Review of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7 - 'What is Starfleet?'
Chris Connor reviews the seventh episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds…
Strange New Worlds has consistently embraced genre episodes, such as a recent murder mystery homage, and “What is Starfleet?” takes inspiration from found footage and documentaries as we follow Beto, Ortega’s brother, who is creating a documentary about the Enterprise crew. This unfolds as both a typical mission and a glimpse into the crew's downtime, revealing aspects of their personalities that we don’t usually see.
In many respects, the episode brings a human touch to the characters by showcasing how they spend their free time, both together and individually, such as Number One and M’Benga engaging in a sparring session or Pike playing his guitar. Beto starts off skeptical about Starfleet due to his personal experiences, especially after being unable to save Ortega following her encounter with the Gorn.
The episode highlights Starfleet's significance, providing the Enterprise crew with a home and community while also addressing its role in the broader galaxy. Although the main storyline may be lighter compared to some other episodes, it successfully balances the show's inherent themes of exploration and danger with a touch of levity and reflection.
Far from merely a filler episode, this installment helps to deepen the characters and invites us to see them in a new light. It marks another successful genre entry for the series and introduces a sense of light-heartedness after some heavier plotlines. At the heart of the episode is an optimistic message, celebrating Starfleet's work and its significance in the context of the overall narrative.
With only three episodes left, the third season of Strange New Worlds still has some narrative threads to resolve, but it remains a triumph, emphasizing why it has garnered such a devoted fanbase. The show continues to thrive, with this episode providing a blend of familiar elements and new experiences, effectively setting the stage for the season’s conclusion.
Chris Connor
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Review of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7 - 'What is Starfleet?'
Chris Connor critiques the seventh episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds... The series has consistently embraced genre-specific episodes, as seen in a recent murder mystery homage, and “What is Starfleet?” draws inspiration from found footage and documentaries, centering on Beto, Ortega’s brother, who is producing a documentary on [...]