Star Trek: 10 Most Shocking Returns
1. Sulu (Star Trek: Lower Decks)
Star Trek: Lower Decks has been a true gift for long-term fans of the franchise. This list alone has offered some incredible surprise returns in that show alone, though it isn't a show that is entirely devoted to fan service. While some cameos are there to make us simply smile, there are others that are handled so deftly and beautifully that they rank among the most moving scenes in Star Trek.
Crisis Point II: Paradoxus sees Bradward Boimler attempt to write his own holodeck program, to the usual mixed levels of results. Mariner quickly shows him how easy it is to confuse the system, but neither of them were expecting a certain vision that Boimler has toward the end. He arrives on a farm, but not just any farm. The letterbox says 'Kirk' and Boimler sees the shadow of a figure brushing down a horse.
The voice that rises is not that of William Shatner, but George Takei, reprising the role of Captain Hikaru Sulu. He is there to offer the young officer sage wisdom and advice, speaking softly of his own personal journey and even tragedies. The scene, arriving largely out of the blue, was devastatingly moving, yet instantly uplifting as well.
While Takei has returned in both the Very Short Treks and Star Trek: Khan, it was this surprise, sweet cameo that truly melted our hearts.