Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 2 - Breakdown & Review!

[@schwabpm]

Few Star Trek episodes have affected me, both emotionally and intellectually, to the extend that this one did! It did not need a "B" story because of its importance in reminding us of the creed of Star Fleet (and the Federation) and the future that makes us all love Star Trek so very much! IMHO this is one of the greatest Star Trek episodes of all time, and why Strange New Worlds is Star Trek at its very best!!!

[@gardinchannel1166]

I can't remember the last time any tv show or movie brought tears to my eyes like this episode did at the end. Absolutely beautiful chapter for Starfleet's history.

[@telsataylor2032]

I love the end speech it was right just because one is genetically engineered doesn’t make them all bad that’s like calling all Russian and Germans bad despite of hitler and putting because non of them really shanties the war, and likes of khan sign has allways happened and genetic engineering is a good thing to do good things unless it’s used by the wrong people but allways should be throught for doing good things, just because bad people use things like and do things what hitler and outing does doesn’t mean we all should not do it and we should all make our own decisions and not destroy hope for all because our own greed etc.

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

They were able to address 'prejudice' without bowing to any one community. Anyone of us, because of race, religion, physical disability, even level of attractiveness has faced some sort of discrimination, unless you look like Chris Hemsworth.

[@juniorlove4all917]

I got teary eyed too! This episode was awesome.

[@jenimeyers7218]

Personally I think a B story would have pulled me out of the depth of amazing writing and acting, I was spell bound and incredibly moved. It was everything I wanted from this episode and brought so much to the crew!

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

There was a hint of a 'B' story regarding the past relationship between Una and the defense attorney. But they decided to let the actors remain focused on the civil rights of the case.

[@timeferret6179]

Loved this episode, the pacing was perfect, no B story needed. Brilliantly acted, I really hope we see the defense lawyer again.

[@nanade-veer5361]

NO! The pace was perfect. This episode didnt need a B story. Great episode

[@jshooper7819]

This is the most "Star Trek" feeling episode I've seen out of any of the new Trek series. No flashy action, fight scenes, explosions etc. I loved everything about it!

[@airwulf7123]

Totally agree, finally a story well written, acting was brilliant especially the defence lawyer by far the best episode of any of the new treks

[@james_halpert]

I appreciated so much that there was no B-story. A properly fleshed out and beautifully written A-story is much more important than just throwing action at the screen to satisfy the mostly non-existent (and apparently believed to be incapable of focusing on a scene for more than 2 minutes) "modern" audience. So many storywriters these days are falling into that trap. So it was a nice breath of fresh air that the writers just trusted in their craft to tell a great story without action and they fully succeeded. It is hard to believe that this is overseen by the same people that were responsible for Discovery and Picard S1+2, the difference in quality is just huge: Much better writing, characters, set and costume design, pacing, general feel - this is finally real Star Trek.

[@Agarwaen]

this isn't new... SW ep 1 failed due to surplus B-stories in the final part of the film.

[@jmmurica2885]

This episode is everything Gene Roddenberry’s hoped! Bravo SNW for reminding us our hopes for the future/present! Bravo

[@Shrpdrt]

Just what I was feeling

[@LaraA55]

well said and agreed

[@davejohnson4061]

Yes and i agree that the second episode is true to the original. Problem is nowadays they put to much politic in to a series, i hope they did their share with this episode, maybe one more. But more then that would be again destorying tje vision of the original, lets hope.

[@denniswormsley931]

...true to its original form Star Trek was way ahead of its time....episode 2 had strange new worlds taking Star Trek back to making serious social statements and stoking hope for the future. The lead defense attorney was very well played and well written...i actually cried during her closing arguments.

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

Yeah, I agree it was some good stuff. But they should have given a little more time to the Vulcan prosecutor. Not saying I agree with him, on the contrary, but opposition to egalitarian, even Christian ideals--do not roll over and accept defeat.

