by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

When a subspace experiment goes awry, the crew of the Enterprise are faced with a challenge that forces them to go where no one in Star Trek has ever gone before… Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – “Subspace Rhapsody” has arrived, with a unique musical episode written by Dana Horgan & Bill Wolkoff and directed by Dermott Downs. What causes the musical outbreak on the Enterprise? What shocking revelations will come from this story? And more importantly, who steals the show?

Spoilers after the jump!

This week’s adventure begins with the Enterprise coming across a subspace fold with unique properties. If their theory is correct, this occurrence could hold the key to exponentially increasing subspace communications throughout the Alpha Quadrant, allowing for nearly instantaneous messaging between ships. While their initial sound experiments fail, a stunning response occurs when Uhura and Spock apply music to the anomaly. Suddenly everyone (and I do mean everyone) starts breaking out into simultaneous song and dance. Although this development might be quite amusing to viewers, it is extremely alarming to the crew, as this improbable situation has the potential to expand outward. Emotions run rampant as our favorite explorers are faced with expressing their feelings and deepest secrets in spontaneous musical outbursts, and it is only a matter of time before their deadliest enemies become enthralled in their musical plight. 

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Musical stars 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. Paul Wesley and Carol Kane are also featured in this episode, along with Melanie Scrofano as Captain Batel. 

Featuring ten original songs, as well as a musical rendition of the main title theme, this special installment features music and lyrics by Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Tom Polce (Letters to Cleo, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Songs include:

1. “Status Report” – Features the Main Cast and Special Guest Stars
2. “Star Trek Strange New World Theme” 
3. “Connect To Your Truth” – Features Rebecca Romijn and Paul Wesley
4. “How Would That Feel” – Features Christina Chong
5. “Private Conversation” – Features Anson Mount and Melanie Scrofano 
6. “Keeping Secrets” – Features Rebecca Romijn 
7. “I’m Ready” – Features Jess Bush with Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, and Dan Jannote
8. “I’m the X” – Features Ethan Peck
9. “Keep Us Connected” – Features Celia Rose Gooding
10. “We Are One” –  Features Celia Rose Gooding and the crew of the Enterprise (with special guests…)
11. Subspace Rhapsody End Credits Medley

After experiencing the musical talents of this cast, I am not surprised that they decided to proceed with this episode. Sure there are a few moments that include some obvious auto-tuning, but so many of these talented individuals can BELT. Celia Rose Gooding, Christina Chong, Ethan Peck, Rebecca Romijn, Anson Mount, and Jess Bush are a bit more front and center than the other crew, but everyone gets their time in the spotlight. There are a few tongue-in-cheek comments that might imply who felt more comfortable with this idea than others, but overall the vocal performances are very strong. Although some songs are lyrically stronger than others (and include some…choices with the Klingons), the entirety of the endeavor was extremely enjoyable. My personal favorite ear worms are “Status Report”, “How Would That Feel”, “I’m Ready”, “Keep Us Connected” and “We Are One”. 

Thanks to our friends at Paramount+, the soundtrack for this chapter in Star Trek history is planning to hit digital streaming platforms shortly. You can pre-save your playlist on your preferred platform here.

“Subspace Rhapsody” is a fun experiment in the grand tapestry of the Star Trek story, and I believe that it will soon be featured at conventions along with Buffy: The Vampire Slayer’s “Once More With Feeling” or Doctor Horrible’s Musical Sing Along Blog. Get ready for some ear worms that will keep you singing along as we continue our Trek amongst the stars. 

Official Synopsis: Episode 209: “Subspace Rhapsody”

An accident with an experimental quantum probability field causes everyone on the U.S.S. Enterprise to break uncontrollably into song, but the real danger is that the field is expanding and beginning to impact other ships—allies and enemies alike.

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – “Subspace Rhapsody” – 4.5 out of 5 standing ovations.

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