Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1!
Star Trek’s Counselor Troi has revealed the dark side of her empathic powers. For seven seasons, the half-human, half-Betazoid Deanna Troi served as ship’s counselor for the Enterprise, aided by her ability to detect emotions. In Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1, the Enterprise encounters an evil entity that feeds on fear, leading to chaos aboard the ship–and the revelation of a huge downside to her empathic abilities.
When Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987, fans immediately noticed some key differences between the new show and the beloved Original Series. One was the introduction of families aboard starships, and the other was the addition of a ship’s counselor. This position, part of the Sciences division, was responsible for the mental well-being of the crew. Deanna Troi, played by Marina Sirtis, had the ability to sense emotions thanks to being half-Betazoid. These abilities served her well in the role, but as seen in Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1, these gifts have come with a dark side.
Counselor Troi Reveals Her Worst Fear
Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1 is written by Chris Sequeira and drawn by Joe Eisma. The issue opens with the Enterprise having just passed through a tense cosmic storm. Troi reflects on her duties as counselor, noting that they “come with a terrible knowledge.” Troi explains she sees the “monster” that stalks the ship, and its name is anxiety. Troi fears that a great explosion of fear and anxiety on the ship would pose a grave threat to her emotional state as it would overwhelm her and do serious damage.
Betazed Has a Dark Side
The telepathic Betazoids are an integral race in the Star Trek universe, and the franchise has shown dark sides to their culture and biology. Zanthi Fever is a condition that affects Betazoids, causing spikes in emotion among other beings. Troi’s mother Lwaxana suffered from it, and its dark effects were seen in a recent episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks as well. Most Betazoid are not telepathic when they are born, instead growing into it as they age. A few unlucky ones are born telepathic, and often have problems adjusting through life. Betazoid culture is sensual and hedonistic, but there is a darkness under the surface.
What kind of damage the evil entity could do to Troi is left up to the imagination of the reader, but as the wave of fear continues to escalate aboard the Enterprise, Troi notes it could “suffocate her.” Whether she meant it physically or mentally is irrelevant. The explosion in fear and anxiety throughout the ship pose a grave threat to Counselor Troi and the uncertainty how it could impact her only heightens the terror even more. Star Trek’s Counselor Troi’s powers made her ideal for the job, but they come with a huge downside, one that threatens to kill her.
Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!