[@midnightwind8067]

@@PaulChristianJenkinsJDI saw no “Christian ideals “ in the Vulcan. I saw a deep desire to cancel a person. Your statement feels like a possible personal bias. That is harmful for your emotional health. It is easy to become the very thing we so heatedly oppose. Best wishes.

[@doreeneclose6295]

This one didn’t need a B story. Great episode harkening back to the best of what we love about ST.

[@deborahm6036]

I completely agree!

[@JordanElliottMcClure]

100%! ❤

[@MrTbk1701]

This was Star Trek at its finest 🖖

[@danieloneal7137]

I thought the B story was La’an trying to figure out how the info got leaked. The best B plots always tie into the main story anyway.

[@billkeithchannel]

@@danieloneal7137 I concur wholeheartedly.

[@JH-mo7xm]

The defense lawyer was the BEST! Great acting and delivery.

[@penegakkeadilanpembasmikej5022]

She has the charismatic of Alan Shore , Danny Crane and Bobby Donnell

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

Yeah, she brought her 'game face' as we used to say.

[@LaraA55]

I so agree

[@emmanuelkotei649]

I thought she was gorgeous too

[@WestAirAviation]

Now THIS is Star Trek. 10/10. A perfect episode.

[@WmJFaust]

Almost made me tear up so much measured and profound drama absolutely done in the best tradition of Star Trek. This one will win awards methinks. On a personal note, I thought the defense lawyer was done to perfection as the actress was sublimely elegant, utterly beautiful, and stunningly feminine, a magical combination with hyperintelligence and sage insight!

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

I had hoped they would give more time to the Vulcan prosecutor. Just to give a more complete take on the idea of 'law and order.' It's like they gave us what we wanted to hear, not necessarily the reality of conflicts regarding race, gender, religion, even height, weight, and level of attractiveness, i.e. how they are interwoven with prejudice.

[@juniorlove4all917]

Agree 100%. The defense attorney is actress Yetide Badaki. No idea who she was, but after this episode I’m definitely a fan!

[@kennyj43]

Well written and well acted episode. I enjoyed it immensely. I thought it was well-paced, too. Well-written dialogue properly expressed has its own reward. You don't always need to have things being blown up so as to generate interest.

[@Nick-zu9sn]

This was the absolute best writing, acting and musical background, that I've ever heard in all of Star Trek, and I know ALL of it. I'm in awe. Simply genius. Well done!

[@kazdragon]

With its mesmerizing storyline, exquisite performances, and thoughtfully crafted dialogue, this episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a true testament to the show's ability to captivate and entertain. It exemplifies the series' commitment to exploring complex themes, moral dilemmas, and the depths of human (and alien) nature. Yetide Badaki did a great job playing Una defense lawyer. The show didn't need a B plot. I was so moved by the performances and storyline that I cried.

[@dsat1908]

Well said. I thought Nick was going to really praise this episode, the only thing I’m disappointed in is Nicks review…

[@kazdragon]

@@dsat1908 I was disappointed in his review also. There were so many things that he could have talked about. The show touched on. Discrimination, privilege, and being able to pass. This episode touched on so many things people have to deal with on a day-by-day basis. How at times people are so scared they have to fake being someone else to fit in. How The Federation has some laws and Ideas that teach their people to be prejudiced. IIIyrian wasn't like Khan Noonien Singh. They didn't enhance their bodies to have power over anyone it was part of their culture and their way of life to protect themselves and their children.

[@1Frst693]

Mesmerizing piece of woke crap

[@dsat1908]

Come on Nick, that episode was gripping. I didn’t move during the whole show. It didn’t need a “B” story. That actress who played Neera was fantastic (they should’ve had her as the commanding officer of discovery maybe the show would’ve succeeded). It was excellent

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

I have said it in the post, but they should have given a little more time to the Vulcan prosecutor. Just to take us out of our comfort zone, and create a wee more tension.

[@LaraA55]

agreed

[@melindahall5062]

Neera was great….and very sultry. Great acting.

[@mrtrek2117]

Anson Mount has the same charismatic screen presence as Pike as Shatner did of Kirk. SNW is like updated TOS.

