Strange New Worlds' Lt. Hemmer placed an Andorian on the USS Enterprise, something Star Trek: Enterprise wanted but didn't get to do.
The death of Lt. Hemmer in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds sadly put an end to the show's unofficial homage to Star Trek: Enterprise. Hemmer, the Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike , gave up his life to protect his crew mates from the Gorn in Strange New Worlds episode 9, "All Those Who Wander." Yet Hemmer left an indelible impact in his brief time aboard the Enterprise, especially for his protégé, Cadet Nyota Uhura .
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Hemmer was a blind Aenar, a subspecies of the Andorian race. Although lacking sight, Hemmer's remaining senses were "superior," according to him, and more than compensated. Being blind certainly didn't diminish Hemmer's skills or effectiveness as Chief Engineer, and the Aenar was also wise and compassionate once one penetrated his gruff exterior.
Strange New Worlds, which takes place in the 23rd century a hundred years after Star Trek: Enterprise, homaged its predecessor series with Lt. Hemmer alongside Lt. Spock as part of Captain Pike's Enterprise crew. A Vulcan Science Officer and an Andorian serving together on an Earth vessel, the flagship of the United Federation of Planets, is precisely what Enterprise wanted.
Why Andordians Are Such Popular Star Trek Characters Hemmer was always intended to die in Strange New Worlds, and the show's producers were blindsided by how popular the Aenar became. Yet Hemmer's fate was sealed, just as Star Trek: Enterprise's dwindling ratings and a regime change at the United Paramount Network led to that series' demise.
It really should be no surprise that Androrians have the power to win over Star Trek fans. Andorians are among the earliest aliens introduced in Star Trek, and they were seen in one of the classic Star Trek: The Original Series episodes, "Journey to Babel." The Andorians also visually interesting with their blue skin and prehensile antennae. Just as Star Trek: Enterprise had with Shran, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds struck gold with Hemmer.