Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Explained One Reason Why Sam Kirk Left Starfleet

"Lost in Translation" provides good reasons for Sam Kirk’s inevitable decision to leave Starfleet with a visit from his legendary younger brother.


Fans of the original series were surprised when Sam Kirk joined the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds in Season 1. Until then, all anyone had known about the brother of the legendary James T. Kirk was that he was a civilian with a wife and children. With no previous mention of his service in Starfleet, the revelation that Sam had served aboard Enterprise before his brother was astonishing, and left an important question to be answered.


Since Strange New Worlds premiered on Paramount+ on May 5, 2020, the series has been answering many of the burning questions about the original crew of the Enterprise. It's also created a few new ones. Not least among them is the question of what happened to Lt. Sam Kirk between his tour and the moment James T. Kirk became captain of the Enterprise.


Strange New Worlds Offers a Peek at the Life of Captain Kirk’s Big Brother


Little was known about George Samuel Kirk before Strange New Worlds launched on Paramount+ a little over a year ago. The first mention of Captain Kirk's older brother came in TOS, Season 1, Episode 9, "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" when it was mentioned that Sam saw his little brother off when Captain Kirk took command of the U.S.S. Enterprise in 2265. At the time, Sam had been hoping to be transferred to the Earth Colony II research station. Sam wasn't mentioned again until Season 1, Episode 29, "Operation: Annihilate," when the Enterprise traveled to the planet Deneva, where Sam had been living and working as a civilian research biologist. By the time Captain Kirk reached his brother, Sam had been killed by an alien parasite. After that, no other mention was made of Jim Kirk's big brother in film or television until he appeared on Strange New Worlds.


When Lt. Kirk reported for duty aboard the Enterprise at the end of the pilot episode of SNW, it was a surprise since there'd been no previous mention of his time in Starfleet. The series has given audiences a better look at the life and career of the xenoanthropologist. From serving on away missions as shown in Season 1, Episode 2, "Children of the Comet," to annoying Mr. Spock with his untidiness in Season 2, Episode 5, "Charades," Sam has proven to be a uniquely laid-back officer with an enthusiasm for exploration and discovery. So, why will he eventually leave Starfleet to perform research as a civilian? Strange New Worlds' latest episode may have provided some insight into that decision.


Strange New Worlds Indicates Sam’s Departure is Due to Kirk Family Dynamics


In Season 2, Episode 6, "Lost in Translation," Sam and Jim Kirk were reunited when the latter came aboard the Enterprise to assist in a vital mission. While the two brothers enjoyed a drink in the ship's bar, it was revealed that Jim had been promoted to first officer aboard the U.S.S. Farragut, surpassing their father to become the youngest first officer in fleet history. This proved to be a sore spot for Sam, who shares their father's name but not his ambitions. Sam showed bitterness and hostility toward his kid brother for being ambitious and career-driven like their father. George Kirk seemed to have specific ideas of what made for a successful life and career, and Sam didn't meet those criteria.


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