[@andrewm3210]

This episode is definitely in my Top 5 of all of the newer Trek shows. THIS is Star Trek at its finest. Instead of relying heavily on flashy effects and action, this episode gets the job done with the writing and the character work. Absolutely superb.

[@jeffreygonzalez8059]

I also find it troubling in general when groups of people are painted as villains because of the actions of one person or a small group within the group. So in general, I personally connected with this episode and found it to be compelling, maybe not for the violent space/phaser battles that are sort of the hallmark of trek stories, but rather because of the excellently crafted story and dialogue.

[@Corporations8MyBaby]

One of my favorite TOS episodes is "Court Martial" - a GREAT courtroom drama with Shatner and Elisha Cook Jr. - The discomfort between Pike and his girlfriend Captain Bitell is strongly reflective of the tension between Shatner as the accused Kirk and Joan Marshall as "Areel Shaw" - The dress uniforms were a great touch. These show runners are really hearkening back to TOS in all kinds of surprising and wonderful ways. - the lack of M class world in this episode is fascinating. This is the space-future for humanity. A lot of Discovery's influence is good here too. Besides the sets, the idea of asylum was a part of Saru's story. It's also a part of a lot of struggles for civil rights we see today. There was no way this story was slow, the "b" story was the tension with Yetide Badaki as Neera - she was a force of unpredictable passion and incisive logic. I was riveted.

[@thomasjares3428]

Just watched the episode. Wow! Loved it. Rebecca Romijn shines. This episode is in keeping with the many great ST court room dramas. One could argue the B plot was the crew watching the court room drama unfold. This show delivers and I’ve been watching ST since it’s beginnings. LLAP

[@OptimusWombat]

Loved it. They did a great job, managing to get their moral/ethical points across without being overly preachy.

[@nfinity1421]

Thank you for the video, and I'm sorry to have a second comment that counters what you reported. However, neither the TOS nor the TNG courtroom drama episodes had a B story. It was only about the A story. Which each time was captivating enough without needing a B story. Thank you again for video, it is appreciated. Best to you!

[@corey2232]

I'm shocked. I've really enjoyed SNW's, but aside from Pike & Mbenga, I'm not really particularly attached to any of the characters yet. With only 1 season under their belt (a 10 episode one at that), I didn't think I cared enough about characters like Una to be THIS invested an episode deciding her fate. By the end, I was struggling to not cry. The actress who played her friend/lawyer (Neera?) was amazing. Trek does these court room episodes well, but usually they're more theatrical in nature. However, Neera's actress manages to walk the line of grounded & authentic, while also carrying weight & emotion behind her words. Fantastic episode. 10/10

[@rbuthird]

This series is really, really coming together quite well. It captured the sense of being "the other" in a society that preaches freedom and tolerance, but falls short of its ideals in practice. Yet somehow still believing in that society despite pervasive examples of its failings. My favorite series of all Trek is DS9, but more well written episodes like this that the characters really come to life in it will really endear this to my heart.

[@6262nate]

Defense lawyer is a Super star bring her back awesome acting 👏

[@DrTIPUSUK]

Probably one of the best episodes of the show so far very good court drama good message serious tone all what Star Trek should be hopefully they will keep that serious tone in the rest of the show

[@nashshaffer6235]

It didn’t need a “B Story” the “A Story” was brilliant and carried itself. And Yetide Badaki is beautiful, and played this role with dignity and class. My concern for the episode is that when it comes to genetic modifications Star Fleet forgives people through legal loopholes

[@doreeneclose6295]

Maybe they should forgive them. This blanket policy seems quite discriminatory and the antithesis of what ST is about. It is however a very topical issue, as humanity embarks on genetic modifications and AI today. I always think of a similar court case, where the issue of rights for Data played out and like this episode, these were never completely resolved..

[@brachiator1]

The "crime" of genetic modification makes no sense. I enjoyed the episode and the attempts to demolish this dumb idea.

