Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode 7 is one of the strongest so far, as the focus on Spock is definitely one of the most intriguing things about it.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Pike & Co Encounter The Serene Squall
Warning: Spoilers for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode 7
A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that Jesse James Keitel would be guest starring in Strange New Worlds. Jesse James Keitel would be playing the first non binary character, Dr. Aspen, in the show. The inclusion of Dr. Aspen, continues the efforts that Star Trek has been doing to be more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community, making it one of the most inclusive shows airing today. Now, what role did Dr. Aspen play? Let’s find out.
Still reeling from the events of Spock Amok, Spock and T’Pring’s relationship is not in the best state, due to Spock struggling with his human side and wanting to erase that part of him. As Spock continues with that struggle, Dr. Aspen comes aboard the Enterprise, to discuss their humanitarian work and how to provide aid to a colonial ship.
Spock and Dr. Aspen quickly bond, and he confides in them about his wish to be rid of his human side. Dr. Aspen says that there is no need, that ridding of his human side would just make him as cold as the rest of the Vulcans. They start to develop a deep bond, perhaps even deeper than the one that Spock thought he had with T’Pring.
Meanwhile, Pike is working with Dr. Aspen with their humanitarian efforts, try to locate said ship, and Ortegas showcases her impeccable abilities as a pilot by manually piloting the Enterprise, leaving Pike very impressed. Once the ship is located, Pike, La’an and Una beam there to help. As they leave the Enterprise, the ship is attacked and Nurse Chapel is left to defend the Sick Bay.
We see her outsmart the intruders and fight back, something never before seen with her, since in the original series she was always presented as a damsel in distress. This was a big moment for Chapel as well, since she had taken the do no harm vow and was forced to kill someone to save her patients.
Spock quickly notifies of the invasion, and Pike quickly realizes that they have beamed straight into a trap as well. Those who have captured Pike call themselves The Serene Squall.
As they try to defend the Enterprise as best as they can, Spock quickly realizes that Dr. Aspen was behind the siege all along, they want Spock to be part of their team. They also reveal that they are not the real Dr. Aspen, the real one, is abandoned on another planet, this Dr. Aspen is part of The Serene Squall. In an attempt to get what they want, Dr. Aspen calls T’Pring, to finalize a deal, Spock’s life for Dr. Aspen’s lover, Spock tries to save T’Pring and avoid her from being involved, so he alleges that he is in love with Nurse Chapel and kisses her. A heartbroken T’Pring ends the relationship and hangs up.
Pike seizes control of The Serene Squall and forces Dr. Aspen and their crew out of the Enterprise. Dr. Aspen says that they hope to see Spock again, before being taken into custody. T’Pring returns to the Enterprise, knowing that what Spock did was in attempt to keep her safe, their relationship is rekindled. Spock goes to thank Chapel for her help, and he reveals the truth of his heritage, that his father is the Vulcan Ambassador Sarek, and that he has a full Vulcan brother currently in custody: Sybok.
This episode is one of the strongest so far, as the focus on Spock is definitely one of the most intriguing things that the show is doing, because even though he is a very familiar character there are still so many aspects of his life that are unknown, like his relationship with Sybok, which will now hopefully be explored in more depth.
The season is quickly wrapping up, and while season 2 is already confirmed, hopefully we won’t have to wait that long to have a full introduction to Sybok. As for Jesse James Keitel, they were a wonderful part of the episode, and hopefully this was not their only stint at the Enterprise.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
NEXT: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Progressive Trek We Always Wanted
About Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS is based on the years Captain Christopher Pike manned the helm of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The series will feature fan favorites from season two of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Number One and Ethan Peck as Science Officer Spock. The series will follow Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock and Number One in the years before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds airs on Paramount+.
