Ups & Downs From Star Trek: Strange New Worlds 2.5 - Charades

[@Mrseancouture]

Huge miss Sean on the beanie. Obvious reference to the fact in several episodes the beanie was how Spock hid his Vulcan ears and now gets to hide his human ears.

[@Insanemage2001]

Or possibly the toque was an homage to shooting in Toronto. I imagine everyone could use a warm hat on occasion.

[@peteprime]

I immediately thought of the "mechanical rice picker" excuse from "City on the edge of forever. "

[@jessetaggart5573]

Toque or beanie it is definitely a nod to the blue one Spock wore in "City on the Edge of Forever" & possibly the grey one he wore in “Assignment: Earth”. Though I could see a Toronto homage as an extra layer of meaning too.

[@pookhahare]

A lot of people seem to have forgotten that Spock in several episodes wore some version of a beanie in tos. With most fashionable in Assignment Earth.

[@wahn10]

That's a latinum down for this episode of Ups & Downs, unfortunately. I was shocked Sean missed it.

[@ericflint1081]

Oh, when Amanda explained the meaning of the memory she shared, and that it did not matter that she was shunned, only that he was accepted, then remembering what she told Spock while showing him how to make the tea: "If there is one thing I have learned while living on Vulcan it is how to suppress my own pain." Oh. The hits deep.

[@KnightRaymund]

it's so sad. She must REALLY love Sarek.

[@elonwong]

@@KnightRaymundand Spock for that matter

[@ficialintelligence1869]

Spock sticking up for his mother, and then talking to her about the real memory that was shared: that Amanda was happy for him, even while -- simultaneously -- the other Vulcan mothers rejected her. That was my Latinum Up.

[@GSBarlev]

I legitimately cried. Bawled like a freshly orphaned Tellarite 😭

[@backpacker3421]

Same. That legit made me tear up.

[@NeuroD369]

And to tell the truth that it would be (seen as) mundane, but hide the complexity to be shared later with the only person who deserved it. Spock got it.

[@bbbabrock]

Yeah. I didn't like this episode particularly. But I did like the bits focusing on Stock's relationship with his mom, particularly that scene.

[@ficialintelligence1869]

@@bbbabrock This was a "cute" episode. It's got a heavy "The Original Series" vibe to it. My favorite thus far is: "Per aspera ad astra".

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

My absolute favorite thing is the super whipped Father. Watching him show uncharacteristic excitement about things only to immediately back off of it when T'Prill spoke up was amusing. His appreciation for food was also something I can really relate to.

[@mikes5637]

He is EXACTLY like my mate Rob with his wife. 😅

[@Carstuff111]

As the wife tries to exude Vulcan perfection, the husband just wanted to enjoy really good food and get to know new people. It was awesome to watch :)

[@kev30631]

And very un-vulcan.

[@teenprez]

Agreed! All the interactions with T'Pring's parents were hilarious.

[@robmaher42]

Surely Spock's beanie is a reference to The City on the Edge of Forever.

[@STormnNormn2027]

One of the many ear and eyebrow coverups seen throughout Star Trek. I got Voyage Home vibes too.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

My thoughts exactly

[@JB-1138]

Repeated again in Enterprise. 🖖🏻

[@jctrame]

All true but more likely Sean throwing in some humor of his own to see who picks up on it.

[@chehammond4872]

I came here to say this 👆🏾

[@Sully365]

Bravo to Ethan Peck. He just completely showed his acting chops with the switch from human to vulcan and back and ...dang, just good

[@mgscheue]

And human trying to act Vulcan. It was really good.

[@kev30631]

Ethan peck is 37. There were times his performance was 16 year old teenager.😂 It was ridiculously over the top in some spots.

[@quantisedspace7047]

Yes, and totally consistent with his 'The Women !" screech in The Cage.

[@Carstuff111]

@@kev30631 So, did you forget what it is like to go through puberty or just be a teenager in general? His body went through a huge change....This was perfectly spot on. Being 100% human was totally new.

[@Carstuff111]

I thought it was impressive how he and Gia Sandhu played each other's characters last season. But this, just, wow!

[@CommanderJeph]

Up for the "hi Mom" Spock gives Amanda in the transporter room. It really came across with the feeling that many of us have felt I think, that "mom's here, she's gonna fix this, everything's going to be fine now".

[@bemasaberwyn55]

Good god his delivery is IMMACULATE

[@karlsmith2570]

The fact they'd gotten Mia Kirschner to reprise her role of Amanda from Star Trek:Discovery makes me wonder if they'll have James Frain reprising his role of Sarek

[@YumLemmingKebabs]

What's that like?

[@bozhijak]

When my mom met my first 'boyfriend'. Verbatim

[@capturedsoulsphotos]

Up for Uhura being competent at her job, Una's smile of pride at Pike, and Uhura being the grounded best friend between her Ortegas and Chapel :)

[@stephentully7883]

Loved this episode too. Surprised you didn't mention Chapel telling Vulcan interviewer what she just did and that he can read her paper in a few months.. and that the fellowship isn't ready for her. The reaction and look on his face was priceless.

[@Clumzyhoneybadger]

Glad I’m not the only one who was surprised he didn’t talk about it. I thought he would have been enthused by her rejecting them, then saying “you can read it in my paper”

[@c.a.nixiii4650]

That was powerful and perfect!

[@heatherfyffe3618]

Well he kind of did. He doesn't quote the scene but he says something like "chapel gives him a big f-u", and that's clearly what he's referring to.

[@stephentully7883]

@@heatherfyffe3618 Just watched this entire review again and still didn't see that reference.