[@lucando13]

​@@brachiator1 i think there is a distinction to be made between "having been augmented" and "genetically modifying". it doesn't make sense to me to exclude capable people from Starfleet for something they didn't have control over. i personally am also not a fan of outlawing what people do to themselves or other consenting adults, especially if it doesn't harm anybody, but I can see how that side of the law makes at least a little more sense, given the historical lore context of Star Trek.

[@brachiator1]

@@lucando13 I guess the distinction might be only the type of purpose of the genetic modification. Still, a total ban is a stupid idea. Even given the background of the Eugenics War. Also, the idea that evolution left by itself is natural is idiotic and unscientific. Lastly, it is likely that genetic modification would be done to infants and the unborn, so I don't quite see that the principle of not interfering with consenting adults applies here. And yet, despite my reservations, I mainly enjoyed this episode.

[@lucando13]

@@brachiator1correct, that part doesn't apply, idk i just felt like adding some personal beliefs :D i agree, i hope if our civilization becomes as advanced as the federation, we would move on from naturalistic fallacies. Regarding the genealtering of unborn children: i am honestly not completely sure what to think about it but as a person that was born roughly three months too early I wouldn't have survived a day outside without modern medicine and to me this kind of just feels like an extension of that. But yeah I also enjoyed the episode a lot, and the thought of us as a civilization continuously conquering our flaws while remaining fallible seems realistic yet hopeful to me :)

[@hank1475]

In this episode #2, there needs to be some academy awards issued out. Damn, it's mighty damn powerful. Star Trek has not been this good in 65 years...damn damn...!❤

[@bioshock6935]

It didn't feel slow to me and i thought it was the best episode so far we had from all of season 1

[@LaraA55]

@Sci-Finatics Hello, Nick, Gene Roddenberry would have been thrilled with this astonishing, extremely well done episode as it reflected his Trek ideals of wanting to do better, instilling change and hope. I found this episode to be cerebral, memorable, thought provoking and emotional. I humbly disagree that the episode needed a B plot, as a B plot would have made the episode not compelling and would have been distracting. The pacing was not slow, just right. I think Batel and Pike are more of friends with benefits. The writing was highly clever and skilled, especially from a legal and civil rights perspective, even reflecting our reality of discrimination in a nuanced manner. The dialogue and exposition was indeed brilliant , especially for the character Neeru, a most interesting character, with amazing acting. I loved seeing the callback to the TOS as as well, with the formal court attire and star legal pins from the Court martial episode. Also, I was pleased to see how Uhura stood up to La’an in doing the right thing and the scene between Neera and La’an was indeed poignant. I loved how Spock was the comedic relief with him apologising for the subdued Vulcan outburst and the Gilbert and Sullivan reference.

[@aldoivan2096]

A turning pont for Stat Trek, back to what makes it so great. Reminds me of the DATA trial.

[@djb6313]

I think the B story was the characters reaction and feelings as a crew. The subtext around what was happening around the trial is what I think could be considered a B story in this episode. I loved the episode and loving the whole show overall. I also may be imagining it but it felt like there was something more than friendship in the past between Una and her lawyer.

[@admiralpegasuscc]

SNW seems to be written by writers who know how to actually write a good story while bringing in the current world challenges and faults, and bring it to a point of hope and things can get better, and how we can change social norms.

[@LaraA55]

I so agree

[@BillinHungary]

When Star Trek wants to do a "message'" show that relates to modern-day issues, sometimes they miss the mark- usually by heavy-handed dialogue. In this case, as in the Drumhead, it was well written, and in this case, it let let the viewer put themselves into Una's shoes without being "preachy". It highlighted the effect that prejudice has on the victims, but did it in a very personal way.

[@rhirsch15]

I found it fantastic and was more than happy with no subplots distracting me from the real story. Getting to know and love these characters is what makes Strange New Worlds so exceptional.

[@yophotodude7693]

The hug was meant to be uncomfortable.

