While this article avoids spoilers, the first six episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 were screened for this review.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 continues the Enterprise’s five-year mission under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). Delivering more of virtually every member of the charismatic crew who won Trekkies over in the first season, Strange New Worlds season 2 is another must-see outing of Trek.
Varied Episodic Adventures
One of the most exciting aspects of Strange New Worlds continues to be the show’s episodic structure. As with the first season, each episode of Strange New Worlds season 2 is essentially a standalone storyline.
However, beyond just narrative segmentation, there is a clear effort to make the tone of each episode distinct from one another. At times, this means dipping the nacelles into different genres or allowing the show to slip into an unfamiliar style. As with season 1’s “The Elysian Kingdom,” this yields exciting and memorable results.
Furthermore, this season puts in a clear and conscious effort to ensure that previously underutilized characters are given more time in the spotlight and to highlight new combinations of characters whenever possible. This not only keeps the most familiar element of the show – the crew – “strange” and “new,” but it also offers different perspectives on characters we (thought we) already knew.
In order to ensure the sense of an interplanetary voyage is instilled, Strange New Worlds season 2 utilizes the latest screen-wall technology, paired with more longstanding filmmaking techniques. These include stupendous and varied costumes, the incorporation of practical elements into scenes otherwise defined by CGI, and the continually spectacular score by Nami Melumad.
The Whole Crew
As mentioned above, the cast of the series continues to possess the alchemy necessary to make the show’s science fiction fly. In addition to Mount’s Pike, this includes Rebecca Romijn’s Una Chin-Riley, Ethan Peck’s Spock, Jess Bush’s Christine Chapel, Christina Chong’s La’An Noonien-Singh, Celia Rose Gooding’s Nyota Uhura, Melissa Navia’s Erica Ortegas and Babs Olusanmokun’s Joseph M’Benga.
While it’s tempting to call out any single actor for their outstanding performance, the show continues to be a true ensemble. Strange New Worlds season 2 excels by allowing each and every character time to shine.
Meanwhile, as demonstrated in the first season, Paul Wesley’s James T. Kirk is an unexpected (and by extension very engaging) interpretation of the iconic character. And while almost nothing can currently be said about Carol Kane’s recurring role as Pelia, soon, few will be able to resist talking about her ad nauseam.
Strange New Worlds season 2
Because of the intensely episodic nature of the show, it’s difficult to discuss the season more specifically without spoilers. As the season is released, muting hashtags, avoiding social media, and setting an alarm for Thursday morning (or midnight) viewing will be essential for those who want to ensure their spoiler shields are operating at maximum capacity.
Suffice to say that fans of Strange New Worlds season 1 will be more than satisfied with a continuation that maintains the high level of quality. If anything, Strange New Worlds season 2 could be considered the second part of a 20-episode first season. This makes sense, as it was already in production when season 1 began to stream, and it isn’t meant as any sort of slight. The show continues to be good enough that you’ll be left longing for more episodes, like those longer seasons offered by twentieth-century Trek.
Meanwhile, even more fans will discover the show, thanks in part to the fact that each episode offers either one thing or another that’s sure to spark conversation (and fan art) each week on social media. Strange New Worlds season 2 continues the mission of the original Enterprise in more ways than one. Who isn’t going to be excited about that?
New episodes of Strange New Worlds season 2 stream Thursdays on Paramount+ beginning June 15th, 2023.
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