When Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country was in development, Lieutenant Saavik was scheduled to return and betray the crew. However, this ended up not happening as Gene Roddenberry very much hated the idea. Also director Nicholas Myers wanted Kirstie Alley, who have originated the role in Wrath of Khan to return. He was not interested in having Robin Curtis, who took over the role for The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home, reprise the part. Kirstie Alley either was too expensive, or unable to reprise the role at the time, so it was decided to change Saavik into a new character, Valeris.
As much as I probably would have hated it, I think Valeris should have been Saavik. It would have given the story and the betrayal more punch. Its clear that Valeris was written to be Saavik. The relationship between Spock and Valeris is almost identical to his relationship with Saavik. I mean you watch this movie and Spock goes on about how he intends her to replace him, and its like who’s this random character? Also its a little too on the nose that the new character is the traitor. It would have been more of a shock for the crew and the audience if the traitor had been Saavik. Imagine how much more powerful the scene in Sickbay or when Spock mind melds with Valeris would have been with Saavik instead.
Also I think motivation wise, you could have tied it in with Saavik witnessing David’s murder at the hands of the Klingons. This would also resonate with Kirk and his “Let them die, you said, did I misinterpret you?
I like Valeris as a separate character but also it is funny that Spock had two Vulcan pupils that are at first blush interchangeable. Sure it would have hit harder but I like that we didn’t just jettison all that history either. Personally tho, I’m glad none of it stuck to Saavik
As much as I love The Undiscovered Creature that dramatic zoom when she t ells the two Yeomen to “snap to it” is so bad, so “yes here were are! the betrayal in evidence right here!” that I’m glad some version of this scene don’t exist.
A couple of sidenotes I love. The Valeris Novel that came out about 12 years ago is rather interesting, it really took that long to flesh out her background.
Finally, I love that they recreated Valeris’ introduction scene from Star Trek VI into DC Comics first Captain Sulu story (aka Test of Courage in TPB). The closest you’ll get to Saavik in ST6.
Cadets Saavik and Valeris training at Starfleet Academy in San Francisco, circa 2285. • Saavik and Valeris are two of my favourite minor characters. Originally Saavik was to be the traitor in ‘The Undiscovered Country’ but Gene Roddenberry was concerned how fans would react, and Kirstie Alley and Robin Curtis had both declined to return. • @senyorspock has created some beautiful works exploring these characters which are amongst my favourites of their work. This piece was inspired by them. 🖖
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