[@10dru]

i wouldplace this episode within the top 5 of all star trek episodes of all time, along with 'the measure of a man' from TNG

[@LaraA55]

agreed

[@albertogonzalez2203]

Great episode. No B story needed. I literally teared up at the end. I was. Totally engaged throughout. Superb acting by all. Especially Rebecca and the actress that played the defense layer. Also.. that hug between pike and unas was supposed to feel awkward.

[@Shrpdrt]

The hug was Awesome!

[@davisje011]

I was hoping your review would talk about the point of the episode. This was an episode that had a lot more to say than just "courtroom drama"

[@deanzaZZR]

Clearly

[@stevkyt2374]

Not your best review mate. I think you missed the whole point of what it was trying to say. To dismiss it as just another courtroom drama amongst many others deserves a down vote from me and a mark on your credibility.

[@GeoffreySorensen]

I agree. I've gotten the feeling, and I could be wrong, that Nick doesn't want to "get political" because maybe he doesn't "agree" or empathize with the message of the episode, and he hid his discomfort by saying it was too slow people talked too much for him. There was so much more to this episode than this very surface-level review.

[@stevkyt2374]

B story indeed. This was captivating from start to finish and didn't need any distractions. Maybe courtroom dramas are not your thing but I thought that this was one of the best written episodes for decades. Unfortunately you seemed have missed the whole point of the episode.

[@ARMundra]

This episode may have been just story A and a bit slower, but on the flip side, it was very in depth, substantive and moving, shining a strong mirror to our social issues, especially around prejudice, discriminatiom, targeting of certain groups today, and the external forces and psychological struggle of needing to conceal vs being truly authentic and open out of fear of punishment, judgment and disenfranchising. Excellent acting, especially by actress Yetide Badaki, the lawyer, absolutely perfect on her part with such a convincing and to me award worthy performance. I truly loved this episode and it very much moved me tremendously.

[@DavidBrendan7799]

I enjoyed how the lawyer figured it out and how she used the laws to her advantage.

[@Turboy65]

But on further inspection a question is raised. Is the Starfleet Uniform Code of Justice actually equal in standing to the laws of the Federation? Does Federation law trump the UCJ?

[@DavidBrendan7799]

@@Turboy65 I would imagine the Federation laws trump any Starfleet rule or regulation. Starfleet answers to the federation

[@thomasbarca9297]

I loved this episode it had the feeling of measure of a man and the one where Julian was found out as an augment

[@tonydeleon5029]

I watched Star Trek DS9 Season 5 episode 16 again prior to watching this episode because of the augment issue. Both episodes performed excellent in portraying the racism, hate, and challenges faced by people when discriminated.

[@angelrivers3910]

This was the BEST Star Trek courtroom drama. It didn't need a B story there was a lot going on.

[@troy8738]

That Vulcan argument in the bar was insane, lucky all surived

[@ChristopherJakeMallory]

For me, this was the best episode so far. It is going to be very hard to hard for the writers to out do themselves. I literally teared up a little during the show.

[@travelswithsi8932]

Good lord I couldn't disagree more with the ep suffered due to no B story. I was glued to my seat and watched it 3 times back to back. The A story was everything. The acting and writing made this my fave EP of Trek ever. Yetide Badaki needs serious recognition given the quality of acting in this ep. Outstanding.

[@CousinoMacul]

Don't forget that the TOS episode The Menagerie, where Spock was put on trial and the audience was introduced to Captain Christopher Pike, also didn't have a B-plot.

[@carljackson6308]

Ad Astra was a fantastic episode and didn't need a "B" story!!

[@paulm.newitt3246]

The little triangle patches used on the TOS dress uniforms were actually from "a little box" that costume designer (TOS) Bill Theiss found in a store on Melrose Ave. in L.A. in the 1960s. Also note the use of hardbound books by Star Fleet, a nod to Kirk's lawyer's preference for real, printed legal books in "Court Martial". I think the pace was fine; a serious episode you had to think about in detail, that a B story would detract from. We're fortunate to have this kind of TOS inspired quality of Trek today.

[@Caviar_Liberta]

A physical book can't be edited while being held where digital text could be changed when it's not being used.