[@heatherfyffe3618]

@@stephentully7883 Bizarre. I can't find it either now but I have a SPECIFIC memory of seeing it!

[@DannyNapolitano]

The interactions between Spock and Amanda made me cry and miss my mom. I loved this episode for giving me a moment to thing about her.

[@MrARock001]

It didn't occur to me until now, but do you suppose T'pring's father was depicted so affably (and perhaps you might say "humanly") in order to suggest an explanation as to why T'pring herself is attracted to the more human-Spock?

[@allthingsnerd.4484]

“Girls marry guys that are like their fathers”.😁

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

That's a very good observation. It's been said that many daughters look for husbands who exhibit some of the traits the daughters appreciate in their dads.

[@colonelquack]

Freud strikes again.

[@generalilbis]

And I also wonder if the events of this episode planted the seed of worry in the mind of T'Pring about the two of them becoming like her own parents, in that Spock could choose to subsume himself for her benefit to avoid putting her in Amanda's position of being treated poorly because she loves him.

[@biggles258]

Hmmmmmmmmmm [strokes beard]

[@mudman619]

just wanna say that Gia Sandhu is killing it as T'Pring. she's been fantastic. Sidenote: I think it's the 1st time they positively identified Vulcan as Eridani B - otherwise known as the exoplanet AEgir or Epsilon Eridani B, which is in the triple star system 40 Eridani. While the main star is 16.3 light years away from Earth, Eridani B is only 10.5 light years away. So the "Vulcan" system - i.e. 40 Eridani - is at least 6 light years across - so it's entirely feasible that this moon could be more than a light year from wherever the Enterprise was located.

[@QuintusAntonious]

Yeah, I think they needed to do some Googling before issuing this criticism. Our own Solar system is about 0.5 LY, and if you include the Oort Cloud, it is almost 2 LY, and that's with one medium sized yellow star. If the Vulcan system has two or three stars, and if those stars are different size than Sol, their gravity could very possibly hold together a system bigger than a lightyear. I think we just get gobsmacked by the hugeness of space and a "lightyear" feels like an impossible distance as a result, but it's easy to forget just how big and empty space is, and just how powerful gravity of massive objects like stars can be.

[@kev30631]

Gia Sandhu is stunning

[@quantisedspace7047]

It might also explain how Nero's destruction of Vulcan, in /that/ timeline, could be seen from Delta Vega.

[@quantisedspace7047]

​@@QuintusAntoniousBy what measure is our own system half a light year. A light year is 3e8 X 3e7 metres, which is approx 10^16 metres, or ten thousand billion kilometres. The orbit of Pluto has a radius of 6000 X 10^6 km, or six billion kilometres. That is at least three orders of magnitude less.

[@edjs]

I think you're confusing Epsilon Eridani B (star 10.5 ly from Sol) with 40 Eridani B (companion of 40 Eridani A, orbiting it at ~400 au).

[@NathanWeeks]

In addition to Spock's beanie being a reference to The City on the Edge of Forever ... I felt like Chapel's rapid fire question and answer prep for the Vulcan interview was a reference to The Voyage Home where Spock is answering questions from multiple terminals simultaneously.

[@DawnieAngel11]

My 1st thought as well was The City on the Edge of Forever...same color. Also looked so much like Nimoy!!

[@dandavenport4565]

I had the same thought, a nice twist, covering his human ears this time

[@angus987]

Came here to say this.

[@davidday6822]

My first thought exactly! Cant believe they didn't reference it.

[@Steelebourne]

You forgot a HUGE part. When Spock's mother finally realizes something's up, and tells him to take off the beanie, he says "Hi Mom" sounding so embarrassed and ashamed. That was spectacular.

[@geekishgir]

Sean missed the teenage temper tantrum Spock threw which twigged his mom to tell him to take off the beanie, that was my up from that scene

[@RabidOtaku]

"I'm going to teach you how to lie, and the Captain is going to help me." "Do I have a choice?" "No." Loved it.

[@gaileverett]

And the look on Pike's face when he heard that!

[@shaneblackburn8910]

Funniest episode of SNW yet.

[@antney7745]

"Do I have a choice?" "Yes." "..." "That was a lie. No you don't."

[@victorpradha9946]

This underscores just how loyal Christopher Pike is towards his bridge crew AND in particular Spock. And again, it sets up how ultimately willing Pike is to endure the pains that await him to spare Spock of that same fate. I thought it interesting that we see Pike nod in affirmation as temporarily human Spock goes to hold the hot tea pot (a subtle reference to the burning that we saw Spock endure in the time crystal future view S1E10). And we see that Spock returns this loyalty by risking his Starfleet career the death sentence and subjecting Kirk to the same risk in ST TOS, The Menagerie Parts I & II.

[@hallnall1667]

For me, the best part of the episode is the last scene with T'Pring and Spock. Gia's ability to emote her feelings without over doing it is amazing. You could feel her disappointment with Spock's decisions. Nicely done!

[@kevstubeification]

I didn’t like it when Spock chose to keep T’Pring in the dark about his condition. At first, I thought it was an immediate ‘down’ because it’s a sad trope used too often in comedies. But I like that they don’t gloss over how hurt T’Pring is by his lack of trust since she has shown great acceptance of Spock’s human differences. It’s a strong conclusion that should cast a dark shadow over whatever relationship Spock and Chapel begin.

[@PeachLee858]

@arminreuter5151 Yes, I noted that too. Their time apart and Spock's rising as a 'Legend' in Star Fleet contributed to her attraction to Stonn. I wonder if T'Pring ends up like her mother, leading Stonn around by the nose.

[@Eronx]

Ahh you guys spoil to much. I have had some hope, that T’Pring and Spock could be a couple again.

