Review of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 9 - 'Terrarium'
Chris Connor provides an overview of the ninth episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3.
Strange New Worlds has frequently acknowledged its roots in the 1960s series that initiated this franchise while also navigating its own unique path. The second-to-last episode of its third season directly pays tribute to the iconic Original Series episode 'Arena,' which featured a confrontation between Kirk and a Gorn captain. In this episode, Ortegas finds herself trapped on the other side of a wormhole, reliant on a Gorn to assist her in escaping the gaseous moon.
The episode revisits some storylines that have lingered throughout the series, with Ortegas grappling with her previous encounters with the species earlier in the season. She must set those feelings aside to aid her escape. Alongside various references to 'Arena,' this episode serves as a significant platform for Melissa Navia's Ortegas, showcasing her as she seeks to make the most of this unusual alliance. The interactions between the two characters are filled with humor.
Though this episode runs longer, just under an hour, it successfully manages to maintain its momentum, delivering one of the season's strongest installments by weaving together various threads and deeply exploring Ortegas' grief as well as the survival instincts of both species. It features clever nods to classical survival stories, shifting the focus from Ortega to the efforts of the Enterprise to rescue her.
For long-time fans, there are enjoyable callbacks to 1967, with the Metrons making their first appearance since that time and interacting with Kirk. Whether this will be their final appearance in the series is yet to be determined.
‘Terrarium’ effectively builds on themes explored this season concerning space exploration and the Federation. It serves as an excellent lead-in to what is expected to be an unforgettable finale, as the show continues to achieve greater heights.
Chris Connor
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