Chris Connor reviews the third episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3…
Strange New Worlds’ third season started off in emphatic fashion, picking up from the end of season two cliffhanger and showing how The Enterprise escaped the clutches of The Gorn, while episode two brought some comedy especially from guest star Rhys Darby.
The third episode “Shuttle to Kenfori” continues with several plot threads teased in the opening episode as Captain Batel is struggling with the effects of the Gorn blood she was infected with and Ortegas meanwhile has been showing signs of erratic behaviour, perhaps owing to her own interactions with the Gorn.
We follow two separate strands as Pike and M’Benga search for a way to stablise Batel’s state; the rest of the Entrerprise crew are focused on preventing a conflict with the Klingons and as it happens, the information needed to help Batel is in Klingon territory.
After an episode focused on Spock and Chapel, it is refreshing to have more of an ensemble episode here with both storylines afforded a fair amount of the runtime, allowing the episode to push forward a few narrative arcs simultaneously.
One of the impressive things about Strange New Worlds is how it has leant into a range of genres and this is the case again here with M’Benga and Pike encountering zombie-like creatures on the Klingon surface adding extra urgency to their mission. This ups the thrills and makes for a sense of lingering dread and suspense. The last thing M’Benga needs is a challenge to the death from the Klingons for his previous actions.
Ortegas is also constantly at odds with Number One in this episode, constantly talking back leading the crew to question if she’s been brought back into the fold too soon. Whether or not this will lead to further investigations in future remains to be seen.
“Shuttle to Kenfori” is classic Star Trek and a reminder of why this show has resonated so much with viewers both old and new. It is tense, action packed and full of heart and the whole ensemble is afforded a moment in the spotlight. With three episodes in Stange New Worlds is once again setting itself up for a strong season that is promising to go in some unexpected directions.
Chris Connor