[@hancocki]

​@@kevstubeificationI took the decision to exclude T'Pring from the game was specifically because of the mind meld with the mother. That would have been too great a risk of the cover being blown. I am fully convinced that he would have told her otherwise.

[@BS-vx8dg]

My respect for T'Pring, which had always been low and suspect ever since the TOS episode Amok Time, is now at a zenith. She was absolutely right to call out Spock for his lack of honesty, which, by the way, was one of the worst things about the episode. The writers created a Spock here that would never have existed in any other Trek universe; the Spock willing to lie and put all these people through all these paces was not the Spock we have known for nearly 60 years. It was a travesty of writing, and his having been made pure human is simply no excuse.

[@ragemydream]

i really liked the part when Chapel is about to talk about her feelings and asks her friends to turn around, and the reaction of 'how does that make a difference?' but obliges is very human.

[@comlow1]

That is true the way she makes them turn is great. But her confession of her feelings seemed to me fell very short. If I was yellow, I would have told her to try again or no extra remediation.

[@BigGP100]

The Beanie was not a reference to the Spock helmet, but to how a Beanie is the go-to for hiding Vulcan ears from humans in any time travel episode. It is now used to hide human ears from Vulcans.

[@southpaw7426]

Especially in “The City on the Edge of Forever”.

[@durchhalter]

@@southpaw7426 And in the ENT episode "Carbon Creek"

[@gamerofthesith5275]

I liked how the Vulcan ritual was kind of like Festivus with the airing of grievances. 😅

[@Browncoat66]

"Stella! I'm going to get the pole down from the crawl space!" 🤣

[@nata3467]

Nice!

[@Trelane574]

One difference: the aluminum pole is that weapon from Amok Time.

[@aileensmith7716]

My two main ups were (1) Ethan Peck's suppressed angry face when T'Pril is providing her Creating Awaereness to Spock. His eyes were bulging and I was sure he was going to explode. It was amazing to behold. And (2) when Anson Mount does his version of the Grandpa Simpson in and out .gif when Spock does his human reveal. Pure gold. This is by far the best episode yet.

[@jessetaggart5573]

I really like T'Pring's father, Sevet. Definitely has not undergone the Kolinahr, I can see why he would be friends with the younger Sarek that fell in love with a Human. Gives me Romulan northerner, like Zhaban, vibes though.

[@Aezetyr]

The actor even resembled Zhaban I thought. He was great.

[@GSBarlev]

Sevet explains a lot about T'Pring. We saw during her body-swap episode that she's actually a really chill, open-minded badass, and I love how much _SNW_ is fleshing out her character.

[@jaives]

glad he's likable here considering a lot of people didn't like him in The Expanse. He replaced a major character's husband (used to be Brian George - Raj's dad in BBT).

[@HermanVonPetri]

@@jaives Bringing things full circle a bit, Brian George also played Dr. Bashir's father on DS9.

[@nancyomalley6286]

Sevet was totally chill. T'Prill, on the other hand, OMG! Shades of Cirilla, Martok's wife in DS9's "You Are Cordially Invited"!

[@AshuraH]

The door incident with Pike has a punchline - once everything gets revealed, *the door opens again*

[@Aezetyr]

Are we going to get a scene with Spock screaming "WE WERE ON A BREAAAAAAK!"?

[@mmmnice2364]

I also immediately clocked this potential "Friends" moment. They looked like they were having so much fun in this episode. I hope there is an out-take somewhere that will be released someday 😂

[@wendyheatherwood]

He'll raise his voice 0.00001 decibel while saying it and then immediately apologise for shouting when T'Pring looks very (very) mildly surprised.

[@HammondEggar32]

For me the scene of the show was Spock’s facial change when he got his “vitamins.” Brilliant piece of acting.

[@wardka]

WHY doesn't Chapel let him finish the sentence though? I was yelling at the screen at that point.

[@titanjakob1056]

@@wardkabecause it would’ve hurt more if he did and she didn’t want get between both Spock and Tpring (also the fact that time was running short so she had no choice)

[@dagranhadsgaming5788]

One Easter egg you missed was in the scene when Spock hugged Chapel. He said "You seemed like you needed it." I caught that as a reference to the TNG episode when Data kissed the girl and said "you seemed to need it."

[@MarisaP1978]

That thought occured to me too.

[@timothywolfman9918]

Just as I look forward to "New Star Trek Thursdays", I also look forward to the Ups and Downs episodes as well. Complete package there. And thank you so much for your insights and your remarkable observations and details you catch. Your time and efforts are very appreciated. Thank you and a huge thumbs up...or a live long and prosper as the case may be. Cheers to you.

[@yophotodude7693]

They talked about T’pring’s dress in the aftershow Ready Room, and it is an incredible costume. It’s just regal. You don’t notice it as much on the first watching but WOW! It was a really good episode.

[@--Animal--]

THAT'S WHAT I SAID! glad someone else noticed. Kudos to the custom designer.

[@CRanapia]

Co-signed - but when doesn't the costume department on SNW bring their A-game? Love the way they keep bringing the smart and considered call-backs to TOS without being camp or, let's be honest, dated in the worse way.

[@Cheebzsta]

@@CRanapia God no kidding right!? Everything about this show brings it's A game. It really is staggeringly good and completely wins over my dislike of prequels with the raw sci-fi television making talent the show consistently puts on the screen.

[@jimapplebee5322]

and they also talked about how they didn't glue Spocks ears on every time in this episode, especially in the scene where he takes them off.

[@richtheobald4390]

​@jimapplebee5322 I happened to look at them and noticed the obvious seam thinking it was odd that make up had let that go...and then he pulled them off and I was like...Ahhhh! That's why...

