In its third season,Star Trek: Strange New Worldscontinues to deliver a bold mix of genres and styles, cementing itself as one of the most fun sci-fi shows on television.Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount)and his Enterprise crew remain as dynamic as ever, as they embark on new relationships and exciting new adventures.
The first five episodes ofStrange New Worldsseason 3 each tell distinct stories that are held together by the emotional throughline of the characters and their relationships. With more of a focus on romantic entanglements,Strange New Worldsseason 3continues to explore its characters, although some get more development than others.
Fans of the previous two seasons ofStrange New Worldswill find a lot to love in season 3, andthe show continues boldly going with the confidencethat only comes when the people involved truly understand the story and its characters. My only complaint is that I wish the show had more episodes per season, as it would give the characters (and us) some time to breathe.
Every Episode Of Strange New Worlds Season 3 Offers Something Different
From A Murder Mystery To A Rom-Com Caper To A Horror Movie
Strange New Worldsseason 3 picks up right where the previous season left off, with Captain Pike and the Enterprise facing off against a Gorn armada.The resolution to season 2’s cliffhanger works welland gives each of the show’s main characters something to do.Pike is as heroic as ever,and the episode proves why he has so much faith in his crew.
The second entry takes things in a completely different direction, embracing its lighter tone and rom-com hijinks. Rhys Darby makes an excellent addition to the cast as a"cosmic trickster"who enjoys messing with human lives. While “Wedding Bell Blues” centers onLt. Spock (Ethan Peck), it continues to explore other characters, too, and introduces a few new faces.
Star Trek: The Next Generationfans should keep an ear out at the end of episode 2 for a familiar voice as the trickster’s disappointed father.
The third episode ofStrange New Worldsseason 3 switches genres yet again, delivering a tense horror story centered on Dr. Joseph M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun).“Shuttle to Kenfori” cements M’Benga and Pike as a particularly great duo,exploring their friendship as they investigate a dangerous alien planet (with zombies!?).
For its fourth episode,Strange New Worldsjumps back to comedy, with a holodeck-esque episodedirected byStar Treklegend Jonathan Frakes. “A Space Adventure Hour” is an incredibly fun outing packed withTrekreferences, with Lt. La’an Noonien Singh (Christina Chong) as its emotional center (and all of the actors appear to be having a blast).
Just asStrange New Worldsrisks becoming too self-reverential,it switches gears to tell a classic story of exploration in its fifth episode,which might be my personal favorite of the bunch. With some shocking turns and a sprinkling of relationship drama, “Through the Lens of Time” plays with fascinating sci-fi concepts and introduces frightening new aliens.
Strange New Worlds' Dynamic Cast Of Characters Always Keep The Show Engaging
Strange New Worlds Season 3 Adds More Depth To The Show’s Characters
As with the first two seasons ofStar Trek: Strange New Worlds,the show continues to look amazing, with stunning alien landscapes,gorgeous space shots, and sparkling starships. The music, too, fits the show perfectly, sometimes sounding exactly like something fromStar Trek: The Original Series.
While all five of these episodes deliver compelling storylines, it’s the characters ofStrange New Worlds, as well as its cast and crew, that make the show work as well as it does. The genuine love and excitement about theStar Trekuniverseshine through, andevery actor brings their A-game.
“Shuttle to Kenfori”
“Through the Lens of Time”
“Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”
“New Life and New Civilizations”
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Strange New Worldsis at risk of juggling too many characters, but these episodes manage to find time for pretty much everyone. Less developed characters likeLt. Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia)and Captain Marie Batel (Melanie Scrofano) get more screentime, which, hopefully, continues throughout the final five episodes.
From Dr. Roger Korby (Cillian O’Sullivan) to Erica’s brother, Beto (Mynor Luken), to a new medical ensign,Strange New Worlds’newest season introduces some fun new faces. This makessome episodes feel a bit crowded,but I’m mostly having too much fun to care.
Above All Else, Strange New Worlds Season 3 Is Fun
While I enjoyStrange New Worlds’big genre episodes,I sometimes find myself wishing for the days of 20+ episode seasons,so the show would have time for “filler.” With only ten episodes, it can feel like every episode needs a “hook,” but I’d love to see more of the characters' daily lives aboard the Enterprise. Still, this is a minor complaint when the episodes we do get are this good.
Star Trek: Strange New Worldscan be thought-provoking and heartbreaking and intense,but above all else, it’s so incredibly fun. Throughout its long history,Star Trekhas always experimented with genreand storytelling styles. WhileStrange New Worldspushes the boundaries more than most, it almost always sticks the landing.
In the excellent murder mystery episode, one of the characters gives a lovely description about being a fan of something, saying:“You don’t think a person can love a piece of art or music or a story so much that it heals them, shows them parts of themselves they’ve never seen before, gives them hope?”
By now,Strange New Worldsknows what kind of show it wants to be, and the first five episodes of season 3 (which were provided for review) have something for everyone to love.Star Trek: Strange New Worldscontinues to embrace its sense of adventure, exemplifyingStar Trek’sideals and finding new ground to cover in the nearly 60-year-old franchise.
