Summary
- Mark Twain has made multiple appearances and references in Star Trek, starting with his cameo in Star Trek: The Next Generation in the episodes "Time's Arrow, Part 1" and "Time's Arrow, Part 2."
- Captain Picard of The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard has a love for Mark Twain, as seen in his paraphrasing of Twain's famous quote and his display of a photo with Twain in his study.
- Captain Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager also appreciates Twain's works, as shown when she gifts a copy of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court to her romantic interest in the episode "Spirit Folk." The love of literature brings them closer together.
Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 4 – "Something Borrowed, Something Green"
The Star Trekfranchise has never been afraid to put its love of classic literature on full display, but Mark Twain (Jerry Hardin) is the only author to actually visit the USS Enterprise. Throughout its long history, Star Trek has made several references to classic American writer Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel L. Clemens. Star Trek's love affair with Mark Twain began in Star Trek: The Next Generation when Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) found himself in 1890s San Francisco, California in TNG season 5, episode 26, "Time's Arrow, Part 1."
While Mark Twain only appeared on TNG, references to the author and his work have found their way into several different Star Trek projects. Many other famous authors have been referenced in Star Trek over the years, with many episode titles referencing William Shakespeare in particular. However, with the hilarious cosplaying of Mark Twain in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 4, "Something Borrowed, Something Green," Twain seems to be the author Star Trek just keeps coming back to. Here is every reference to Mark Twain in Star Trek.