[@kaboombox1581]

Sevet seems like the most pleasantly social Vulcan. Henpecked, but, very pleasant. Vulcans like to perpetuate a mystique about themselves, but seeing their family dynamics are much closer to human than they would ever let on.

[@WilliamHostman]

Sevet would be fun to take to a smorgasbord, at least sans T'pril. He clearly seeks novel experiences.

[@elliotblabla]

Not only was he pleasant - he seemed downright emotional in places, giving out little ‘ooh’s when Pike served some more food.

[@victorpradha9946]

Pitch perfect delivery by Sevet. He's eager to meet new people, engage in exchanges that enrich, but is unfortunately held back by the Vulcan embodiment of a Karen!

[@Beohun]

​@@victorpradha9946He was living the Vulcan credo of IDIC: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

[@victorpradha9946]

@@Beohun 💯 "The glory of creation is in its infinite diversity." "And the ways our differences combine to create meaning and beauty."

[@infamousrob08]

This episode was so good. I loved Ethan's and the cast's rapport throughout. But yeah. I smell a meme template with some guards holding back Spock and him letting the camera know he'd, just,destroy you. I loved this one.

[@phillydragonfly]

Majel Barrett was Nurse Chapel and later Lwaxana Troi. I want Jess Bush to eventually play Lwaxana!

[@timthompson3569]

Or voice the Enterprise computer.

[@mrbond59]

Majel Barrett was also the original Number One. How about Rebecca Romijn as Lwaxana ?

[@chrisjeffrey7570]

I want Jess’ Bush too

[@quantisedspace7047]

I still can't get used to the fact that Number One and Christine Chapel are different persons. I would like to see some transporter-anomaly episode where they get fused into one being for a while, like Tuvix, who then gets transported to an alt timeline where she becomes Troi's mother.

[@carlosponte2939]

This show just keeps getting better and better. I hope it lasts a long long time.

[@DartyVic]

This entire episode was so beautifully written and portrayed to show how when you are in a dominant culture but have parts of your intersectionality that are marginalized that how much people have to hide themselves or mask themselves in order to fit in. I'm really glad that they allowed Spock to show different sides of his intersectionality.

[@MrTbk1701]

When Spock goes to the bathroom and totally flips out is my favorite part. We have all been in a situation where we have to keep decorum but someone is right on our last nerve and we really can’t do anything about it. On a personal note I always think of bathrooms as a sanctuary. It is the only place you can be truly alone and let it all out (no pun intended but it works) 🖖

[@whysoserious8666]

Does the Enterprise have bathrooms has always been a thing. Now we know!!

[@tetravega567]

@@whysoserious8666 And knowing is half the battle! ✊

[@erasmusvenport8830]

Nurse Chapel giving it to the academy "maybe your not ready for me" at the end was a definite up for me

[@georgep9447]

It was one of the funniest episodes of sci-fi that I've seen in a while. Going to be interesting to see if Spock tries to use the "We were on a break" excuse for him and Chapel (cue memory of Ross trying it in Friends).

[@kevstubeification]

Looks like it’s a yes, unless next week’s episode immediately follows the kiss with them pulling away from each other deciding they can’t go any further. Seems more like someone’s going to be taking a walk of shame from someone else’s quarters 👀

[@victorpradha9946]

T'Pring: "Spock...perhaps my insistence that we engage in a temporary respite from our engagement and relationship was unwarrantedly premature. I would be amenable to a resumption of usual relations at the earliest opportunity available". Spock: "I wish you would have communicated your intentions in this regard to me earlier as that would have had bearing on my course of actions during the period of our mutually agreed upon disassociation." T'Pring: "I am unclear how the timing of my communications would have any bearing on your personal actions. Please elaborate." Spock: "Perhaps this discussion is better suited for when we able to meet each other in person." Christine [obliviously enters Spock's quarters without announcing herself]: "Spock...the Captain approved one day shore leave for the two of us. Let's get out of here before something comes up to keep us here." T'Pring: "I am beginning to understand what it is you meant, Spock. I see no need for further communications. You need no longer elaborate. I withdraw my request to resume our prior relations." Christine: "Ooops....I probably should have knocked first." Spock: "All the better, your rather timely entrance accomplished what I could not accomplish by words that I could not seem to form at the moment."

[@mrbond59]

@@victorpradha9946 Nice, submit it as a spec script.

[@QuintusAntonious]

I wonder if the show will ever address how...awful...Spock has been to T'pring. He's cheating on her. Her mother was actually right in her concerns about him marrying her daughter. Yeah, arranged marriages are questionable, but Spock was always portrayed as a moral exemplar in TOS and the movies and they've kind of made him a dick here, at least to his fiancee. But sometimes people do have to have humbling moments to grow, we all make mistakes, I just hope they don't handwave it away.

[@jerryhu4763]

@@victorpradha9946 I wish this is gonna be canon in SNW lol

[@mary-kittybonkers2374]

This is my favourite episode so far, I laughed so much throughout it. It was great to see the comedic skills of the main characters; the cast looked as though they were enjoying themselves. I really enjoyed the scenes with T’Pring and her family, not because her mother was so challenging as such, but because T’Pring and Sevet navigated her idiosyncrasies with such fortitude and self discipline. You said that Sevet might have some Romulan in him, well I thought that T’Pril could give the members of the Qowat Milat a run for their money with her absolute candour. I enjoyed this episode especially because it was about relationships and this was conveyed so well by the cast. However, the relationship that I was touched by the most was the one between Spock and his mother, it was so tender. I think that Spock’s enforced confrontation with his humanity finally made him understand the sacrifices, humiliations and difficulties that Amanda had endured throughout her life as a human married to a Vulcan, living on Vulcan.

