Strange New Worlds Returns: Pike's Praying, Spock's Crying, and the Gorn Are Still Bloody Annoying
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
*Strange New Worlds* returns with a Gorn-infested episode where Pike grapples with impossible choices, Spock navigates heartbreak, and the Gorn… well, they're still the Gorn. It's a solid start to the season, focusing on character development and emotional arcs, even if it's not quite groundbreaking TV.
Right, so *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* is finally back after what felt like a geological age. A quick shout-out to IGN South Africa for their thoughts on the season 3 premiere, "Hegemony, Part II."
Now, let's be honest, remembering where we left off in August 2023 is a task worthy of a Vulcan mind meld. But fear not, I've been doing my homework. Season 2 wrapped with the Enterprise facing off against those charming Gorn again. Pike's missus, Captain Batel, got herself a face full of baby Gorn-to-be (yikes!), and half the crew ended up as potential Gorn grub. Not ideal, eh?
"Hegemony, Part II" throws us straight into the deep end, with Gorn ships doing their best to turn the Enterprise into space dust. Captain Pike, bless his soul, looks like he hasn't slept in a month and is seriously considering early retirement. Anson Mount's performance is top-notch, portraying a vulnerability that's very different from the Kirk bravado we're used to (and that's a good thing, mate!). He even contemplates prayer – can you imagine Roddenberry's reaction to that? *Bloody hell.*
But Pike being Pike, he finds a loophole in Admiral April’s orders to retreat. What's a captain to do when half the cast is about to become lizard chow? He pulls a Kirk – bends the rules and relies on his crew. It’s actually Mitchell (not *that* Mitchell), the ops officer, who comes up with the genius idea to tag the Gorn ships with dud torpedoes. Good thinking, Lieutenant. Seems like Starfleet is always looking for clever ways around problems.
Visually, the episode is a treat. There's a particularly cool shot where the camera shifts perspective of the bridge viewscreen as the Gorn fire away. Little details like that show the level of care the production team puts in. However, the Gorn cocooning chamber? Hmm, not so much. IGN South Africa reckons it feels like a throwback to the less convincing sets of '90s Trek, and I reckon they've got a point. A bit too… Planet Hell-ish. No offense to Planet Hell, of course, just not scary enough.
The subplot with La'an, M’Benga, Ortegas, and Sam Kirk trying to escape the Gorn clutches is… fine. It's perfectly serviceable, but it lacks that spark to truly grab you. La’an's past trauma with the Gorn is touched upon, but it doesn't quite land with the emotional punch it could have. Still, seeing La’an in charge is a welcome change.
The real heart of this episode, though, lies with Spock and Chapel. Their messy, complicated, heart-wrenching romance is a highlight of *Strange New Worlds*. Chapel having to explain to Spock that they're broken up? Ouch. Ethan Peck and Jess Bush absolutely nail those scenes. Give 'em all the awards!
Other things worth mentioning: Scotty's officially part of the crew (yay!), and Pelia's still hilarious. The opening credits got a facelift, just like *TNG* did in season 3. Plus, there's a nod to the Klingon war from *Discovery*. Nice continuity!
Overall, “Hegemony, Part II” is a decent start to the season. While the Gorn storyline itself is a bit underwhelming, the character development and the Spock/Chapel drama more than make up for it. Pike's vulnerability and willingness to bend the rules make him a compelling captain. Now, if they could just make the Gorn a bit less… generic lizard monster, that'd be grand.
Tags: Star Trek, Strange New Worlds, Gorn, Spock, Captain Pike
Original article: IGN South Africa