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

Good episode Sci-Fanatics. Frankly, I think a lot of the Kurtzman era Star Trek sucks, but this was at least an intellectually interesting episode.

[@juniorlove4all917]

Loved this episode! Actress Yetide Badaki who played Una’s lawyer, Neera, was stunning. The court room drama was compelling and had me on the edge of my seat. From Una “outing” herself plot twist to Neera outmaneuvering Starfleet by using their own rules against them to win her case. Masterfully done!

[@andrewmorton7482]

Have to disagree on the B-story argument. In neither "Measure Of A Man" nor "The Drumhead" was there a B-story

[@MalikBarrow16]

This episode was amazing. I shed tears twice.

[@basic6154]

Me to

[@citizen_wayne]

My friend. I literally have ADD and trying to force a 'B-story' onto this episode would have been an unforgivable sin. Yetide Badaki put on the performance of a lifetime IMO and I was so glad to watch a guest star who genuinely kept me rapt. I felt like she was a real civil rights lawyer and was passionate about what she was fighting for. Which as a black woman, she probably has experienced a lot of the bigotries her character was fighting against. So wonderful. The message was important. I have seen every episode of every series and every movie. This is one of the best ever made. Top 10 for me for sure. (considering there are around 1000 episodes, that's top 1% of all time.) Yeah, I don't need lots of explosions and starships to keep me interested in Trek. The relationships and strategies were complex. Pike, who usually, talks himself out of everything, was forced to be silent. Pike, who wanted to fight for his friend, was the only one (including even Una herself) who was kept from the stand. That agony was everywhere on his face. La'an's voice when she said she wouldnt be alive without Una knocked the fucking air out of my lungs. Yeah, no, I'm not an infant. Ethical debate is more interesting than phasers about 9/10. I know that Trek is, OBJECTIVELY about the characters. Not the action. So, "talky talky. lots of talky", is a strange criticism.

[@denniswormsley931]

enjoyed your take....💜

[@velvetknapp]

This episode was amazing a lead-up to what we're in store for l hope ... the lawyer's presents cool to the very end was amazing she was definitely the star of this episode stole the show.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

*TWENTY years in prison* for withholding personal information from your employer!!! Holy shite, talk about a business-friendly planet!

[@Ruffian_Xion]

So, who was cutting those onions at the end?

[@nativeokie]

I don’t think Patel wanted the 20, it was the Vulcan

[@radart6037]

The writing in this episode was masterful and the acting and direction did it full justice. Great writing takes skill and time so I hope the writers guild get all they are asking for in their fight for better pay and conditions from the studios and we will enjoy moving episodes like this for years to come.

[@Crimsonguyver]

Would have been nice to have seen Pike’s reactions to Spock “borrowing” the enterprise from episode 1.

[@denniswormsley931]

hahahahaha....yessss!🤣

[@patcarlson3449]

I loved this episode. No fighting, blowing things up, just people and the story. You can actually let it sink in and go along with the story.

[@neoloanderson6676]

Uma winning the trial, also confirms that the future Pike visited, where Spock died because Pike send messages to those children, that are going to die, has definitely changed. He spoke to La’an in that episode who reiterated that Uma’s been on the penal colony for 7 of the 20yrs.

[@jeffreygonzalez8059]

Tbh, the ‘B’ line was the broken relationship between Una and Neera. As a member of the LGBTQ community and a veteran who served during “don’t ask, don’t tell”, the story line isn’t lost on me because there is the main story of a service member on trial but also the ‘B’ line of how the persecuted community views, perhaps even disdains the defendant for capitalizing on their ability to “pass”.

[@jeffreygonzalez8059]

It also isn’t lost on me that this episode was released 5 days before the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall riots when many people are celebrating Pride.

[@MichaelP833]

it didnt even occur to me that there was no B story. the episode was so packed. could be one of my favourite star trek episodes of all time!

[@mepilot1]

S2 E2 of Strange New Worlds was one of the top all time episodes of the Star Trek Series. Bravo! Keep up this style of episodes through out the series.