[@kev30631]

The lower deck crossover is going to be up for the best episode of the season.

[@jgvillan01]

Finally, Spock's prop ears is finally in cannon as props. LOL!

[@shaggy9522]

Trellium down for not mentioning the scene with Chapel and the interviewer where she said "you are not ready for me" that actually made me cheer out loud

[@thisisnev]

Another Cetacean observation... Spock's beanie was also a callback to his Earth disguise is The City On The Edge Of Forever!

[@MaxLaingDMP]

Yes - and another "observation" is WHY has NO ONE mentioned that the insignia (the"Delta") on Spock's hat was backwards!?!!

[@alakani]

Technically that was a callback to this. Also, the hat is backwards because he won it in a fight with mirror universe Spock

[@salawinborn7246]

My Latium up is for this Discovery/Strange New Worlds version of Amanda. To live among Vulcans and probably be marginalized everyday yet retaining her dignity, grace, composure, and sanity is an amazing thing to behold.

[@theawesomeran7779]

Also... Spocks mom has got it going on! 🖖😍

[@stueymon]

Anson Mount always knocks it out of the park with an easy charisma but this episode was something else. His expression when Spock admits he's currently human had me crying

[@dougsmith6262]

I had to rewind that scene and watch it again...three times.

[@Cheebzsta]

Anson Mount is so good in this show that the rest of the cast could be completely mediocre and it'd still likely be worth the time. But they're not! Everyone's so great, and he's somehow gotten even better at being THE definitive modern Star Trek captain.

[@victorpradha9946]

His ..."I'm definitely not sticking around to witness the fallout of this reveal" face was perfect.

[@dougsmith6262]

@@victorpradha9946 Pike opened an industrial sized can of NOPE.

[@victorpradha9946]

@@dougsmith6262 Yep the kind that they'd have to special order even at Costco!

[@KatieRose927]

Watching this with my mom was emotional, hilarious, and downright amazing. She's been waiting for Spock and Chapel to kiss like that since 1967 😂

[@luisneriago]

Your mom is a fan since TOS! She rocks

[@chrisaskenaizer9322]

Loved the scene of the doors closing in Pike’s face. You could just feel his confusion through the screen

[@davetoms1]

For the distance issue 17:30 they did say the moon was in the Vulcan _sector_ but I didn't catch them say the Vulcan _system._ The system usually means solar system, as in planets orbiting a Star. But "sector" - I think - usually means an area that may contain multiple stars, multiple solar systems, which could be light years apart.

[@sptnk021]

Also at 17:29 the reference to no signal further than one light year isn't about the size of the sector or system, but the interferences of the anomaly. Enterprise could be a mile a way, but they can't get a signal out, but maybe it might be able to get further out. I don't know how their communications work.

[@kondaments]

My only thought is why havent the Vulcans studied this further themselves if its in their neck of the woods? I mean, wouldnt this be intersting the them as well? I thought they would have been there in an instant if there was 1st contact with a species on their doorstep....

[@cartoonkelly7924]

I really hope we get to see more of T'Pring's father. He's fun.

[@KougajiCalling]

That poor man...

[@PradoxGamerAu]

The line "Thier judgement is thier weakness, not ours" hit me super hard in the feels

[@katsarelas1947]

I liked t’prel’s husband. He’s bumbling, kinda good natured, he’d be very amicable, if not for his wife.

[@yodaz101]

Dude!! If I had to live with that shrew.. I'd lose it....

[@AzraelThanatos]

I think that with Una having her nature as an augment being publicly known, she's able to be more open around everyone there socially rather than risking things earlier

[@Rutabaga64]

I totally share your enthusiams for this episode, Sean, it was such a brilliant mix of hilarity and family love. Definitely my favorite episode of this season so far and of ther series overall.

[@romeyroe]

This is the one show that I wish would have more episodes a season. This show just does the most excellent job of capturing TOS's spirit and feel. This was another great episode. They consistently knocks it out of the every week.

[@erich2385]

I agree, this show is phenomenal! With so little good shows out there I'm going to be starving again soon.

[@jimmyjames2022]

'Charades' is the episode where Strange New Worlds surpasses previous explorations of Spock's humanity, leaving canon just enough to explore the Chapel/Spock/Mother Amanda relationships but not so much as to be implausibly off canon. I love Nimoy's and Quinto's portrayals but I love that this episode really lets Ethan Peck nail Spock's dual nature.

[@lgoamity]

Totally Agree with the Spock/Kirk "I will break you" moment... Hopefully this moment will be repeated/called back to in future episodes.

[@ScopeGuardPony]

Yeah, that "What the f---" line threw down the gauntlet saying "This is gonna be a good one."

[@Cally.Summer]

The only way that could have been improved would have been after the credits cut back to sickbay with Spock saying "...uck?"

[@joeljezequel]

When I was a teenager, Spock was my favorite character because I was also unable to express my emotions. This episode was perfect to remind me of all these feelings, and in addition very funny, I loved it

[@grahamcann1761]

As always thank you so very much for the videos. And if I may give a shout out to a dear friend of mine, who's battling Brain Cancer right now. This is for Jim Van Over, a friend of mine who, with our group went to see "Wrath of Kahn" at it's first screening at our local theater, and who a few years later would start working at ILM. And whose name may be found in many of the Star Trek shows and movies credits. (Note: If you're seeing James or Jim Van Over, it might not be him, it could be Jr.... who I used to bounce on my knee as a toddler... yeah I'm old.)

