With nearly 60 years on the air, dozens of shows and films, books, and video games stretching as far as the eye can see, you'd think everyone would have seen at least one thing from the franchise. Right? A favorite show, a favorite movie; something, anything. Yet there are some who have never engaged with the franchise before coming on to work for them.
That's the case for Carol Kane, who plays the beloved Chief of Engineering Pelia. She is a Lanthanite, which means Kane's career is nearly immortal. Their species does not have short life spans, in fact, quite the opposite. Aside from The Q and other god-like beings of nature, the Lanthanite are likely the longest-living corporeal species in the Star Trek mythos.
Yet, despite having thousands upon thousands of years of life afforded to them, Kane herself has never been able to find time to watch Star Trek. The irony. When speaking to TrekMovie.com recently, Kane was asked how she felt about being part of Star Trek and further if she was familiar with the franchisee. To which Kane responded;
"I’m bowled over. I’m so grateful, and it’s such an adventure for me. I love it."
But when asked if she was familiar with Star Trek (or Strange New Worlds), Kane simply said,
"Not at all. I’m just on an adventure."
Despite her unfamiliarity with the role and the franchise, Kane went on to gush about working for the show and everything that goes into it. Namely, the relationship the audience has with the characters. So while she's new to the universe, she does seem to really appreciate that the show is as successful as it is.
Whether or not Kane is a long-time fan of the franchise doesn't affect her ability to deliver in her role. A role that she has brought an enormous amount of light and love to. Kane's turn as Pelia has won over fans left, right, and center; leaving little doubt that Kane deserves a bigger role as the series continues on.