Star Trek Strange New Worlds "Subspace Rhapsody" The Musical Review

[@MousePounder]

Uhura had the "Let it go" moment of the episode. Really got some real Frozen vibes during her song in Engineering.

[@NaterTot]

EXACTLY what I was thinking! Definitely felt like it. Chills.

[@Bored_Barbarian]

I loved it. “I’m the X” was amazing but super sad. La’ans and Uhura’s solos made me cry 😢😭

[@mikemackenzie1035]

Uhura's solo was truly transcendent, La'an's solo was a surprise and it totally worked, Spock's "I'm the X" was memorable, but hard to watch for me.

[@Nehelenia3000]

Aw, the Klingon boyband was the best part!

[@NaterTot]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@spoke2639]

You could say that the rift really turned them into quite the K-Pop band. I nominate their band name be The Bat’leth Boys.

[@musicgurufan8771]

I watched the K-pop part over and over again. Love it.

[@martinv.352]

In "Making Of", you can see a different Klingon singing variant more like an opera, not so funny, but also remarkable.

[@samfisher6606]

I loved this episode. even though Im not a musicals person and actually get second hand embarrassment for characters when they sing. I like the way they handled the Kirk and La’An stuff. She told him without telling him. I didn’t think Kirk knew about David. I really like that it was Uhura who figured out the solution. Since the start of the series, they’ve tied her character to music and song. It really fits thematically. My favorite song was Chapel’s. I just loved the brassy jazz pop it leaned into. And I appreciate that Spock’s song was filled with math puns. And the Klingons singing K-Pop was hilarious. I am disappoint there wasn’t a shanty song. They’re sailors, there should’ve been a shanty. My only real downside is I felt you could really hear the autotune on the other songs and I felt it was distracting.

[@BigNoseDog]

I hate musicals but thoroughly enjoyed this episode. That doesn’t mean I want another one. But I’m glad the show took a risk like this cause it really paid off. I never found myself cringing. Even the singing Klingons had me laughing out loud. What I liked most is that the songs gave us more insight into the characters and what they’re feeling. I kept worrying we’d get gimmicky songs where Spock sings “fascinating” or Uhura would singing hailing frequencies are open with a bunch of dancing red shirts behind her. I also wasn’t expecting to have such a strong emotional reaction. I felt good for Uhura and Chapel, awful for Spock, and La’an. I sat through 2 seasons of Picard feeling nothing at all.

[@NaterTot]

This is a good point. It was a good way of opening up the vulnerabilities of the characters. This is far and away better than the first two seasons of Picard. No clue what they were thinking (or doing)

[@BigNoseDog]

@@NaterTot not just their vulnerabilities, but their feelings in general. This is why people sing, to express heightened feelings that they might otherwise keep hidden. The Chapel scene was a perfect example of this. In theater, actors often give soliloquies to let you know what their characters are thinking and feeling. Strip away the musical elements from this episode and that’s what you have here. Uhura, La’an, Chapel, Spock, even Pike all spilling their guts that not only gives us a better understanding of them, but also helping to advance certain storylines.

[@timothymoyer2201]

That last sentence says plenty. After seeing it, I too,realized,..Me Too.

[@markh3271]

Hit it out of the park! Too much fun. Shades of La La Land.

[@NaterTot]

Hey Tots. Back to talk about this much awaited musical. I'm really intrigued to hear what people think of this one. As usual, please share, spread the word and help a Tot out. It means a lot! - Mr. Tot

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I am one of those NO to musicals, I cannot listen to this episode. This might as well been Cop Rock and I hate Cop Rock. To be ridiculed and discouraged. No! Hard pass. Nauseating. I will concede to "Come cheer up my lads as the glory is near"

[@GopherBaroque61]

I decided to finally watch this musical episode. I was hesitant because I've never really liked when shows do them. I steeled myself to watch it and ended up surprised. Apparently, I'm one of the very few people in the entire world who didn't enjoy Buffy the Vampire Slayer's musical episode, "Once More, With Feeling". Neither did I enjoy the ones from Xena: The Warrior Princess, Scrubs, Fringe, Once Upon a Time and The Flash. I know there are a few more shows that have had them, but I never watched those other show. Except for maybe Once Upon a Time, their songs just didn't do it for me. Everybody has their own tastes and are allowed to love or hate this episode and no one should criticize their opinion because it's a subjective viewpoint. Not all of the songs worked for me. In fact, I can list different categories of which were Great, Good, Okay, Huh? and Eh... Yeah... Nope. Again, its' nothing more than MY personal opinion and you can disagree with me if you feel the need. Great: Keep Us Connected - Uhura How Would That Feel - La'an Good: I'm the "X" - Spock I'm Ready - Chapel Status Report - Crew Okay: Keeping Secrets - Una We Are One - Crew Huh?: Klingon K-Pop - Klingon Hip-Hop Crew (Hopefully this was just for laughs) Eh... Yeah... Nope: Connect to Your Truth - Una and Kirk (I know what they were trying to do here, but it didn't work for me) Private Conversation - Pike and Betel

[@Wesleech]

Im glad i'm dead on social media. I had no idea until Spock started. I wish everyone had no idea like i did. it was wonderful and insane.

