Georgiou Section 31 spin-off series confirmed

Rumoured for some months now, CBS have today confirmed they are planning to go forward with Discovery spin-off series featuring once-Emperor Philippa Georgiou and her exploits in Section 31, starring of course the magnificent Michelle Yeoh.

CBS press release describes the series as a "black ops" show, outlining it as follows:

The series will expand on Yeoh’s current role as a member of Starfleet’s Section 31 division, a shadow organization within the Federation, on STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

The series will be written and executive produced by talent from the Discovery team: Writing partners Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt. The usual suspects from CBS Television Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment, Alex Kurtzman, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth will all also be executive producers.

Alex Kurtzman has this to say about the series:

Michelle has shattered ceilings, broken boundaries, and astonished us with her grace and gravitas for decades. As a human, I adore her. As an actor, I revere her. Erika and Boey are remarkable, exciting writers who bring a fresh perspective to the world of ‘Star Trek,’ and we’re all thrilled to explore the next wild chapter in the life of Captain Philippa Georgiou.

Which Michelle Yeoh made clear her enthusiasm for the role:

I’m so excited to continue telling these rich ‘Star Trek’ stories. Being a part of this universe and this character specifically has been such a joy for me to play. I can’t wait to see where it all goes – certainly I believe it will go ‘where no WOMAN has ever gone before!’

And I echo Yeoh gender emphasis there, it is fantastic to see a another new series featuring a female lead character, but an all too rare Asian lead, and female talent leading the way behind the camera too. Bravo to the current Star Trek team for their genuine efforts to reflect the diversity of the world now, and in Star Trek's future.

Might it be reading too much into Kurtzman's word choice of referring to the character as Captain that this series might also include some flashback to the prime-Georgiou on the Shenzhou? Probably, but I'd certainly be happy if that happened, as I found that Georgiou to be one of the most instantly likable characters Star Trek has ever offered us.

Having an evil dictator as the primary antagonist will have to do more work, but I have faith in the people involved to pull it off! Plus of course we have no idea where the events of Discovery season two might leave Georgiou before this spin-off event gets going.

As yet the series has no title or release date.