Who is Captain Rayner?

[Quantum21]

According to early reviews Captain Rayner is a breakout character. Who is he, what do we know about him?

He's a wartime Captain having a hard time coping with peace.

What war are we talking about? The Emerald Chain?

He has pointy ears.

He does not look Romulan or Vulcan. Like some other characters we've seen in the 32nd century, including the President, he appears to share genetic heritage with multiple species.

He commands a new starship.

It could be a stop gap model for the new Starfleet. Possibly a cross between different classes just to get some new ships in service. The Galaxy is still unstable.

Rayner appears to have a grudge against this year's treasure hunting antagonists.

This might cause some conflict with Burnham and crew.

What else do we know?

 

[Tuskin38]

I'm 99% sure a press thing from CBS/Paramount called him Romulan.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Weird ass ears for a Romulan but

Perhaps the Temporal Wars? Or maybe they'll invent some new post-Burn local conflicts?

 

[The Wormhole]

He's a wartime Captain having a hard time coping with peace.

What war are we talking about? The Emerald Chain?

Possible, though it's also possible they aren't being so literal when they say "wartime." It can be argued that after the Burn Starfleet was in a "wartime" mode as their duties turned strictly defensive with no exploration or scientific endeavors being done in this time. Since finding the dilithium planet at the end of S3 the Federation has entered a prosperous new period which could accurately be referred to as "peacetime."

He has pointy ears.

He does not look Romulan or Vulcan. Like some other characters we've seen in the 32nd century, including the President, he appears to share genetic heritage with multiple species.

He is Romulan, though I guess he could have other races DNA in there. Rayner is a human name, though given modern Trek has given us pure-blooded aliens named Linus, Barnes, Jennifer and Taylor, that might not mean anything.

 

[Avro Arrow]

What else do we know?

Not much. Just that there are many copies.

And he has a plan.

 

[fireproof78]

He is Romulan, though I guess he could have other races DNA in there. Rayner is a human name, though given modern Trek has given us pure-blooded aliens named Linus, Barnes, Jennifer and Taylor, that might not mean anything.

What's in a name and who said he was Romulan?

 

[The Wormhole]

What's in a name and who said he was Romulan?

As mentioned above, I'm quite certain there was a press release stating the character is Romulan. Though a quick Google search just shows a bunch of questions asking when was it confirmed he was Romulan.

 

[ED-209]

Could he be Mintakin? That would be a nice touch.

 

[Quantum21]

I'm 99% sure a press thing from CBS/Paramount called him Romulan.

I don't recall that, but I noticed in the newer interviews after the screening they were being more coy. He could still be more than just Romulan.

Not much. Just that there are many copies.

And he has a plan.

A mechanical answer!

 

[NCC-73515]

Wouldn't his eyebrows be less human then? (Yes, T'Pol before S3, Saavik, etc., but in new Trek they've been consistent so far)

 

[Michael]

Seán Ferrick in his spoiler-free review of the first four episodes of season five predicts it’ll be another “Lorca situation” with Captain Rayner, meaning that fans will fall in love with the character and the actor portraying him. I’m looking forward to finding out if that holds true.

 

[Quantum21]

Seán Ferrick in his spoiler-free review of the first four episodes of season five predicts it’ll be another “Lorca situation” with Captain Rayner, meaning that fans will fall in love with the character and the actor portraying him. I’m looking forward to finding out if that holds true.

I think he was compared to Captain Shaw as well somewhere. A standout. I just hope he's not mentally unstable like Shaw.

 

[The Wormhole]

Just as I hope the Lorca comparisons don't mean the character will be completely ruined and they turn him into an actual villain at the end of the season.

 

[Tuskin38]

According to SFX Magazine his species is

Spoiler

Kellerun
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Kellerun

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[fireproof78]

Just as I hope the Lorca comparisons don't mean the character will be completely ruined and they turn him into an actual villain at the end of the season.

No, just an ass but an irredeemable one because in the 32nd century they should be more evolved.

He will die unceremoniously.

 

[Quantum21]

According to SFX Magazine his species is

Spoiler

Kellerun
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Kellerun

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

A-ha!

Spoiler: Hairy situation

Not Canon without the hair!!! Hmph

 

[NCC-73515]

Comparison pic here

https://blog.trekcore.com/2024/03/sfx-magazine-star-trek-discovery-spotlight-rayner-species/

 

[fireproof78]

Comparison pic here

https://blog.trekcore.com/2024/03/sfx-magazine-star-trek-discovery-spotlight-rayner-species/

Oh, cool!

That issue has a Fallout article.

 

[Quantum21]

Oh, cool!

That issue has a Fallout article.

I bought this digital issue, and it's a good reminder why Mags like this are still interesting.

 

[TimeIsAPredator]

It turns out in the end that he isn't Captain Rayner but an impersonator by the name of Stanley Kowalski.
The real Rayner is on a black ops mission.