[@propitiationed]

I absolutely loved it! And I agree it’s good to see them doing something different with the season, taking risks. I’m expecting next season to dig into some heavy things. They’ve developed a deep fan loyalty and we’re ready for even darker links.

[@djackio]

Oh I loved Nurse Chapel’s so much. I want it on my playlist.

[@NaterTot]

It was delightful

[@SianiLane]

​​@@NaterTotand it's funny, so many reviewers have said how cold Nurse Chapel is in this number just cutting Spock off, but I completely link it to Boimler and Those Old Scientists episode. He put this seed of doubt in her mind- what else could you feel if someone from the future told you your boyfriend is not going to end up with you, and will never mention your relationship again? Then they fight in the war episode, so now they're doomed by fate AND she's having a PTSD episode... it's no wonder she's ready to run! I really think she's saying f*** you to her own feelings as much as his in this song.

[@berylg52]

Gotta admit I love some musicals: "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Showboat" as well as the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. I approached this episode with unease, but I think they made a great episode. I'm sure that there will be a lot of YT videos declaring that this episode was a desecration of the Holy Cannon, but I was entertained. I save my Pharisaical textual analysis for holy writ and just enjoy SNW.

[@NaterTot]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I definitely liked the risk they took and some of the songs were incredible!

[@InJeffable]

When it comes to pure entertainment value, my favorite part of the episode was the Klingon boy band. I don't think I've ever laughed that hard at Star Trek. From an artistic perspective, my favorite thing about the episode was Christine Chapel's celebration/break-up song followed by Spock's somber refrain. Really well done, from the juxtaposition of the high-energy music with Chapel's biting lyrics to Spock's sad realization that not only has he been dumped but that maybe he never mattered as much to Christine as she mattered to him. Uhura's song worked for me too, as did the big shipwide showstopper at the end that felt like an homage to 'Walk Through the Fire' in the Buffy musical. I didn't care for Number One's advice song, but that's fine. A musical is allowed to have one dud. Overall, I would give 'Subspace Rhapsody' an 8.5 out of 10. The concept may not have been fresh, but they executed it in style and made it their own.

[@axelbeier9293]

For me Subspace Rhapsody is a highly creative, superbly acted and very entertaining episode. This is for me one of the best Star Trek episodes ever - and I have been a Star Trek fan for about 50 years. Do I want to see more Star Trek musicals? A resounding No. But I admire the courage of the creators and the performance of the actors here. I think the overall performance of the second season of SNW is remarkable and I'm already looking forward to a third season. I don't find the "unusual" episodes quirky, but experimental and daring. And who dares, wins. More of this creativity, please!

[@ronsilva7394]

I have watched Star Trek and performed in musicals for 40 years , I loved it !

[@patcoston]

I loved it. Ohura mentioned her earworm at the end. I've got the same songs stuck in my head too. Probably because I watch clips on KZbin every night. I can't stop rewatching those scenes. My favorite songs are Apologies/Status Report (the first one), I'm Ready (nurse chapel) and Our Purpose (the last one with the Klingon's). There is so much happening in the background of the large group dance numbers so it's fun to go back and pause and see what people are doing in the background.

[@poneill65]

They did a passable attempt at the Buffy "Once More With Feeling" approach (where the protagonists are aware that singing is odd, and causing all kind of emotional chaos). Nothing could come close to the Buffy episode which, even for someone who mostly detests musicals, is an absolute masterpiece of writing that I will never tire of watching. Basically, it was a bit too much cookie cutter musical theatre/Glee for my liking, but "I didn't hate it" and I'm not spitting my dummy and foreswearing SNW for all eternity.

[@susansokoloski2233]

Hitting it out of the ball park.

[@NaterTot]

Agreed, Susan!

