You may have missedStar Trek’smost unhingedDoctor WhoEaster Egg, but I did not. Two of the longest-running pop culture franchises,Star TrekandDoctor Who,have made sly references to one another over the years. In issues 26 and 27 ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nine,first published by Malibu in 1995,Trekdrops one of its most unhinged, and coolest,Doctor WhoEaster Eggs yet.
“Mudd’s Pet” was written by Randy and Jean-Marc Lofficier and drawn by Keith Conroy.
In the story “Mudd’s Pets,” appearing as back-up features inStar Trek: Deep Space Nine26 and 27, Horace Mudd arrives on the titular space station, seeking a deal with Quark. Mudd is trafficking cute creatures he has dubbed “Meeps” due to the sound they make. There is a downside to the little critters though: their saliva is a universal solvent.
The Meeps escape from Mudd and wreak havoc onDeep Space Nine, forcing Sisko and company to find a way to stop the cute and cuddly menace from destroying them all.
The Meep,Doctor Who’sCutest Adversary, Explained
Beep the Meep Made the Leap FromDoctor WhoComics to Live Action
The adorable little Meeps that nearly destroyDeep Space Nineare also one of theStar Trekfranchises’ coolestDoctor Whoshout-outs. In 2023, audiences met Beep the Meep in theDoctor Whoepisode “The Star Beast.” Featuring David Tennant as the 14th Doctor, the episode was in fact an adaptation of aDoctor Whocomic book story from over 40 years ago. In issues 19 through 26 ofDoctor Who Weekly, first published between February through April 1980, Beep the Meep was introduced to the mythos, and would become a popular villain.
LongtimeDoctor Whofans were thrilled by Beep’s on-screen debut. In the episode “The Star Beast,” Beep crash-lands on Earth, being pursued by Wararth Warriors. Beep’s cute and cuddly appearance masked a ruthless adversary, one who was not above murder to get what he wanted. Beep the Meep was willing to sacrifice all of London to get his ship off Earth, and the Doctor, assisted by Donna Noble, barely beat him. The episode ends on an ambiguous note, with theMeep being taken by an unknown partycalled “The Boss.”
DidDoctor Who’sMeep InfluenceStar Trek’sVersion?
Regardless, BothDoctor WhoandStar Trek’sMeeps Are Deadly
Beep the Meep would go on to become a popularDoctor Whoantagonist, making additional appearances in the comics as well as novels before making his live action debut. It stands to reason the writers behind “Mudd’s Pets” may have been familiar with the Meep’s history, and the creature’s name could be a shout-out. Both Meeps are adorable in appearance, and both are deadly. WhileDoctor Who’sMeep is intelligent, the Meeps of theStar Trekuniverse are not,and are more akin to Tribbles. And just like Tribbles,Star Trek’sMeeps are an ecological crisis waiting to happen.
Underestimating both versions of the Meep due to their cute and unassuming demeanors has been the downfall of many an alien species.
And “Mudd’s Pets” shows just whatStar Trek’sversion of the Meep is capable of. With their highly destructive saliva, the Meeps nearly bringDeep Space Nineto its knees, and within a matter of days as well. Furthermore, the Meeps of theStar Trekuniverse can assume a decidedly less cuddly look, taking on the appearance of a small dinosaur. Underestimating both versions of the Meep due to their cute and unassuming demeanors has been the downfall of many an alien species. Both, however, met their match in either the Doctor or Starfleet.
Hopefully, One Day,Star TrekandDoctor WhoWill Cross Over On Screen
Until Then, Easter Eggs Like the Meep Will Be All Fans Will Get
BothStar TrekandDoctor Whoare still going strong, meaning unofficial “crossovers” like the Meep will more than likely continue. While the worlds ofStar TrekandDoctor Whohave collided in comics, the likelihood they will ever meet on-screen is very small, making little Easter Eggs such as the Meep the closest fans will get to the two science fiction franchises meeting. ThisDoctor Whoreference inStar Trekis one of the most unhinged, and one that might have slipped fans by.
