In Review: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (S1 – EP2) Children of the Comet

Synopsis: In Children of the Comet. An ancient alien relic thwarts the Enterprise crew from re-routing a comet on track to strike an inhabited planet.

The Story

When the Enterprise encounters a comet that is on a collision course with an M-Class planet. Captain Pike and his people seek to find ways to divert the course of the comet so it doesn’t destroy the planet and its pre-warp inhabitants. To that end, an away team is sent to investigate the comet as scans reveal that it has what appear to be buildings on its surface. So Mr. Spock, Lt Sam Kirk, La’an and Cadet Uhura investigate and learn that the comet is far more advanced than they could have possibly imagined.

Meanwhile, in orbit around the planet. The Enterprise is attacked by some space monks who call themselves Shepherds. This race of beings does not like the Enterprise crew tampering with the Comet, which they think of as a God. The lead Sheperd tells Pike that the comet brings life to new planets.

Back on the Comet. Sam gets injured while attempting to communicate. Seemingly trapped on the comet. It is down to Uhura’s skills as both a singer and linguist to help her fellow crew members escape.

The Acting

This episode was very much about showing us some of Uhura’s journey and Celia Rose Gooding does a brilliant job of conveying Uhura’s sense of wonder and naivety as she embarks on her first away mission. The episode begins with some nice scenes conveying Life on board the Enterprise. In which we see Lt Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) play a bit of a practical joke on Uhura, which sets things up beautifully for what’s to come. 

Anson Mount continues to project strength as the Legendary Captain Pike and his scenes talking to the Shepard are fun to watch.

Overall

Children of the Comet is a really strong episode that does a brilliant job of giving us a mixture of character development, plot, and action. I loved the scenes that transpired on the comet where Uhura and Spock figure out that the comet is communicating with them using music. Additionally, I loved the music that Uhura was humming at the Comet and the interplay that took place. As well as a brief explanation about harmonic resonance.

We also get a few nice character moments such as Lt Ortega’s playful hazing of Uhura. As well as the moment later on in the episode where Ortegas is called upon to back up her credentials as the Enterprise’s pilot. There are also a few nice moments for Spock, which include a little foreshadowing of his future relationship with Nurse Chapel.

Overall, a great mixture of ingredients made for a fun and satisfying hour of Star Trek. We’re only two episodes in and I already like this cast and crew of characters. Out of all the modern Star Trek shows we have seen in recent years. This one feels much truer to the Star Trek shows that we saw in the original show, TNG and the other Star Trek shows from the 90s.

I really look forward to what next week brings. This episode builds nicely on last week’s first episode.