HasKhan Noonien Singh, Harry Mudd, Q, and Gul Dukat.
Modern Star Trek (2009 onward) has largely failed to recreate that string of villainous chart-toppers. Across the Kelvin timeline movies and Paramount+ streaming output, Star Trek either rehashes old favorites (the Borg Queen and Q in The Next Generation's Klingon design. Even Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with its episodic structure and throwback vibe has failed to produce a villain worthy of getting a callback... until now.
Strange New Worlds' episode 7 introduces Jesse James Keitel as Captain Angel - a pirate operating on the edge of Federation space with their ship, the Serene Squall. Space buccaneers are nothing new to Star Trek but Captain Angel is several cuts above the rest, and that's largely down to Keitel's mesmerizing and charismatic portrayal. Transforming from the reserved and diplomatic "Dr. Aspen" alter ego, Captain Angel suddenly explodes into a whirlwind of scathing dialogue and flamboyant intimidation, mocking foes so ruthlessly even Spock would it their put-downs are quite amusing. Think Agatha Harkness and The Master spawning an especially sarcastic child... Although Angel only reveals their true identity in the final third of "The Serene Squall," Keitel grabs that 15-minute window by the scruff of its neck and delivers what Star Trek has spent over a decade searching for - a fan-favorite enemy who lights up the screen and holds enough character potential to return for decades to come.
Sheer force of personality isn't the only reason Captain Angel can become Star Trek's next great villain - their personal connection to Spock creates a connection to franchise mythology that's ripe for exploration. As Sybok's lover, Angel is effectively Spock's sibling-in-law, but the troublesome Vulcan prisoner is also a revolutionary among his people, defying logic and order in favor of emotion and chaos. Sybok's political leanings surely signal Captain Angel is no mere space pirate raiding stray ships for fun and credits - they have a more ambitious, philosophical goal in mind that could threaten the Federation's very foundations. With surprisingly advanced technology and that famous black flag loyalty "Dr. Aspen" spoke of, the Serene Squall's Captain Angel is a Star Trek villain like no other - not a machine, warrior, god, or superhuman, but a clever, cunning, charming criminal bold enough to seize the Enterprise on their first try.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds already seems to have noted Captain Angel's long-term franchise potential. After the plan to free Sybok is thwarted, Captain Pike's log makes sure to confirm Angel escaped capture after warping off in a shuttle, whereas their crew weren't so lucky. This unlikely escape (not to mention Strange New Worlds' shocking Sybok reveal) all but confirms Jesse James Keitel will be back to trouble the Enterprise before long. With any luck, Captain Angel will become one of those perennial villains Star Trek's protagonists just can't shake off.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues Thursday on Paramount+.