Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ season 2 shows why it’s fast becoming the flagship show of the entire franchise. Not only does its episodic nature take veteran Trekkies back to Star Trek’s golden age, but the overall feel and themes that the show champions also align with the stories from the pre-Discovery era.
From human Spock, to M'Benga's war-torn backstory, season 2 had it all. Let’s dive into what else made the second season of Strange New Worlds hit all its marks. If you want to weigh in with your own thoughts, shoot us an email at [email protected]. Or you can find us on social media. Open a channel and hail us:
From human Spock, to M'Benga's war-torn backstory, season 2 had it all. Let’s dive into what else made the second season of Strange New Worlds hit all its marks. If you want to weigh in with your own thoughts, shoot us an email at [email protected]. Or you can find us on social media. Open a channel and hail us:
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - Was Season 2 Just As Good As Season 1?
Season 2 of Strange New Worlds did its best to keep its audience on their toes. The entertainment factor was through the roof. Each episode had the unique quality of being easily identifiable as part of the sci-fi juggernaut, while dipping its toes (and at times, entire its body) into new genres.
The introduction of Carol Kane as the eccentric Commander Pelia also added not only a fresh burst of energy to the cast of Strange New Worlds, but the season 2 addition also installed an intriguing new species into Star Trek lore. Pelia, a member of a new species named the Lanthanites, fills the vacant spot of chief engineer aboard the USS Enterprise.
Her species also has a lifespan far greater than many other humanoid Star Trek species. This opens up an exciting avenue for time travel stories - an opportunity explored immediately in episode 3.
The introduction of Carol Kane as the eccentric Commander Pelia also added not only a fresh burst of energy to the cast of Strange New Worlds, but the season 2 addition also installed an intriguing new species into Star Trek lore. Pelia, a member of a new species named the Lanthanites, fills the vacant spot of chief engineer aboard the USS Enterprise.
Her species also has a lifespan far greater than many other humanoid Star Trek species. This opens up an exciting avenue for time travel stories - an opportunity explored immediately in episode 3.
The Strange New Worlds And Lower Decks Crossover
One thing that audiences won’t have expected to see (if they live under a social media rock, anyway) was Ensign Boimler in Strange New Worlds. The junior officer makes his live-action debut in episode 7, Those Old Scientists. Played by Jack Quaid in both shows, the actor gets the opportunity to step out from the vocal booth and lends his face to the character as well. His crewmate, Ensign Mariner (Tawny Newsome), is also extended the same chance.
Both actors flourish under the direction of Trek royalty, Johnathon Frakes. There was the chance of the crossover characters' usually-manic demeanour overshadowing the episode, their energy clashing with the professionalism of the Enterprise’s crew.
Fortunately, everyone involved in this nerdgasm of an event pulled it off to create a special moment in TV history.
Captain Kirk And Strange New Worlds - The Reunion
From Uhura to Nurse Chapel, Strange New Worlds has bravely taken on the cast of recasting fan favourites. Most have been accepted with open arms. Paul Wesley’s portrayal of Captain Kirk came under fire almost immediately, after he was introduced in the season 1 finale.
Many (including us) were confused by the casting choice, and made their displeasure known. However, as Wesley’s screen time on the show has increased, it’s safe to say that the casting directors knew what they were doing. Who knew?
The legendary Starfleet officer’s infamous magnetism comes easily to Wesley, with his on-screen romance with La’an (Christina Chong) coming across as beyond convincing. Although he doesn’t feature heavily in the show, the character is used in creative ways to prime him for the tasks he has in years to come.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - The Musical
The musical episode is not a new concept when it comes to television. Shows such as Scrubs and Buffy have utilized the format to iconic effect. However, when it was announced that Star Trek was about to step into the arena, many fans were doubtful it’d work.
Although the idea behind why the crew of the Enterprise were bursting into song was a little thin, it can be forgiven due to the quality of the episode it allowed to happen. It was a rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish. The lyrics in the songs allowed for both moments of levity as well as those of gut-wrenching existentialism.
Chong had the opportunity to showcase her incredible vocal talent, belting out How Would That Feel? as her character wrestles with her ability to let down her guard, while Jess Bush declares Nurse Chapel’s elation at achieving an academic dream in I’m Ready.
The production at large does the musical genre proud, putting on a performance fit for a Broadway stage.
Although the idea behind why the crew of the Enterprise were bursting into song was a little thin, it can be forgiven due to the quality of the episode it allowed to happen. It was a rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish. The lyrics in the songs allowed for both moments of levity as well as those of gut-wrenching existentialism.
Chong had the opportunity to showcase her incredible vocal talent, belting out How Would That Feel? as her character wrestles with her ability to let down her guard, while Jess Bush declares Nurse Chapel’s elation at achieving an academic dream in I’m Ready.
The production at large does the musical genre proud, putting on a performance fit for a Broadway stage.
Will There Be A Demand For More?
Strange New Worlds season 2 ends on a dreaded cliff-hanger. The finale is a classic thriller of an episode, filled with tension. There’s even a debut from Scottish actor Martin Quinn, playing the youngest version of Scotty we’ve seen to date.
It’s unclear how many characters from The Original Series we’ll see brought in before Strange New Worlds runs its course, but it would seem the writers are looking to make a good dent in the future of the Enterprise’s crew manifest.
If you head to review sites such as IMDB, Strange New Worlds is being held in high regard. The high opinion of the show has fortunately resulted in a 3rd season being greenlit. Filming was set to begin in the spring of 2023. However, the various strikes mean we don't know how long we'll be haunted by those immortal words, "to be continued..."
All we know is, we eagerly await Strange New Worlds season 3. Until then, we can enjoy this near-perfect season over and over again.
Rating: 9/10
Written by: Dan Bibby
It’s unclear how many characters from The Original Series we’ll see brought in before Strange New Worlds runs its course, but it would seem the writers are looking to make a good dent in the future of the Enterprise’s crew manifest.
If you head to review sites such as IMDB, Strange New Worlds is being held in high regard. The high opinion of the show has fortunately resulted in a 3rd season being greenlit. Filming was set to begin in the spring of 2023. However, the various strikes mean we don't know how long we'll be haunted by those immortal words, "to be continued..."
All we know is, we eagerly await Strange New Worlds season 3. Until then, we can enjoy this near-perfect season over and over again.
Rating: 9/10
Written by: Dan Bibby