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 will doubtless get very totally different solutions, in all probability delivered at nice, rambling size. It is the sort of world that was constructed to encourage a deep ardour — it is large sufficient to get misplaced in, deep sufficient to constantly fascinate, and inconsistent sufficient to maintain everybody complaining and nitpicking as solely true lovers might.
The attractive and provoking 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 selected time and place and has to constantly bend over backwards to suit established canon, however it does so with such light, easygoing grace that newcomers can take pleasure in it with out problem. At no level does it it appear to be attempting too arduous 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 observe 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 during which 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 does 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 prime 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 area adventures that change in tone and style from episode to episode, offering the identical sort 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 path to a different. Intense, action-driven struggle tales give option 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 spite of everything that, why not an enormous dose of cosmic area 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 (generally “Unusual New Worlds” is intentionally chaotic), however it correctly facilities all of its greatest swings round its steadfast, charming, and sure, extraordinary photogenic solid. 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 constructive 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 inconceivable by reminding us constantly 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 perfect Vulcan characters come to life, and Peck is up there with the perfect of them.
The remainder of the solid continues to shine, with Rebecca Romijn, Christina Chong, Jess Bush, Celia Rose Gooding, and Babs Olusanmokun all re-confirming that it is 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 offers 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 trying 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 throughout its shorter seasons. A long time after Kirk and Spock stumbled via cardboard caves and fought monsters fabricated from blankets, the slick manufacturing values of this sequence by no means stop to impress, particularly after 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 via digital results, is a pleasure to behold. I will by no means get used to “Trek” trying 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 component 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 horrifying, some hilarious), however it additionally introduces a brand new menace that’s as unsettling as something we have ever seen in “Trek.” On the threat of hyperbole, this feels just like the present has lastly discovered its Borg or its Dominion, the brand new menace that might, if allowed, give the present a model new, completely chilling antagonist to name its personal. Even because it seems again, “Unusual New Worlds” is trying ahead.
Critics have been provided with the primary 5 episodes of “Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” for evaluation, and after 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 perfect, 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 wonderful … and I am unable to wait to observe 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+.
