10 Biggest Missed Opportunities in Star Trek: Section 31

2. Exercising Control On The Narrative

Star Trek Section 31 Control
CBS Media Ventures

Section 31 was introduced in Deep Space Nine as a secretive, shadowy organisation. It excelled in its endeavours, operating away from the limelight. Though a variant existed in Starfleet's early days, Section 31 from Discovery was a not-so-secret militia, armed with space stations and starships. The computer program running the whole show was Control.

In Section 31 the film, Control returned. Rather than a semi-sentient A.I. bent on destroying organic life, it's Jamie Lee Curtis. Look at that smile, she's not going to hurt you, is she?

Though included as a nod to Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, Curtis's appearance raises questions. Why, after going to war against it, and losing the USS Discovery in the process, would Section 31 immediately name their new boss Control as well? This seems like a grim way to 'honour' the legacy of what came before.

There was no need to name the character Control. While naming her 'Agent Daniels' might have raised more questions than it answered, it felt an unnecessary inclusion. 

While we're on the topic - why did they play a super secret mission briefing in the middle of a bar? Are secrets still a part of this secret organisation or not? 

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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"