Month: June 2022

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E8 – “The Elysian Kingdom”

Gary Anderson

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”

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E7 – “The Serene Squall”

Gary Anderson

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”

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E6 – “Life Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach”

Gary Anderson

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”

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1, E5 – “Spock Amok”

Gary Anderson

“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”