For decades, fans of Star Trek have wondered what happened to Number One. Introduced in the franchise's original unaired pilot back in 1965, the character—officially named Una Chin-Riley—was famously sidelined when the network demanded changes. Now, nearly 60 years later, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is finally giving her the story she always deserved.
Played with quiet authority by Rebecca Romijn, Una has been a standout in the Paramount+ series since its debut. But as the show prepares to wrap after five seasons, fans worried she might fade into the background again. At CCXP Mexico, Romijn put those fears to rest with some exciting news.
Una's Journey from Secret to Leader
In Season 1, viewers learned that Una is an Illyrian—a species that practices genetic augmentation, a practice strictly forbidden by the Federation after the Eugenics Wars. This secret identity added layers of tension and vulnerability to her character, making her one of the most compelling figures on the Enterprise. However, as the series progressed, her storyline seemed to take a backseat to other crew members.
Romijn revealed that will change dramatically in the upcoming seasons. “We get to see a much freer Una, who gets to lead missions starting in seasons 4 and 5,” she said. “Una makes a request at the beginning of season 4 for more time on the planet. And now that she is living her authentic self, she gets to lead these incredible missions.”
This shift promises to explore Una's full potential as a leader, something the original 13-minute appearance of the character never allowed. It's a payoff that fans of the franchise—and of great character arcs—have been waiting for.
A Series Built on Legacy and Fresh Energy
Strange New Worlds has been praised for balancing classic Star Trek camp with modern storytelling. Anson Mount's Captain Pike carries the weight of his tragic future, while Ethan Peck's Spock and Celia Rose Gooding's Nyota Uhura round out a stellar ensemble. But Una's journey has always felt like the show's secret weapon.
Romijn's portrayal brings a steely grace to the role, making Una's internal conflict—between duty and identity—feel deeply personal. Now, with the clock ticking toward the series' end, the writers are giving her the spotlight she's earned.
As Strange New Worlds heads into its final seasons, Una Chin-Riley's evolution from a hidden figure to a commanding officer is exactly the kind of character growth that makes great TV. It's a fitting tribute to a character who waited 59 years for her moment.
