Rise of an Emperor: The Georgiou Story Waiting to Be Told

Let’s drop Section 31 and return to the Mirror Universe…Section 31 spoilers to follow

With Star Trek: Section 31 streaming now on Paramount Plus, there’s been a lot of discussion about “what comes next for Trek?” Beyond the obvious—the third and fourth seasons of Strange New Worlds and the upcoming Starfleet Academy series—the future of the franchise seems uncertain, a situation made even more precarious by the impending purchase of Paramount by Skydance.

Will Trek remain primarily a television series, as it began in 1966? Or will the franchise shift more toward straight-to-streaming films, theatrical releases, or even mini-series?

That question leads us back to Section 31. Whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, the film’s opening eight minutes, set in the Terran Empire, are arguably its best. These moments depict a young Phillipa Georgiou (played by Mika Martineau) being crowned Emperor of the Terran Empire after poisoning her entire family and triumphing in what can only be described as a Hunger Games-style contest for the throne.

This introduction holds the potential for an incredible Game of Thrones-style mini-series chronicling Georgiou’s rise and reign as Emperor. Each episode could explore a different time period in her journey, starting with the brutal contest mentioned in Section 31. This opening episode could delve into her relationship with San and the cutthroat politics of the Terran Empire, helping viewers connect with Phillipa while showing the stark realities of her ascent.

Miku Martineau as Young Philippa Georgiou in Star Trek: Section 31 streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

If Star Trek has taught us one thing about the Mirror Universe, it’s that power is constantly challenged—often at knifepoint. The second episode of this hypothetical mini-series could focus on Georgiou’s early days as Emperor, as she consolidates power and faces threats to her rule. This would be a fantastic opportunity for Mika Martineau to flesh out the character’s younger years, while hinting at the commanding presence Michelle Yeoh later brings to the role.

A Terran Empire mini-series wouldn’t just provide a richer backstory for Phillipa Georgiou. It could also offer insights into Mirror Universe versions of familiar characters, such as Michael Burnham, who becomes even more ruthless than her adopted mother. A third episode could depict Burnham’s adoption, showcasing the first glimpse of Georgiou’s compassion—a trait that ultimately leads to her downfall.

The series could also explore the rise of Gabriel Lorca. A fourth episode might detail his betrayal of Georgiou and his alliance with Burnham, setting the stage for the coup we saw in Star Trek: Discovery season one. Jason Isaacs could reprise his role as Lorca, a character fans have clamored to see return. Meanwhile, a fifth episode could escalate into all-out war, pitting Georgiou against Lorca, Burnham, and the Rebellion shown in “The Wolf Inside.”

Jason Isaacs as Gabriel Lorca of the Paramount+ series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Ben Mark Holzberg/CBS © 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

The sixth and final episode would serve as a crescendo, chronicling the final days of Georgiou’s reign and her eventual departure to the Prime timeline. This would wrap up a story spanning decades, offering a definitive and compelling portrait of the Terran Empire—a setting that’s never received its own dedicated series.

Such a venture has the potential to excite fans in countless ways. Once again focusing on bringing back alumni from Discovery, it could reintroduce characters like Captain Killy (played by Mary Wiseman), a fan favorite who would undoubtedly steal scenes. It’s also a chance to further develop the Mirror Universe, a realm ripe with storytelling opportunities, even if there is a belief among some that the Mirror Universe has overstayed its welcome in ongoing Trek stories.

An argument often made against a Terran Empire-focused story is that it’s antithetical to Star Trek’s ethos, glorifying fascism and straying from its optimistic vision. I’ve never subscribed to that view. The darker corners of Trek lore can be just as compelling as the utopian ideals of the Federation. The key lies in how the story is told. Paramount and Michelle Yeoh attempted to explore this with Section 31. While my review and many others suggest it may not have fully succeeded, the ambition behind it should be celebrated.

The time is right for Star Trek to expand beyond Starfleet-centric narratives. For years, fans have dreamed of a series set in the Klingon Empire or a Romulan political thriller (looking at you, Girafe). Exploring the Terran Empire could be the perfect starting point for broader, richer storytelling within the Trek universe.

What do you think? What stories outside the Federation would you like to see brought to the screen?Star Trek: Section 31 is now streaming on Paramount Plus where available. Join the crew this Thursday night for their live deep dive and review at 9:30 PM ET over on YouTube.