Ooh, sounds like we’re getting some Vulcan children’s stories. Spoilers.
Basically an origin story (alternate title ‘How Kirk discovered his Mojo’?) that is very slightly unearned only because we haven’t seen James Kirk for a bit. But that’s the only real criticism I can make of it. The writing and acting job of bridging from the Kirk we know from TOS and the Kirk who is struggling here is a difficult one, but it’s pulled off well. It really feels like a true part of his story.
So far this season has leaned very strongly on horror movie vibes – even Wedding Bell Blues had a bit of a horror feel to it. It’s a flavour that works well with Star Trek, but it’s perhaps getting a tad overused here.
Quick hits:
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‘What…is….thestardate’ – perfect Shatner cadence.
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Rare to see a Vulcan captain of a Starfleet vessel.
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That is not a conversation to have in public Kirk. Disagree with the Captain in private, it’s Exec Officer 101.
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Is this the TOS Doomsday Machine?
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It is nice to have the Kirk/Spock/Uhura/Scotty configuration.
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Oof, distinct lack of ‘Aye Captain’ at the end of that meeting with Kirk there. Cold.
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Ah, the 45 degree Jeffries Tube.
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Aldentium? Must be a nice firm mineral.
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I like the flickery lights to symbolise the flaky condition of the Farragut.
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Scotty has got some sass today.
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Time for the Pelia comedy mood lightening section.
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Spock should really point out that it’s not Kirk’s job to solve the problem, but to lead everyone to a solution.
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Loved the Grateful Dead joke.
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Good shot on the glowing weak spot from Spock.
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I knew we were going to get a species reveal, but I genuinely didn’t expect ‘human’.
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Not sure that I need this epilogue part to be honest. Feels a bit heavy handed.
964 down.