[@anthony_icuagu]

I can’t help feeling that “ I hate musicals “ translates to “ I’m uncomfortable experiencing characters express emotions in hyperbole because the only thing that scares me more than ‘emotions’ are ‘LOUD emotions’ “…..but then again, we’re all built different and there’s room for all 🙂

[@NaterTot]

That seems like a large, rather unfair examination of me as a person and the critique. Musicals aren’t for everyone. It’s a genre. Some don’t like western. Crime. Comedy or action. I’m not big into Western, what’s the diagnosis there? I am all for characters sharing their emotions. It also must be said that I did immensely enjoy this episode too

[@anthony_icuagu]

@@NaterTot You're right. I apologize. I just found it rather off-putting in an otherwise great review, that almost every single statement was preceded by '' I don't like musicals ".

[@NaterTot]

@@anthony_icuagu I think the reason I mentioned the "I don't like musicals" is multi-fold. One, it is saying that even though I don't care for musicals I enjoyed this. Two, I went into this with a level of bias and assumingly others would enjoy this more. Regardless, we both really enjoyed this episode and I thought it was well done. I am still listening to the music and really enjoy (some of)the songs.

[@neilmcleish9014]

When they first broke into song I was “omg they’ve jumped the shark” but by the second number I was hooked. Brilliant. And singing Klingons tipped it over the edge to an 11 out of 10. A big swing but it 100% connected.

[@redbassist5590]

This episode was a delight. I'm so glad that SNW is willing to have fun. Yeah, the Klingon song was a bit cringy, but in a fun way :')

[@NaterTot]

It is. People are having a tough time deciding what they want. SNW went playful this episode and I enjoyed it! Hope you subscribe and check out my other videos!

[@marynolan4994]

Oh I love musicals and I have seen several of them. Saying that, The format of the songs and dances completely fit the format of musicals. This includes the song between Number One and Laan. All the songs were great. I’m not sure how much auto tune was used. I really liked the sequences with the crew dancing through the halls. They were great. Some musicals do contain some speech, although most contain all music. I give this episode an A#.

[@toddbert1946]

This episode was phenomenal! Something out of the ordinary Star Trek episodes. It brings a different layer to the actors and the roles they portray. There is yet an episode in the series that has disappointed me.

[@lightningandcloud]

3 things i didnt expect spock mbenga and headbanger klingons. im not much of a musical person but this was a fun episode

[@jeffhartman1440]

Loved, loved! Finally a musical where they realized the song dance was caused by something they really didn't have control over. That made it all the more real and natural.

[@bhmth]

Ok the Klingons were basically ready to destroy the galaxy to rid themselves of their dishonor. There's no way they would react that way if they broke out in Klingon opera! K-Pop, on the other hand, is at its most dishonorable in the original Klingon.

[@spoke2639]

Agreed. As much as I would have loved some Klingon Opera, it unfortunately wouldn’t have made as much sense in the context of the narrative.

[@andrandr6763]

sick fascination with musicals is one of the quirks of Americans

[@MousePounder]

Yes, the gorn stuff is like...what!? also Pike's Girlfriend is 100% going to die.

[@NaterTot]

Just a complete afterthought.

[@Bored_Barbarian]

I like the fact that it shows that stuff is happening besides them. Most of the other shows (mostly TNG) it’s like “wow fantastic and never before seen things happen to the flag ship week after week” 😅 This shows more “ok yeah stuff is happening in the galaxy beyond the enterprise’s scope.

[@kassygo1375]

La’ans and Spock’s solos were my favorite Uhuras were great too and I LOVED the Klingon dance scene

[@MousePounder]

Wow, i missed that CGI part thru the window. 😬

[@NaterTot]

Yeah, super silly. Mrs. Tot missed it. I went back and showed it to Mrs Tot she didn't even see it. It was effective enough then.

[@EdwardSinclair]

It's amazing I watched the subspace rhapsody episode after watching Aladna on The Marvels (the singing planet), what an eerie coincidence as I didn't plan for that at all. Seemed like the universe was trying to tell me something...

[@ShazzPotz]

I think this episode should be entitled: Enterprise: The Love Boat.

[@NaterTot]

That is a pretty good title

[@spoke2639]

IDK, Subspace Rhapsody is a pretty accurate title, its literally about a subspace rift that causes a Rhapsody to occur onboard the Enterprise and throughout Star-fleet and Klingon Space. Title make be think of Rhapsody in Blue, which similarly fluctuates between joyous and somber tones.

[@ShazzPotz]

@@spoke2639 Sure I understand that "Subspace Rhapsody" is technically an accurate title. But the emotional heart of the episode deals with the love stories swirling around Pike-Batel, Spock-Chapel, La'an-Kirk and Uhura-??? I was joking about calling the Enterprise "The Love Boat", but it does resonate for this episode. Are you aware that 'The Love Boat" was a big hit TV show for 10 years in the 1970s?