[@chrisphammond]

I took the search for the identity of who informed Starfleet was the B story - it was related to the trial but was a specific side quest for La'an.

[@thestanleys3657]

They should have added a special clause to the law making exception for genetic engineering in aliens or cultural reasons.

[@howardkonig8538]

Assuming Star Trek Prodigy is in the same timeline, we know that doesn’t happen as 100 years or so in the future (post TNG and Voyager) Starfleet still has the no augment rule which we saw in the finale of Prodigy.

[@thestanleys3657]

If they had added an aliens clause it wouldn't affect Bashir's storyline and Dal they could say it doesn't apply to him as he's not a federation citizen or part human for example

[@yibambe356]

A very important narrative discussed and acted out in this episode. Potentially the most important star trek episode ever.

[@73shay93]

SNW defense attorney is a chess grandmaster didn’t see her finishing move till checkmate.

[@deanzaZZR]

woof I get it. Pride Month, Juneteenth etc. Fine, I'm all for it. But we don't need 50 minutes straight. I agree with our host here. Constantly Hit over the Head Again and Again. I'm with you. Stop hitting me over the head!

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

It was a snoozer.

[@stanialavgg7631]

I have to make a confession. I didn't finish your review... And I won't. I went and watched the closing speech of the defender, than watched it again. And the constant thing were the tears. That was a perfect example what ST stands for. The writing was magnificent, and the actress delivery, I actually think she reached the stars. I have never seen her, never heard of her, but with that one episode she will forever be a huge part of the history of ST.

[@TomNicholson77]

This was Star Trek at its best, really don't get the mediocre review of it. But, different strokes for different folks...

[@Emberheart_]

The re-use of sets works for me, Star Trek has done that plenty of times and it has kind of becomes its own trope for Trek. From battle bridges to court rooms.

[@reniasva]

Perfect Trek. Whoever wrote that episode did a fantastic job. Particularly during pride month, every message of that episode should be heard.

[@suzywilson]

Just a note: I noticed you didn't pick up on the strategy. It was BRILLIANT! Any strategist would appreciate the savvy of the solicitor (Yitedi). Her acting in this was BRILLIANT. The body language work, undercurrents of jokes. This episode was more about what was not said.

[@BamaScorpio69]

Didn’t need a B-story. The courtroom story was plenty and very satisfying. And guess what? There will not be another story like this for the reminder of the season so no worry for those that didn't like it.

[@Paul-lx2pc]

This episode of SNW won me over for this series and has drawn me closer to the cast. An excellent perfomance by Yetide Badaki as the defence lawyer and I hope we haven't seen the last of her. There was no need for a "B" story such was the strength of the "A" story - IMHO the pacing was spot on. All the Star Trek courtroom dramas have been memorable and this episode was no exception.

[@scruffopone3989]

I know that in season 1 the trans allegory was pretty subtle but damn they really did a great job just driving the metaphor home. The courtroom episodes in Trek have always been some of the strongest episodes in series and they did a great job keeping with tradition. (Oh I forgot Lawyer Boimler, but it's hard to count that one because it wasn't *really* a courtroom drama now was it)

[@rhoetusochten4211]

Trans allegory? This episode was a "white people are persecuted", alt-right allegory. Think about it: a hundred years or more ago, some people with genetic similarities to Una did something that killed millions in the name of racial superiority. And now, those who share genetic traits are being blamed and persecuted because of those actions. The one white man in the show is told he cannot speak. And let's talk about that white man, Pike. He surrounds himself with a harem of good looking women which is obviously a juvenile male fantasy being played out by the showrunners. By the way, we find out in episode 3 that the "bad thing" those supremacists did, back in the day... turns out it was a good thing and we (through La'an) shouldn't blame "ourselves", but accept and move on. Strange New Worlds is an alt-right false flag operation, and I can't believe slapping some pride colors on a leg brace has fooled so many people.

