For 60 years, “Star Trek” has stubbornly and steadfastly refused to be a single factor. Ask three followers what they treasure about Gene Roddenberry’s science fiction universe and you may probably get very totally different solutions, in all probability delivered at nice, rambling size. It is the type of world that was constructed to encourage a deep ardour — it is broad sufficient to get misplaced in, deep sufficient to repeatedly fascinate, and inconsistent sufficient to maintain everybody complaining and nitpicking as solely true lovers might.
The gorgeous and galvanizing factor about “Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” is the way it threads the needle. Sure, it is a prequel sequence that is set in a particular time and place and has to repeatedly bend over backwards to suit established canon, however it does so with such light, easygoing grace that newcomers can get pleasure from it with out concern. At no level does it it appear to be attempting too exhausting to enchantment to old-fashioned followers and newbies alike, even because it does so with aplomb. It is a sequence devoid of flop sweat. It is uncommon to look at any TV present and expertise a way of pure, exuberant pleasure. Not simply over the storytelling and the characters, however on the sheer cleverness of the way it respects and adores the universe wherein it’s set. This can be a present designed to enchantment to these three followers described above in equal measure.
“Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” season 3 would not pause or stumble for even a second, taking the momentum of the staggering, humorous, and invigorating second season and sprinting ahead with the arrogance of a present that is aware of it is nearly as good as it’s. Earlier seasons established this as a greatest “Trek” sequence because the ’90s (with all due respect to the great “Star Trek: Decrease Decks”), and season 3 is sort of a seasoned athlete on the high of his recreation. Rattling, he is good, and too charming and humble to even remotely dislike.
Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds is extra assured than ever in season 3
As anticipated, “Unusual New Worlds” must wrap up the dramatic cliffhanger from the season 2 finale earlier than it get again to doing what it does greatest: inform one-off house adventures that adjust in tone and style from episode to episode, offering the identical type of whiplash that has at all times been a defining trait of “Trek” since its infancy. Season 3 relishes the chance to playfully whip the viewers from one route to a different. Intense, action-driven battle tales give solution to playful, foolish character comedy. Darkish tales of moral dilemmas coming house to roost result in canon-restructuring meta commentaries in regards to the very nature of the sequence we’re watching. And in any case that, why not a large dose of cosmic house horror powered by sufficient dread to make H.P. Lovecraft rise from his grave?
A present that performs so quick and unfastened with tone might be complete chaos (typically “Unusual New Worlds” is intentionally chaotic), however it properly facilities all of its largest swings round its steadfast, charming, and sure, extraordinary photogenic forged. Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike, given a stunning new layer this season that can shock some “Trek” followers, continues to be probably the greatest leads the present has ever seen, together with his “enterprise informal” demeanor and optimistic masculinity providing a singular taste that differs wildly from the likes of Kirk and Picard whereas complementing them at each step. Because the younger Spock, Ethan Peck continues to do the unimaginable by reminding us repeatedly of why everybody adores Leonard Nimoy whereas carving his personal path. Not each actor can seize the deadpan humor and wry supply that makes the very best Vulcan characters come to life, and Peck is up there with the very best of them.
The remainder of the forged continues to shine, with Rebecca Romijn, Christina Chong, Jess Bush, Celia Rose Gooding, and Babs Olusanmokun all re-confirming that this can be a Bridge crew price celebrating (and sure, price your fan fiction and cosplay efforts). And after two seasons of being largely allowed to exist (colorfully and joyfully) within the background, season 3 lastly provides Melissa Navia’s Ortegas the season-long highlight she’s so desperately wanted.
Unusual New Worlds at all times seems ahead, even when it is wanting again
As a lot as I lengthy for the times of 26-episode seasons, there is not any denying that “Unusual New Worlds” is a sequence that relishes placing each penny on the display screen throughout its shorter seasons. Many years after Kirk and Spock stumbled by way of cardboard caves and fought monsters fabricated from blankets, the slick manufacturing values of this sequence by no means stop to impress, particularly once they recreate the acquainted. Starfleet uniforms have by no means appeared this good, the Enterprise has by no means been this cool, and each alien and creature, whether or not realized virtually or by way of digital results, is a pleasure to behold. I am going to by no means get used to “Trek” wanting prefer it price precise cash, however the mix of standing units and digital backgrounds is wholly profitable, and usually feels extra convincing and tangible than the typical episode of “The Mandalorian.” (What, was I, a “Trek” fan, not going to take at the very least one swipe on the distinguished competitors?)
However maybe probably the most thrilling factor of season 3, now that the present is so clearly comfy at being what it’s, is the way it embraces the brand new. With out going into spoilers, the sequence does proceed to make the most of legacy villains (some scary, some hilarious), however it additionally introduces a brand new risk that’s as unsettling as something we have ever seen in “Trek.” On the danger of hyperbole, this feels just like the present has lastly discovered its Borg or its Dominion, the brand new risk that would, if allowed, give the present a model new, completely chilling antagonist to name its personal. Even because it seems again, “Unusual New Worlds” is wanting ahead.
Critics had been equipped with the primary 5 episodes of “Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” for evaluation, and once I completed, after intentionally watching them as soon as per day to make them final, I used to be aggravated that I ran out of “Star Trek.” That is good, and perhaps even the very best, drawback for any present to have. “Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” season 3 is hopeful and humorous and thrilling and foolish and considerate and scary and unusual and beautiful … and I am unable to wait to look at extra of it.
/Movie Score: 9.5 out of 10
“Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” season 3 will premiere with two episodes on July 17, 2025 on Paramount+.
