Why the Star Trek: Prodigy uniforms will most likely change

Warning: This post contains spoilers for the Star Trek: Prodigy episode “A Mortal Star.” 

Viewers of the latest episode of Star Trek: Prodigy got a surprise when, before the crew headed to Tars Lamora in an attempt to rescue the miners, they suited up in a different version of the Starfleet uniform. It was unlike any ever seen before, and not only did Dal and his fellow crew members suit up, but so did Captain Janeway’s hologram. And according to an email interview Inverse had with Prodigy showrunners, Dan and Kevin Hageman, there was a reason behind the change.

As the crew launched their rescue attempt, Janeway told them there was nothing more Starfleet than that, which, according to the Hagemans, was the perfect time to bring out Starfleet. But viewers saw a much different, simpler version of the uniform we’ve seen across Star Trek. While the showrunners wanted the moment of donning the uniforms to mean something, they also wanted them to be something different, something unique to the Protostar. But that also means these probably won’t be the only uniforms you’ll see the crew wear.

As the crew of Star Trek: Prodigy evolves, so will their uniforms

Though the crew of the Protostar has now officially debuted their uniforms, they still have a lot to learn, according to the showrunners. What they are wearing now is a “stripped-down design.” But that is likely to change as more time passes and the crew begins to learn more about Starfleet and the Federation. Throughout the evolution of the crew in the upcoming seasons, the Hagemans want their uniforms to evolve with them.

This could certainly make it simpler if new characters are brought on board. Those who aren’t yet familiar with Starfleet could still wear the simpler uniforms while being part of the crew. I don’t know if that’s what the showrunners have in mind, but it’ll be interesting to see what changes are in store for the Protostar’s crew with the passing of the episodes.