10 Star Trek Characters That Gained SUPERPOWERS

2. Sentinel Marie Batel

Marie Batel becomes the Beholder
CBS Media Ventures

Captain Marie Batel has an origin story that could rival Spider-Man himself.

Strange New Worlds succeeded in making the Gorn truly horrifying. Hegemony makes for an atmospheric and spine-chilling creature feature, with the terrifying younglings stalking the streets for food. Things become even more nightmarish when Pike rescues Batel, only to find her already infected with Gorn eggs.

With about half a day left before the Gorn burst out of her, Spock and Chapel cobble together a plan that involves stopping the Gorn from hatching to feed and utilising Una's Illyrian blood. And believe it or not, this is just the start of Batel's superhero arc.

Initially, she reacts well. But mixing Gorn and modified Illyrian DNA has mutation written all over it. And when the Gorn infection returns, M'Benga uses the ominously named chimera blossom to stabilise Batel, essentially turning her into a Gorn hybrid.

Inevitably, the monster inside rears its head when Batel faces the sinister Vezda entity, transforming her into a deadly hunter. In a timey-wimey story designed to give you a headache, she realises that the ancient Beholder statue holding the evil Vezda at bay is, in fact, what she is destined to become, thanks to her unique hybrid biology. And like the badass she has always been, she steps into her role as the Beholder, sacrificing her life to seal the evil away forever.

Admit it, as superhero arcs go, it's a pretty awesome one.

Contributor

Katherine has been boldly going since childhood, when the BBC Two 6pm Star Trek slot changed her life. She was drawn in by the franchise's optimism, compassion and flair for character-driven storytelling. She's been writing stories since she could pick up a pen and has spent far too much time immersed in television, films, books, music and theatre. She loves any chance to talk or write about her favourite fandoms, of which there are many. When not busy writing, she can usually be found playing video games or explaining why the concept of a transporter is actually terrifying.