Why a Worf and Raffi spin-off would work so well for Star Trek

Worf and Raffi had been a bright spot working together on Star Trek: PIcard.

Even in the dim lighting and dark backstreets of Division 6, Worf (Michael Dorn) and Raffi (Michelle Hurd) illuminate the screen when they’re together. The most recent episode of Star Trek: Picard, “Imposters,” showed just how well they really do work together and read one another.

Dorn and Hurd had an instant camraderie when they met. In fact, in a recent interview, Hurd even said they both trusted one another from the start and that has to be huge for two actors who’ve never met. If you need more proof that there is a genuine friendship between the pair, look no further than the recent episode of The Ready Room with Wil Wheaton who talked to Dorn and Hurd about their relationship.

Dorn said he and Raffi are very close spiritually. They both see the world the same way. Hurd said that Worf sees her in a way no one ever has. He makes her feel “not alone,” seen, and not judged by her imperfections. And the friendship between the two is clearly evident.

The actors would make a Worf and Raffi series for Star Trek work.

We already know these characters, and though they’ve only been together briefly in Star Trek: Picard, they have established a solid foundation that could serve as a basis for a new series. So far, there hasn’t been a Star Trek show about the darkest recesses of Starfleet or the Federation, and while there are still talks about Section 31 being in development, there are doubts about Michelle Yeoh’s involvement with her career taking off as it has. If Yeoh isn’t available, the door would be open to bringing in two veteran Star Trek actors.

Though Dorn and Hurd could headline the show, there would be plenty of options of introducing fans to new Star Trek characters…and maybe even keeping a few villains. Beyond that, though, both of these characters are books waiting to be opened.

Raffi has a rich, unexplored backstory that we only caught glimpses of in Season 1 and the beginning of Season 3 of Picard. And Worf’s new journey offers a wealth of possibilities, including the chance his beliefs would contradict what’s required of him by Starfleet. There are just so many possibilities here, and with Dorn and Hurd having already captured lightning in a bottle with their connection, it would be a shame to waste it.

Hopefully, the rumors that have started about a potential spin-off between the pair are more than that. Michael Dorn has always been a strong enough character to lead a series in the Star Trek universe, and though Michelle Hurd hasn’t been a part of the Star Trek family as long, she has carved out a niche unlike any other character. And together, Dorn and Hurd could kick off the next fan-favorite series.