[@jpwphoenix1701]

I loved this episode and laughed a lot too! I'm glad I wasn't the only one who laughed a lot at Pike's reactions throughout the episode too, especially with the doors closing on him as he's trying to escape.

[@jeff37801mf]

I started to wonder with Yellow and Blue characters as maybe a link to The Gamesters of Triskelion. Also loosely resembles part of The Cage when the rebuilt the girl with no idea what she should look like.

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

I wonder what the current exchange rate is for quatloos.

[@richtheobald4390]

I wonder if the colours themselves are a reference to current events

[@Grevlain]

LOVE the show. LOVE the crew. And is it me....or is Chapel getting hotter by the episode? OH!! - you did not mention the reveal that Spock had moved the shields to protect Chapel. That GOT me in the feels. I love those kind of secret gestures that happen to come out later. Genius writing.

[@MrMann0123]

Brilliant! Plus the TOS music stings too. "Speaking of Luxwaxana, sort of" I see what you did there!

[@SylvrHawk]

Another outstanding episode. Like Star Trek Lower Decks, the writers of Strange New Worlds have a deep love of this franchise.

[@LeftyStratPlayer]

Did anyone else notice Spock's "Napoleon Dynamite" moment in his voice when he yelled at his mother? All that was missing was the "gosh" at the end of his rant.

[@GSBarlev]

I loved how her reaction was to go, "Take off the beanie, Spock." Went full Jewish mother on that one.

[@kev30631]

Very cringe 😬

[@theredheadproject]

Pike's wraparound in this episode wasn't the same as the one he wore in Season 1. This version was an upgrade for me, beautiful.

[@jpisello]

The one in Season 1 fit so poorly. I'm glad they took another shot at it. This one was much better.

[@The10folks]

They mention Roger Korby in the episode? That was a big up for me.

[@TheMsLourdes]

Loved the episode and I love how they are totally teeing up for Tpring in TOS to have exactly every reason to hate spock and want him dead so she can marry Stonn... in fact, I am desperately hoping that the next time we see Tpring, that Stonn makes an appearance just in the background :) As for the rest of the episode, I loved it, I adored Anson's antics in the background.. masterful ! and I loved the sweetness of really fleshing out Amanda as a character and her hardships adapting to vulcan life as well as her high points being wehn spock was asked to play for the first time. just, as a mom, lovvvvvved it.

[@carolynclink8443]

We did see Stonn in the first season -- but yes, let's see him again as well as Sybok.

[@richtheobald4390]

Anson Mount, to my mind, is definitely an actor's actor in that he works beautifully in the background to enhance the performance of his cast mates who are in the fore this show. Just brilliant.

[@Aezetyr]

The first scene with Chapel and the Vulcan Science Institute Guy felt like a meta commentary about Trek and the complex relationship to its fans. While the syntax (this being aesthetic, story choices and direction) is different, the heart and the meaning are the same. I also wanted to say that they did a great job casting Mia Kirshner as Amanda. Not only is she very talented, experienced and beautiful she also (to me) resembles Jane Wyatt who originated the role in 'Journey to Babel'.

[@GSBarlev]

Also Chapel even got her own "eff off and prosper" line--and to the Vulcan Science Academy, no less!

[@georgec7782]

The door closing on Pike got some of the biggest laughs for me. Pike's reactions were great.

[@scruffopone3989]

This was a fabulous episode, I love hijinks episodes they're wonderful but I especially love that they also delivered real emotional pathos. Also I love AR Walls for giving actors and editors the ability to work better with their environment.

[@CJayI]

Honestly loved this episode. Me and my dad had a good laugh over some of the scenes hahaha.

[@zacharypierce2970]

This episode was so great. And I definitely agree, Anson Mount killed it with the physical comedy. The shot of him chugging the whiskey during the ceremony had me in stitches.

[@sceneinvegas]

I have so many things that I loved about this episode, but overall - I believe that Ethan Peck is doing Leonard Nimoy proud in his portrayal of a younger Spock. It's magnificent to watch.

[@CRanapia]

Yeah, and I don't think Peck gets enough credit from people who complain his Spock is... well, not enough like Nimoy. Too "emotional" - as if that's not the whole point.

[@ocirontariocryptidinvestig8010]

really love his version of Spock

[@jackkenefick2696]

Nimoy wouldnt have liked it given what we know of e.g. him and Curtis's interpretations of vulcans... but times change I guess

[@mattcrew5594]

I love Ethan Peck as Spock!

[@sceneinvegas]

@@CRanapia yep exctly, that is the point!

[@pjmchugh2060]

This show just keeps getting better! Comedy gold this week! Shout out to the writers !

[@douglasauclair3086]

Seán, great review of a great episode. I thought the previous work was hard to top, but then, this episode was the top! Nothing is said, nor shown, on screen without a reason, and I'm surprised that nobody up to now has not underscored the importance of Amanda's words before she departs for home: "A human loving a Vulcan is a hard thing." She as herself, is speaking of herself and Sarek, but you don't get foreshadowing underscored any harder than this textbook line. It really casts a pall on Nurse Christine Chapel's love for Spock. And, T'Pring's eyes, dead and cold, when Christine enters the quarters to administer the 'vitamins' to Spock, and her looking after them as Christine drags Spock away to the bathroom, those two, alone, during HER engagement dinner? T'Pring knows more than she's letting on, maybe even if she knows more than she's willing to admit to herself. This is Hamlet-sized tragedy in the making for Spock, Chapel, and T'Pring, and we are all cheering at Christine's "Spock, shut up!" declaration of love, but how is this tenable? How can the lightness be sustained? How is heartbreak not assured in both women's futures? The Chinese character for 'chaos' is 'two women under one roof' (c.f.: James Clavell's Shogun, ... the book, ... and the miniseries, too). The writers have shown that they are astute. Just because it feels good doesn't mean that opening the box on those feelings doesn't make you any less Pandora. I hope they've worked out what this moment means for all three, and I hope they've worked out who has to pay what emotional costs from the fallout, ... ... and are these costs (not?) so high that they (don't) ruin them, and the show for us? I'm looking for the happy ending here, but, as a writer, it's hard for me to see it. I mean, how do they even go to work tomorrow now? "Oh, everything's fine"? "Oh, everything is as it was"? But if not those [cop-outs], then this relationship now bleeds into every interaction they have going forward? Ick. I loved the episode, but I'm concerned about its fallout.