[@milmaxxx]

Best Episode for many years. There is still hope that Star Tr3k can survive in modern times

[@westiniroh5406]

What an episode. The defender reminds me of Catwoman so much.

[@ken418]

No B story makes the episode feel like "A Very Special Episode" of Stange New Worlds. It was great.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Recall the ST TOS episode, where Kirk was being charged for the wrongful death of an officer. He was framed, but it was his former lover who was prosecuting him. In the end, they parted amicably with her kissing him on the bridge. So, a love interest being an adversary is not out of the ordinary.

[@The_Cyber_Nomad]

They just took the episode from Data's on TNG and Bashir's on DS9. Almost scene for scene. I am not sure why everyone is raving about it.

[@afp445]

Well all the left-wing ideologues in the comments seem to love it, so there's that I suppose 🤷‍♂️.....and of course those who didn't like it are immediately labeled as 'right-wing bigots' 🤦 Such a tolerant society we live in 🙄

[@drbuckley1]

"The Cage" was framed as a courtroom drama. Mr. Spock's mutiny trial.

[@AdmiralMatt1701]

This was a great episode. Well written, very well paced and definitely is in line with other Star Trek Courtroom episodes. On another note thank you for your weekly breakdowns and thoughts. I look forward to them and appreciate what you do for all us fans

[@jakesmith5278]

This was an excellent episode. Reminds me so much of "Measure of A Man" from TNG. Well done.

[@scottwarthin1528]

Gene started the court-martial drama TV genre with his court procedural episodes of "The Lieutenant" which depict UMCJ courtroom procedure (JAG, NCIS). All the 60's Star Trek "court room" uniforms are inspired by the US Fleet's Dress Blues and Dress Whites. This Start Trek Strange New Worlds episode #2 had the characters discussing "illegal orders" and the other heaviest of topics as if they were real Officers of The Fleet being overheard by real enlistees as they weigh the moral conundrums. The episode takes it back to snapshots of the GG Bridge from those familiar Fort Baker (from Sea & Air) and Fort Mason (from Land) vantages which surely Gene, as a WW2 aviator serviceman, would have seen firsthand from being on leave during (and afterward in demobilization) his experience with The Pacific Theatre. For Gene, the haters made it rough for him in his refusal to go along with "hating Japs": To shoot at and to be shot down by the Japanese Imperial Navy... I would like to think the spirit of San Francisco itself which gave Gene 'The Star Trek SOUL' required to hire George Takei to play the character entrusted to fire the USS Enterprise's weapons: HAPPY PRIDE WEEKEND, SEMPER FI ! ! !

[@alistairborthwick2031]

Just watched the episode. Really impressive. A very difficult theme to pull off without totally hamming it up. 😁

[@margaretgladwell1371]

Not sure there was B story in either Court Martial in TOS or in the Measure of a Man in TNG. please correct if I’m wrong.

[@mrtienphysics666]

"Slavery was once legal. Apartheid was legal. Discrimination against people for how they worshipped, how they love, their gender, color of their skin -- all legal at one time or another. A law does not make something just. If a law is not just, then I ask how are we to trust those who created that law to serve justice?" Neera Ad Astra Per Aspera Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season 2 Epsiode 2

[@randycompton5230]

Great review, matched my assessment. I know that Next Gen and later did typically have back story, but did TOS?

[@georgeperini8190]

I think this was an outstanding episode.

[@anvihere6959]

Felt like I was watching suits, loved it.

[@carolbriscoe9337]

I loved the episode and found it quite in keeping with Roddenberry 's original stories. Highlighting a wrong and showing the consequences. No B storyline required

[@LaraA55]

agreed

[@midnightwind8067]

This was some of the best tv I have seen in decades. I’m serious. Great episode. I have watched this 4 times and it holds up. I think this review is demonstrating an acute cgi effects withdrawal maybe? This was a thinkers story. And wow what a good writing job it was. The acting was great. The plot points rang like bells. There were a few too many cuts with motion when they first rang the bell to bring the court in session the first time. I will agree to that. But this was a really great episode imho