Summary
Star Trekhas had many memorable captains over the course of its franchise. Throughout the years, perhaps one of the most famous science fiction debates has been whetherKirk or Picard is the best captain. Other fans have gravitated toward Captain Sisko due to his complexity and depth. Janeway, despiteVoyager’s less-than-popular status, has also been hailed as a resilient captain who didher best to make ethical decisions.
Star Trek: Strange New Worldsmainly follows Captain Pike, who was first introduced inThe Original Seriesin the original pilot “The Cage,” and later appeared in Season 1’s two-parter “The Menagerie.” Fans are well aware of Pike’s tragic fate, which makes learning about Pike’s backstory inSNWthat much more intriguing — especially since he himself is aware what awaits him. One interesting facet is that Pike has a relationship with a woman who,according to canon, cannot last.
Captain Marie Batel,played by Melanie Scrofano, is the captain of the USS Cayuga and is first introduced to audiences as Captain Pike’s girlfriend inSNW’s Season 1, Episode 1 “Strange New Worlds.” The two of them have a long-distance, at first more casual, relationship, being on other ships. Nonetheless, they make time for one another when they are available. Although Batel did not make many appearances in Season 1, she was shown to have much more depth than a simple love interest.
Batel Served as the Prosecuting Officer in Una’s Trial
In Season 1, Episode 10 “A Quality of Mercy,” Captain Batel boards the Enterprise and announces that, despite being sorry about it, she has to arrest Una Chin-Reily because shehid the fact that she was an Illyrianfrom Starfleet, and they have a ban on genetic modifications. Although she had romantic ties with Pike and could express sympathy for this task, she proved that she was, above all, committed to her job.
Season 2 further explores Batel’s character. In Season 2, Episode 2 “Ad Astra per Aspera,” Batel tried to advocate for Chin-Riley the best way she knew how: by getting Chin-Riley a plea deal. She would be dishonorably discharged, but would avoid exile. Chin-Riley rejected this deal and sought to obtain her own counsel. Batel was frustrated, since she did what she thought was best in a bad situation. As a result, Batel’s co-counselJudge Advocate Pasalkamended the charges to try and make an example out of Chin-Riley.
Although Batel did her duty as co-counsel, it was clear that she was moved by Chin-Riley’s testimony about her experience as an Illyrian under the Federation. In the end, Chin-Riley was able to avoid court-martial and return to the Enterprise. This episode showed that while Batel is a dedicated Starfleet officer, that does not mean she can’t feel empathy at the same time, even as opposing co-counsel.
Long-Distance Relationships Are Hard
Although Pike and Batel at first seemed to have an idyllic relationship, anyone who has ever been in along-distance relationship knows that it comes with challenges. Add in professional stress and commitment worries, and things can get even messier. In Season 2, Episode 4, “Among the Lotus Eaters,” Pike and Batel try to have dinner together, but frequent calls interrupt them. Although they try to ignore them, Batel gets a call that she has to answer. She discovers that she was passed over for a promotion to commander as retaliation for losing her case against Chin-Riley.
Pike, worried that their relationship was damaging Batel’s career, suggests they should pump the brakes. His good friend Chin-Riley, however, suggests that this had more to do with Pike being fearful of someone getting close to him. By the end of the episode, Pike apologizes to Batel, and the two make up.
Inthe musical episodeSeason 2, Episode 9 “Subspace Rhapsody,” Pike and Batel argue over a canceled vacation, and she further accuses Pike, in song, of running away from her. In the end, they agree to a compromised vacation.
…And Then The Gorn Attacked
Right when it seemed like Batel and Pike were communicating, things went awry in Season 2, Episode 10 “Hegemony.” While Batel was assisting the colony planet Parnassus Beta,the Gorn destroyed the Cayuga. Batel was able to survive with most of her crew, who were on the planet at the time. However, not all was well. Batel was infected with Gorn eggs, which, given the short incubation period, meant that it would only be a matter of time before it became an issue. Thankfully, Batel was beamed onto the Enterprise, where Nurse Chapel treated her. Heartbreakingly, Batel asked Pike to ensure that she is killed if there was no way to treat her. Until Season 3 premieres, her fate is up in the air.
Batel is a great match for Pike. Considering that they are both captains, each knows the struggles that the other contends with on a day-to-day basis. They have fun together, andhave great chemistry. Although, like any couple, they have their disagreements, they communicate and work through their problems. Aside from being Pike’s girlfriend, Batel is shown to be dedicated to her work, intelligent, and brave. While her death might propel the series forward dramatically, it seems like her character was just getting started, and it would be great to see her shine even more.
