The release of the Season 2 trailer for Star Trek: Discovery sparked immediate reactions, and for many fans, the focus quickly shifted to the new uniforms sported by the crew of the USS Enterprise. While debates about canon consistency and uniform evolution are inevitable in the Star Trek universe, these new Enterprise Uniforms present a compelling design that warrants closer examination. Acknowledging the inherent complexities of Starfleet uniform variations, let’s dive into what makes these “enterprise uniform” designs stand out within the Discovery continuity.
One of the most immediate observations is the visual continuity with the Season 1 Discovery blue uniforms. This design choice is logical within the narrative timeline of Discovery. Rather than a complete overhaul, the Enterprise uniforms appear as a refined iteration, maintaining a cohesive visual language within the series. The use of gold, silver, and copper accents, initially introduced in Discovery, continues to be a clever way to differentiate departments while maintaining overall unity.
Several key details highlight the nuanced design of these enterprise uniforms:
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Arrowhead Badge Evolution: The Starfleet arrowhead badge on these uniforms is a notable departure from the Season 1 version. Its new shale-like finish provides a subtle yet effective nod to the fabric and embroidered badges seen in the original Star Trek pilot, “The Cage,” and the subsequent TOS velour uniforms. This subtle design evolution connects the enterprise uniform to its historical predecessors in a visually pleasing way.
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Rank Cuff Stripe Detail: The rank cuff stripes demonstrate a welcome sense of depth and texture. This is a significant improvement over the flatter, iron-on style silver cuff stripes that were a feature of the Kelvin Timeline uniforms, including their updated versions in Star Trek Beyond. The added dimension in the Discovery Enterprise uniforms lends a more sophisticated and realistic feel.
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Captain’s Uniform Distinctions: Captain Pike’s uniform is clearly distinguished by gold cuff rings, contrasting with the silver stripes observed on the Science officer. Furthermore, gold piping adorns both sides of the front zipper, a detail absent from the uniforms of other Enterprise officers. This suggests a hierarchical variation, possibly reserved for commanding officers, echoing similar distinctions seen with Captain Georgiou and Captain Lorca’s uniforms in Season 1 of Discovery. The use of gold for command personnel on the enterprise uniform reinforces classic Starfleet visual cues.
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Departmental Color Accents: While Pike’s gold is evident, the metallic rank designation for other departments requires closer inspection. It remains slightly unclear whether the Operations Officer’s rank stripes are copper, aligning with Discovery’s established color palette, or silver like the Sciences Officer. Copper accents would further integrate the enterprise uniform into the existing Discovery visual framework, but silver remains a plausible option.
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Potential TOS Collar Influence: The asymmetric collar, a defining characteristic of the Discovery uniforms, prompts speculation about a future evolution towards a more symmetrical, TOS-style V-collar in black. However, given the costume designer’s apparent commitment to the asymmetric design, a radical shift seems unlikely. The current collar design, while modern, maintains a visual link to the broader Discovery uniform aesthetic.
Ultimately, the Enterprise uniforms in Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 strike a positive chord. They successfully bridge the gap between modern design sensibilities and the iconic elements of Starfleet uniforms. While discussions about strict adherence to established canon are always valid, these uniforms offer a visually compelling and narratively justifiable evolution. They arguably represent what big-screen TOS uniforms could have looked like, offering a fresh yet respectful interpretation of classic Starfleet attire within the context of Star Trek: Discovery. For many viewers, these enterprise uniforms are a welcome addition to the ever-expanding wardrobe of Starfleet history.
