**SPOILERS for the Strange New Worlds Season One Finale Abound**
In what ended up being a surprise to some, Captain James T. Kirk, albeit not quite the one we know, made his Strange New Worlds debut in the show's season one finale, "A Quality of Mercy," played masterfully by Paul Wesley.
When Captain Pike travels to a future in which he escapes his fate, he comes face to face with the would-be captain of the Enterprise. But in this alternate timeline, Pike is still in command; instead, Jim is captain of the U.S.S. Farragut.
"A Quality of Mercy" proceeds to play out the events of the classic Original Series episode "Balance of Terror," with Kirk and Pike at odds at some points during the episode but finding mutual respect and admiration for each other in the episode's conclusion.
Originally announced as a guest star for Strange New Worlds' second season, the debut of Captain Kirk is a delightful surprise. And as the crew talked about on the pod last night, it will be pretty interesting to see what they do with him in season two.
And the icing on the cake? The good folks at Paramount have given us a closer look at some iconic Captain Kirk poses with eleven new promo shots featuring Paul Wesley.
Captain James T. Kirk, U.S.S. Farragut:
Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk - Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