[@kar4tube]

Per usual I’m catching up on a Friday night here on the US West Coast. I absolutely loved this episode. I literally laughed out loud multiple times and still took in the waves of emotion. Definitely my favorite episode, so far, this season. Brilliant job with the U&Ds Sean. As always, a true delight. You and all the folks at TrekCulture are an inspiration.

[@Gangerworld]

t'Pring's dad was just awesome. Loved him so much. Vulcan dad energy lol. I was annoyed that Chapel didn't just explain that Spock's half-vulcan, half-human and that now he's fully human... instead of all this fluff.

[@CRanapia]

I see where you're coming from, but I can see why Chapel wouldn't "just explain" when it was pretty clear that they wouldn't be in this situation if they had any grasp of the notion that inter-species hybrids aren't broken and require fixing.

[@krys1888]

My highlight was definitely the conversation about the mind meld. It wasn’t just that she saw the acceptance of Spock into the group, it was the fact that she never was and Spock only now just saw that. In a week where so many of the main cast excelled, Mia’s performance stuck out so much for me as absolutely fantastic.

[@AlwaysAPrice]

Doubt it was an intentional call-back but Spock indignantly coming clean and peeling off the ears had definite shades of Pel flinging her lobes at Zek for me

[@amandamatheny3675]

LMAO. That's a good point and absolutely priceless.

[@grahamvaneck8906]

My own personal latinum up is Sean's "transparent as Captain Boday's skull" 🤣 Excellent DS9 callout In all seriousness, in addition to your point about T'Pring being rightfully upset with Spock at the end, you can kinda see the seed of what leads to the events of Amok Time. I'm curious if this will be continued and explored in future episodes/seasons of Strange New Worlds or if we'll just have to connect the dots ourselves.

[@carolynclink8443]

I'd have gone for "as transparent as aluminum"

[@Sammmeow]

Gotta love a man with a wonderful mind.

[@wintermute4978]

Fantastic episode. I couldn't stop laughing when the transporter room door closed in Pike's face and he bemused reaction to it. And yes Anson Mount's reactions throughout are brilliant. Sean how did you not link the beenie to City on the Edge of Forever?

[@AndrewD8Red]

One of the top twenty episodes of Star Trek made this century. I loved it. I'd write down every funny line or discreet expression or moment of physical comedy, but it'd basically just be the full script.

[@IsiahBradley]

​THANKS for this!!! Easily one of the best 21st-century Trek episodes!!! This podcast has had its impact on me. Am I on the only geek who yelled out "Latinum Up" at my favorite part? :)

[@ArtistryBranson]

Agreed! I catch myself yelling "that's an up from me" in my very mediocre brogue-esque estimation of Seán's voice.

[@riecejoynes1681]

I think that final scene between Spock and Nurse Chapel was just so satisfying. It was a long time coming from S1 and the chemistry between the characters is mesmerising. If they end up in some sort of secret relationship, I wouldn't have a problem with that

[@mmcfacialhair]

It would have been even more satisfying if they hadn’t made the blizzard decision to put that scene in the trailer for the season

[@joerider3769]

I honestly didn't think they would do it! I was like, H**L, YEAH!!!

[@mike.t.angelo]

What I don't quite get yet is what is Chapel's role as a nurse. Not only in this episode but in other episodes, it seems like she's like a medical scientist/researcher, sometimes acts like the Enterprise's chief doctor, so I'm a little confused about what her duty as a nurse really is.

[@generalilbis]

I think Chapel is more of a RPN - Registered Practical Nurse - in her Sickbay duties, where she's far more like a junior doctor than what we most would consider a nurse. She isn't a full MD (yet, as Chapel was one by the movies) but her medical skills/training is advanced enough that she is allowed to handle most minor to medium-severity cases to free up M'Benga to handle big issues or to let him handle the bureaucratic/administrative side of being CMO. Also, since she came to the Enterprise as a civilian medical professional, maybe she's not allowed to be more than a nurse due to not being a civilian MD already?

[@AuraJoel]

While she's called "nurse" in reference to TOS, it would seem to me she's more like the equivalent to the modern day PA (physician's assistant or associate) who is also a medical student? Considering that Enterprise patients need less time & hands-on care as they would in our age... Anyways, whatever her role is, I really like her character :)

[@erineddy9310]

Anson Mount's subtle humor CORPSED me. it was darling and lovely and I wish we could have had more interaction explaining Charades to the vulcans. I was laughing so hard I made no sound. 🖖🏻💝🖖🏻

[@DavidPSt1]

Peck was great. Seeing the human Spock emphasizes the real issues that his normal state must be suppressing/ controlling. It reminded me of Torres in Voyager when she was split into her human and klingon selves, Finally, I LOVE Mount as Pike, even when he says nothing, his expressions say everything

[@kadosho02]

This episode was fantastic, loved every minute. The vibe, and energy within the fam. Is just incredible 🖖

[@rotorr22]

Shatner would have never agreed to defer to the supporting cast like Mount did in this episode. One thing I love about this series is that Mount's ego doesn't envelope the cast like a heavy blanket.