[@MousePounder]

Some of the lyrics don't flow as well as some others. I loved Spock and Chapel for the serious stuff but the fun of the Klingon's had me rolling 🤣 But i would have loved some Klingon Opera in the episode.

[@tomgillispie434]

WHEN I WATCH STAR TREK, I WATCH STAR TREK. WHEN I WATCH MUSICALS, I WATCH SINGING IN THE RAIN.

[@MousePounder]

I LOVED Chapel's song

[@NaterTot]

I loved the energy to it. I just wish it was done better to Spock, but hey, whatever.

[@PeterKJRichterIMHO]

...it's been done aka "Once More With Feeling" Nuff said...

[@AmanCreatesArt]

I like musicals. I’m not sure this was an especially good one though. But I’m glad others really enjoyed it!

[@NaterTot]

Fair analysis. Thanks for sharing. Hope you subscribe and check out my other content!

[@VAND4LL]

All i can say is for a moment i thought i was watching a WALT DISNEY STAR TREK show.

[@docholliday37]

Maybe SOUND OF MUSIC, THE HILLS ARE ALIVE.......

[@MousePounder]

I didn't hate any of the music in this one.

[@ThelastDionysus]

I’m not into musical but this hit everything right they hated singing which made it better my fav ep even tho I hate musical

[@mikemackenzie1035]

I agree with you guys. This is a solid B episode. They swung hard and while they didn't miss, it was not a home run either. Some sections were really really good, others were meh. The worst aspect for me was the technobabble excuse. I think it would have made much more Star Trekverse sense if this was some intervention by some member of the Q Continuum, but not actually revealing themselves to the puny humans directely yet.

[@NaterTot]

Now that would have been cool. Maybe an off screen showing of Q. I am okay with the way they went however silly it was

[@stephenkennedy225]

Rebecca Romijn was amazing I wanted her to turn into Mystique while she was singing with Kirk. The bar scene could have been amazing, but Jess Bush isnt a good singer. Bruce Horak (Hemmer) was the Klingon general and I loved the boy band Klingons and yes it was supposed to be cheesy as hell that why it worked. 6 out of 10 for me.

[@NaterTot]

Glad to see Horak back too!

[@DeaconBlues117]

If they'd sung opera, they would have been fine. They had to eliminate the anomaly to avenge the dishonor of K-pop.

[@mikemackenzie1035]

I give this 7 of 9 stars...

[@NaterTot]

I see what you did there

[@cherylpeterson6634]

I gave it an A, not A plus just because they copied Buffy too much. But they also tributed Buffy. Bunnies? for one and in several other places. LOVED IT. But I think you missed the point of the Klingons. They were embarrased about how they were singing. They didn't get to pick their favorite. It was so funny, I choked, literally, on my laughter.

[@NaterTot]

I definitely understood the context of it. I'm glad people enjoyed it and got a kick out of it. It just wasn't for me and that's okay!

[@chriscutress1702]

With only 10 episodes per year this episode was a waste. Better idea for one of the animated versions rather than Strange New Worlds. The Klingon's should have been singing Klingon Opera.

[@NaterTot]

Ten episodes seasons leave a lot less wiggle room, that’s for sure. Hope you enjoy the review and check out the others!

[@prometeusvelvet]

I like

[@shawnsears7590]

I tried. I *_really_* tried to hate this episode.

[@NaterTot]

You tried. That’s something. It isn’t for everyone and that’s okay! Not every episode of Trek hit either

[@MousePounder]

I'd give this episode a B or B+. Good, but doesn't hit the highs of something like the Buffy musical episode.

[@NaterTot]

Completely forgot Buffy did one too!

[@cherylpeterson6634]

@@NaterTot ??? Once more with feeling is unforgettable

[@louistarrats6537]

i like it best to date

[@NaterTot]

That's awesome. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing too !:)

[@docholliday37]

Turned it off after the first 10 minutes. I thought the previous episode with the cartoons was bad but this was ridiculous. It reminded me of the Star Trek TOS episode with the tweedle-de, tweedle-dum portrayal.

[@donkey0303]

Couldn't Get into it, ended up fast-forwarding all the songs, totally missed the Klingon singing, and from that 1 clip I feel justified.

[@NaterTot]

It’s not my favorite.

[@Eyeofthemourning]

I 💯 disagree about the Klingons. They were great!

[@iancurrie8844]

Star Trek is dead. We went from the soaring highs of Voyager's "virtuoso" which was an allegory for the character development of the protagonist to THIS which is essentially nothing more than a holodeck episode. There's been a malfunction and you're trapped in the casino. You must play the game to escape! There's no THERE, there.

