Star Trek: Discovery ended its fourth season on a triumphant note on Paramount+, with a surprise cameo from one very prominent Trekker, Stacey Abrams, who made a childhood dream come true. But before we continue, there are some massive spoilers for Star Trek: Discovery contained herein.
Current gubernatorial candidate for the state of Georgia Stacey Abrams made a surprise appearance on the season four finale of Star Trek: Discovery, “Coming Home.” After saving the Earth and the planet Ni’Var ( formerly Vulcan), from a destructive alien machine, Captain Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and her crew arrive home to welcome news. After more than a century away, Earth has agreed to rejoin the Federation. And formally announcing their return, its President arrives to let Starfleet know. And Abrams got the chance to join the franchise she loves so much in this pivotal role, which brings to a close a two-season arc of the series. Yes, Stacey Abrams became Star Trek‘s President of United Earth.
Speaking to Deadline, Discovery star Sonequa Martin-Green said “I’m still floored when I think about Stacey gracing us with her presence in our Season 4 finale. We spent so much of our time fanning out and pretending to be cool in her midst. She’s a legend in the making and a civil hero, and she was an absolute delight to work with. She wowed us with her charm, humility, and generosity, and she whipped out some acting chops too! It was an honor for me as a Black woman to stand with her in the story. It’s an experience I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
So how did this cameo happen? After all, Stacey Abrams is a pretty busy woman. In an interview with TV Line, series director-producer Olatunde Osunsanmi said it all came about thanks to the ship’s doctor. Actor Wilson Cruz, who plays Dr. Culber on the series, was friendly with Abrams. It was Cruz who got Discovery showrunner Michelle Paradise and executive producer Alex Kurtzman to contact her. As a legitimately huge fan of the franchise, Abrams jumped at the chance. And the rest, as they say, is (future) history.
Will Abrams return to Star Trek‘s world? That’s still up in the air. But Star Trek: Discovery has been renewed for a fifth season. And now that Earth is in the Federation again, anything is possible. Although we imagine Abrams may be too busy to film this year, what with an important race for governor and all. But we have a feeling she’d take some time to visit the 32nd century again.
