maintain multiple uniforms in service simultaneously. These uniforms might not be replacements but alternatives for different types of duty. For example, the uniforms used on Voyager when first introduced in Deep Space 9 were specific for starbase personnel and only later assigned for starship use. This parallels the US Navy, which at the time used different uniforms aboard ships than for jobs on land.

Evolution of Uniforms Over Time

The evolution of Star Fleet uniforms over time is a pattern that spans the entire Star Trek franchise. During periods when multiple Star Trek shows are clustered together, we often see rapid uniform changes. However, during quieter periods when TV and movies are less active, uniform design can remain consistent for decades. This is evident in the Monster Maroons, which continued to be worn by characters such as Jean-Luc Picard and his younger self, Jack Crusher, even as the design evolved over time.

In the case of Star Trek: Discovery, the creators decided to swap out the utilitarian designs for an updated version, which was clearly meant to be a transitional style. By showing the Enterprise crew donning "the new uniforms" that are not quite identical to the original series, they established a visual continuity that tied the series together. As the series progressed, it became apparent that Discovery was leading to the original series style, and this can be seen in Strange New Worlds where everyone seems to be wearing TOS-style uniforms.

Conclusion

The uniforms in Star Trek: Discovery are part of the show's rich visual storytelling, serving as a tangible link to the past while also hinting at the future. This practice of maintaining continuity across multiple series has become a hallmark of the franchise. As the Star Trek universe continues to expand, these uniforms remain a beloved and iconic part of its legacy.