[@Rufudufus]

.... because he’s not a self absorbed narcissist douhebag, while the Shat most definitely is..

[@MrEdfed]

I really thought I was going to hate this episode when I saw the trailer but I think it's my fav of the season, if not the series. Especially liked Amanda getting some love ❤

[@amandamatheny3675]

I was going to be really mad if you didn't mention the nasal suppressant do you think that was an obvious one for anyone who has seen enterprise but I am glad you mentioned it.

[@tylorgovero2256]

This episode was great and nearly had me in tears because of the connection between spock and his mother

[@michaelwilson6480]

Oh no joke. When he was defending her, I was sobbing.

[@TheNashvilleHumanist]

Looking forward to this. That was a fun episode. Spock loves his mama.

[@GSBarlev]

Played by Mia Kirshner. I love his mama too.

[@pendarpr]

We need a special video of Star Trek Monsters-in-law: Lxuawana, T'prill and Sirella: Martok's wife. Let them argue !!!!! FASCINATING

[@dbcanada]

The kiss. ❤ Spock: "What does this mean?" Chapel: "I don't know. Shut up." ❤

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

I don't why, but I found that closing exchange to be the most delightful part of the entire episode.

[@roberthanlon31]

Best episode of the season (so far). Both hilarious and incredibly emotional too. Loved it.

[@adrianokury]

An adequate showcase for the excellent actors. TOS T'Pring never had the chance to do anything -- the story didn't orbit around her. Gia Sandhu is radiant and whole, fully deserving to star in one more episode. And the two mothers are fantastic...

[@Donnagata1409]

I WANT this T-Shirt, Sean! It's great!!!! P.S. Yes, the scene with human Spock losing it with Sam Kirk... It's one of the most memorable scenes from the episode.

[@MichaelWilliams-kq1lv]

I think an UP you missed is when Amanda was planning on how to get Spock thru the dinner and Pike asks if he has a choice. When Amanda says No I laughed so hard. It was a big up for me.

[@CRanapia]

IKR? Amanda's raised two high-maintenance children (three if you count Sarek). Like she's here for any nonsense from a Starfleet captain. :)

[@WilliamHostman]

@@CRanapia possibly also the last few years of Sybok, too...

[@greyshadow9498]

The acting as always was on point! Sevet was hilarious! Chapel was wonderful as always 😍 The green shirt! You can't go wrong with that, Mount wears it well. I wasn't totally sold on the "Apple Store Tech Support" bit but it did finally get the Spock/Chapel train rolling.

[@rinehardt6837]

What a great episode I'm really enjoying these standalone's and they incorporate some history from trek loved seeing Gia Sandhu back as T'Pring and also Mia Kirshner back as Amanda she was great. I just love this episode.

[@burrheadjr]

The story line between Spock and his mom was the best part of this episode. It really was done well the way they showed their relationship. But there was a lot in this episode that just felt forced. The way that they are pushing the relationship between Chapel and Spock has me cringing. It is kind of a star trek trope, that Worf, the strong Klingon, gets beat up more than anyone else. Now, for the past decade+, I feel like they have made Vulcans, (and Spock in particular) the most emotional characters in the universe. Spock and T'Pring go on a break. I would think most emotional humans, would take time an analyze the situation after new of a break up. You would have to be a very uncontrolled person to immediately make out with another woman moments after breaking up with your fiancee, who moments before, you planned on building a life together with. But for SPOCK, to not analyze anything, and just jump into a fling with a co-worker? It makes no sense based on the character we have known for the past 50+ years. It only makes it worse that they imply that more than just a kissing session happened... I know it is a nice throwback to mention Vulcan's and there hate of human scent, but it would make no sense that Spock would be bothered by human scent. HE is half human. He also was raised since a baby with his full human mother (and apparently his sister Michael Burnham). Even if there was a full vulcan being raised in the house, if you are exposed to the scent as a child, you should become adjusted to the sent, and it will smell normal to you. I also think they are not staying true to Nurse Chapel's character. Somehow between now and the Original series, Chapel needs to fall in love with Roger Korby, get engaged, and break up, all before season 1 of TOS. She is a nurse, but it seems that the writers want her to be a researcher or doctor. When Spock is in trouble, she seems to take lead on Spock's cure, OVER DR. M'BENGA! The same Dr M'Benga that when Dr.McCoy couldn't figure out what was wrong, deferred to Dr. M'Benga because he interned on Vulcan. But the writers really don't have her doing nurse duties, which are actually very important. I know she does become a Doctor by the Motion Picture, but it was a surprise to Kirk, and happened much later. Strange New Worlds makes it seem like she is almost there already. I know that there have been hints in the original, that Nurse Chapel had a crush on Spock, but now it is a two way love street. Based on what we have seen in this episode, Spock should be running directly into the arms of Chapel after the events of Amok Time, but in the Original, Spock has no romantic interest in Chapel. Also, in Amok Time, the reveal that Spock is engaged is very surprising to his shipmates, but in Strange New Worlds, it is established that many of his shipmates are WELL aware of this. One last thing, the beanie, looks like the one Spock wore on City on the Edge of Forever, doubt it was a call out to the odd toy of the 70s.

[@charliephxaz]

When I was a kid watching TOS in syndication (around 1974ish) I assumed the designation 7 behind the shuttle name Galileo meant that all of the Enterprise shuttles were named Galileo and the one in the episode was number 7 of however many there were