A Tribute to Nichelle Nichols: 1932-2022
Today, Addell and Gary wanted to take a moment to pay their respects and reflect on the passing of Nichelle Nichols.
Actress Nichelle Nichols, the original Lt. Nyota Uhura, passed away on the evening of July 30, 2022. Gary and Addell took a moment to examine the remarkable life of this amazing woman. This special tribute episode of Age of Discovery will include an overview of Nichols’ formative years; her early career as a dancer, singer, and actor; the state of television during the 1960s; the impact of her portrayal of Uhura; her life after Star Trek, and finally, her legacy. Continue reading A Tribute to Nichelle Nichols: 1932-2022
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E10 – “A Quality of Mercy”
In the season finale, “A Quality of Mercy,” Strange New Worlds gives us a “what if” scenario. Like “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “A Quality of Mercy” shows Pike his future if he’s able to avoid the fate that was revealed to him by the Klingon time crystal. This new future occurs during the events of a critical moment in the Federation from the classic TOS episode, Balance of Terror. It reimagines this pivotable moment in Romulan-Federation hostilities by placing Pike in charge of the Enterprise instead of Kirk. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E10 – “A Quality of Mercy”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E9 – “All Those Who Wanders”
In “All Those Who Wanders,” this week’s episode, Strange New Worlds continues the season’s emphasis of the Gorn. Reintroduced in “Memento Mori,” the episode doubles down on the savage menace and brutality the species presents. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E9 – “All Those Who Wanders”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E8 – “The Elysian Kingdom”
This week, we get an episode primarily focused on the story of Dr. Jospeh M’Benga. The first of its kind in the 56 year history of the franchise. Played only twice by the late Booker Bradshaw on TOS, Babs Olusanmokun has been able to flesh the character out, even introducing that he is a widower who is raising a young daughter, Rukiya, suffering from an incurable disease. Although that’s the premise we have a the beginning of the episode, “The Elysian Kingdom” provides us with a brief recess from that more serious story, and at the same time, provide us with a bittersweet resolution, as well. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E8 – “The Elysian Kingdom”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E7 – “The Serene Squall”
This week’s episode has the DNA of two different types of episodes. In fact, both halves of “The Serene Squall” deal with stories of deception. One half is played for laughs while the other is dealing with very serious circumstances. A semi-comical, lighter side is in the tradition of “I, Mudd” or “A Piece of the Action.” We watch Captain Pike and the captured Enterprise crew members incite a mutiny among the pirates. The more layered, side of the episode is similar to “Day of the Dove” or “Space Seed” when following the events of Spock aboard the Enterprise. The writers take a big risk with shifting the tone back and forth between the two plots, but in spite of the danger of such a challenging take, the execution is well-handled. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E7 – “The Serene Squall”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E6 – “Life Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach”
This week, things get gravely serious. “Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach” is a sad and disturbing episode where unthinkable acts are presented as commonplace. in the tradition of “A Taste of Armageddon,” we are presented with a though-provoking episode. The story reveals the costs of maintaining a paradise for adults at the expense of our children. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E6 – “Life Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E5 – “Spock Amok”
“Who doesn’t love hijinks?” “Spock Amok” is a lighthearted episode in the tradition of “I, Mudd,” “A Piece of the Action,” or “The Trouble With Tribbles.” Throughout the story, the story also conveys some insightful perspectives on the need for empathy. The fine performances of the entire cast prove to us that SNW is as adept at playing comedy as they have been with drama. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E5 – “Spock Amok”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E4 – “Memento Mori”
“Memento Mori” continues the Strange New Worlds storytelling approach of reexamining the types of stories told on TOS but with a new twist. The writers and director add an atmosphere of horror and suspense to heighten the tension. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E4 – “Memento Mori”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E3 – “Ghosts of Illyria”
From the trailer for this week’s episode it looked as if we were getting a traditional “disease of the week” story similar to the type that was a staple of TOS beginning with “The Naked Time” and “The Deadly Years.” But “Ghosts of Illyria” is a much more thoughtful examination of how communicable illnesses spread in the same way stereotypes and prejudices do; through ignorance. The writing maintains the high standard we’ve now seen across these first few episode. All in all, this was another strong installment for SNW. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E3 – “Ghosts of Illyria”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E2 – “Children of the Comet”
The second episode, “Children of the Comet” was another entertaining adventure for this prequel series. It introduced us to a new alien species, provided new background information for a character we’ve known for 56 years, and showed us a Starfleet captain struggling with an ancient debate: Do we live our lives under the control of free will or divine will? Although the main conflict was wrapped up by the end, we did a glimpse of some story elements that might play out over the rest of the season. Continue reading Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E2 – “Children of the Comet”