[@正和我]

No my heart will go on😂😂😂😂

[@nullcheck]

This musical thing simply does not feel like Star Trek. The immersion is now completely gone. It was already tested with the cartoon crap but this was the final straw. I hope the series gets cancelled after this season.

[@docholliday37]

Or re-invented to be what it was meant to be.

[@jeffmartens9890]

I enjoyed it! It was fun and different. Boldly going where no Star Trek had gone before. Right? Poor Spock got kicked to the curb! Ouch!! On another thought, ... I'm getting a vibe that somewhere down the road that le'Ann and Una are going to become a couple. It's just the way that they interact together. Una has mentioned before how much she senses le'Ann's emotions, and now that Kirk is not an option, that might lead to something. Then that scene in this episode where they're floating in a circle, holding hands, and singing to each other alone I think is telling. Thenk again, maybe not. Just a thought...

[@Scoringgoalsinallfootbal-lk9ks]

The producers of this stupid nonsense have spat in the grave of Eugene Wesley Roddenberry when they decided to transform a serious science fiction space exploration series into cabaret entertainment aimed at people with an IQ with 2 digits or less. I don't blame the actors - they are extremely good when they have a good story but what is next I wonder? Talking to the camera? Talent shows on the Enterprise? Cooking competitions for the Klingon's? After watching this I cannot take the actors seriously and certainly not the producers who should be ashamed of themselves and stick to writing daytime TV as they have ruined what was once the best science fiction series ever made. 😭

[@docholliday37]

Well said!

[@mapruitt]

This was hands down the WORST episode of any Star Trek series or movie ever. It was even worse that Srat Trek 5.

[@starbrand3726]

I love musicals, just...NOT IN STAR TREK!

[@drizzeltravelingtothailand8993]

I love startrek , but afther a few minutes i stop watching. Didn't like it. I am a big big fan , but cartoons and singing, nope not my thing i hate it.

[@crank279]

They most worst episode of all.. it doesn't match sci. Pls keep sci fi to sci fi and musicals to musical. This episode was terrible to watch and skip it after fast forward. Omg

[@bioshock6935]

I watched a lot of reviews regarding this episode and there all saying the same when it came to the Klingon singing and why didn't they do the opera or the battle cry or Kahless into a song. This for me shows how out of touch these showrunners are and the poor writing being exposed even more and unimaginative to what it could of been when the fans come up with much better ideas. Also they could of put in the star treking song as the end credit theme but no they probably didn't even think about it or even knew the song existed.

[@DeaconBlues117]

They wouldn't need to avenge their dishonor if they'd sung opera. Think about it.

[@bioshock6935]

They only done the boy band routine thinking it was funny for me it could've been done so much better is style instead its cheesy and cringy

[@brachiator1]

It was... okay. I can't complain about the episode being a musical after SNW does an animated crossover. But I thought the underlying story was lame, with too many soap opera level elements. The singing was often good, but the dance choreography was flatfooted.

[@Bored_Barbarian]

First

[@NaterTot]

Hey, thank you!

[@leepaulalexander]

Crap episode...much more of that and I won't bother watching it!

[@NaterTot]

I am sorry you didn’t enjoy it, Lee

[@docholliday37]

@@NaterTot Same here. Time to cancel Paramount.

[@Sixeye_]

Good Risks? They have pretty much destroyed Star Trek, this is not Star Trek, it's garbage. I will be shocked if this show gets a season 3. This is a great example of how to destroy a beloved franchise. New Trek is such garbage.

[@docholliday37]

Totally agree!

[@stevenledbrook562]

Nothing is sacred anymore is it? Just when i was really getting into Strange New Worlds they do this to ruin it! Leave Star Trek and Star Wars free from this millenial woke agenda! A musical version of Star Trek just made me ill. If i had wanted to see High School Musical, I would have watched that instead ( hell would have to freeze over first though ). William Shatner is a singer too but you never saw Kirk belting out a show tune in the original series thank god.

[@professorBofFPU]

Oh, grow up.

[@jerryormston3916]

The down I gisve you is not because of the show, but uour review of it. The episode was great.

[@NaterTot]

The review was given a B by both of us. This is considered good to great. So, I'm not sure what you are referring to. Once again, our opinion is perspective and isn't treated as concrete fact. We are fans of this show and are just providing our thoughts. That's all 'criticism' is. I hope you check out my other reviews and I appreciate you taking the time to comment too.

[@surfacingcom]

Did not particularly enjoy. Absolutely love SNW's trend of episode specific title sequences.