Who Are The Fenris Rangers? Star Trek's Underrated Heroes Are Begging For A Spinoff of Their Own

The Fenris Rangers are one of the biggest mysteries of the new era of Star Trek. Mentioned in the first season of Star Trek: Picard, the Fenris Rangers were a vigilante group working in the late 24th century, and at one time counted Seven of Nine among their numbers. The show did not reveal much about the Rangers, such as how they came to be. It also did not go in depth on the Rangers’ mission, other than they protected those who could not defend themselves. Seven joining Starfleet in Picard’s third season seems to put an end to the Rangers storyline.

Yet the idea of the Fenris Rangers is too good a one to let go. The Star Trek universe is immense, and the idea that there is a group of vigilantes working to protect the weak and the helpless fits right in with the franchise’s ethos. The key difference, however, between the Fenris Rangers and Starfleet is that the former works outside the law, which could potentially bring them into conflict with the latter. The Federation takes a dim view of groups who take the law into their own hands, including the Fenris Rangers.

A Fenris Rangers Spin-Off Could Equal Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Lily Sato Is the Perfect Anchor for a Star Trek Fenris Rangers Book

The Fenris Rangers are brimming with story potential, and are ripe for their own spin-off. The Rangers could infuse the Star Trek universe with conflict and drama. Star Trek has never featured a group of outlaw vigilantes as the main characters. Furthermore, any such groups or characters, such as the Maquis, are not depicted in the best of lights. Exploring the dissonance between the law-abiding Starfleet and the rebel Fenris Rangers will make for compelling and gripping stories. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine struck gold in exploring the franchise’s shades of gray, and the Fenris Rangers present the same opportunity.

Furthermore, revealing the origins of the Fenris Rangers could make for great Star Trek stories. Looking at the Rangers’ motivations and what makes people living in the Utopian Federation give it all up to protect the helpless would not only provide great drama, but provide alternate perspectives. When Picard’s first season began, the Rangers had been around for years. Sato’s recruitment comes way before Seven was brought in, and Sato could be the perfect anchor for a Fenris Rangers spin-off book. The chances the Rangers will get a show are slim, making comics the ideal medium for them.

Sato returning to lead a Fenris Rangers title could also provide her with a path to redemption. Sato came from a prominent Starfleet family, and had a lot of pressure riding on her. Sato cracked under it, leading her to ally herself with Section 31, which turned out to be a huge mistake. Sato led Lore directly to the Pleroma. He then destroyed it and recreated the universe in his image. When the multiverse was restored, a fall guy was needed, and Sato was chosen. Sato learned the hard way that Starfleet was not a noble organization.

IDW Needs to Give the Fenris Rangers Their Own Ongoing Star Trek Comic

IDW's Future Spin-Offs Are Exciting, and the Fenris Rangers Could Take it Up a Notch

Sato’s redemption, as well as the chance to learn more about the enigmatic Fenris Rangers, make it the ideal spin-off. IDW is moving forward with their Star Trek comics line, featuring new miniseries such as Redshirts, as well as new ongoings such as The Last Starship. If IDW is searching for another great idea for a book, the publisher should look no further than the Fenris Rangers. A book featuring the Rangers would give fans a look at a new and exciting corner of the Star Trek universe.

Star Trek Omega is on sale now from IDW Publishing!