Synopsis: While aiding a war-torn planet, Pike and the crew face scrutiny from a probing journalist, who asks the pressing question: What is Starfleet?
The Story
While lending aid to a war-torn planet, Captain Pike and his crew uncover a deeper mystery: the Lutani, the race they are supposedly helping, have been exploiting the Jikaru—an ancient race of seafaring and spacefaring dragons. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Lutani intend to weaponize a Jikaru, who wants nothing more than to find a quiet place to die. Meanwhile, the crew of the Enterprise comes under investigation by Beto Ortegas, the younger brother of Lt. Erica Ortegas. Angry with Starfleet for taking his sister, Beto seeks to tarnish the crew’s reputation—a plot that Uhura, who has befriended him, ultimately shuts down.
The Acting
We get some solid acting throughout this episode. Ethan Peck delivers a strong portrayal of Spock, who discovers he has formed a psychic link with the Jikaru and attempts to use it to communicate with them—but the signal proves too powerful. This plot thread then passes to Celia Rose Gooding, who as Uhura figures out a way to communicate with the Jikaru and uncovers the truth about the Lutani’s actions. Mynor Luken also gives a solid performance as Beto, with the pivotal scene in which Uhura exposes his intentions serving as the turning point of the episode.
Overall
What is Starfleet? is a question Star Trek has been exploring in some form since the very first episode of the original series. However, in the context of this episode, it functions more as a plot device that clumsily interrupts the narrative involving the Lutani and Jikaru—an arguably more interesting story that could have been expanded if the episode hadn’t repeatedly stopped for interviews with crew members about life on a starship. Overall, I enjoyed the storyline with the two alien races, but I wasn’t particularly impressed with the documentary-style approach, which feels less effective here than in series like Babylon 5.
- Story7.3
- Acting9.6
- CGI & Stunts9.8
- Incidental Music9.0
Love the show, don’t care for the callous way the nurse is betrayed. She flirts with Spock knowing he’s engaged, then gets him and dumps him, tells everyone re her new assignment except Spock yet Spock felt he needed to apologize to her. 😳
Says she doesn’t want a relationship in season 3 yet goes away a few months then returns with a new man much to Spock’s surprise. She’s not likable. Is this how the writers view women? NOT GOOD ONES. Not appreciated.
MORE EPISODES WITH PIKE AND SPOCK, please. Their chemistry is amazing.
Hmm yeah. Chapel is a bit wishy washy, but its a younger less mature version of the character. So in a way its believable. But it is funny how now that Spock is having a good relationship with La’an that Chapel is getting perhaps a tad jealous, which is a bit weird given that she is supposed to be with Korby. But that said, once again it illustrates that she is a young woman that just doesn’t know what she wants. But perhaps I am being charitable.