by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
It’s time once again for another installment in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season Two! “Charades”, the fifth episode of the season, was written by Kathryn Lyn & Henry Alonso Myers, and directed by Jordan Canning. A shocking accident may change Spock’s life forever. Can our favorite Half-Human/Half-Vulcan cope with the fact that he is now just…human? Cue the opening title sequence. Let’s do this.
As the crew enjoys some much needed downtime, Nurse Chapel and Spock set out to explore the ruins of an ancient alien civilization (it’s a totally normal downtime activity). Unfortunately, our favorite science officer becomes critically injured when the shuttle unexpectedly crashes into a mysterious vortex. What happens when an alien civilization tries to heal a Half-Human/Half-Vulcan? It’s going to be hard for Spock to live long and prosper after his accident…because the aliens have entirely removed his Vulcan DNA! As the Enterprise crew (mainly Nurse Chapel) scrambles to resolve the situation, Spock must also deal with his Vulcan Engagement Dinner and challenging (soon to be) Mother-In-Law. With some creative help from his own mother and his friends, Spock will attempt to “fake it” and pass as a Vulcan. Oh, it goes about as well as you would expect.
“Charades” features Anson Mount as Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin-Riley, Ethan Peck as Spock, Jess Bush as Christine Chapel, Christina Chong as La’An Noonien-Singh, Celia Rose Gooding as Nyota Uhura, Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas, and Babs Olusanmokun as Joseph M’Benga. The episode also features Mia Kirshner as Amanda Grayson, Gia Sandhu as T’Pring, Ellora Patniak as T’Pril, Michael Benyaer as Sevet. Peck got to have all of the fun in this episode, as he receives a unique opportunity to play the polar opposite of the iconic Vulcan. Spock’s humanity has never been explored in this particular fashion, and it allowed for a creative story (and frankly hilarious moments) with the crew. Bush also stands out in this story, as her emotional connection to Spock and her desire for her own personal growth come to the forefront. Kirshner also did a wonderful job as Amanda Grayson, as her wit and ingenuity came across with style.
I genuinely don’t know how most of the cast could keep a straight face throughout this story, as it felt like it would be so easy to break character given these circumstances. You can just tell that the cast had fun making this episode, and that made it that much more enjoyable as a viewer. Also, the “Cooking with Captain Pike” scene was amazing. Don’t worry Spock, I love bacon just as much as you. The temptation is real. Let’s get #CookingWithCaptainPike trending next, ok social media?
From a design perspective, it was refreshing to have the crew interact with non-corporeal aliens and their interesting style of engagement with other lifeforms. I enjoyed the designs and first contact experience, and I would enjoy greater exploration of this civilization if given the chance. Kudos to the creative team for this one!
Official Synopsis: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 2 “Charades”
A shuttle accident leads to Spock’s Vulcan DNA being removed by aliens, making him fully human and completely unprepared to face T’Pring’s family during an important ceremonial dinner.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 2 “Charades” – 4.5/5 times that Spock loves bacon.
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