You're only ever really as good as those around you.
And Captain Pike has a fantastic crew around him. But Strange New Worlds, in a season and a half of being on air, has prominently featured Spock, a character who has had two television shows, nine movies, and multiple guest appearances. The Vulcan, made famous by the late great Leonard Nimoy, is not just one of the most beloved Star Trek characters of all time; he's also become a pop culture icon. But I would argue that he's had his time in the hot Vulcan sun.
That's not to say I don't love Spock. While he's by no means my favorite Star Trek character, some of my favorite episodes of the series revolve around him. And Ethan Peck's fresh take on the character has been nothing short of spectacular. But we've also had a lot of this fresh take on a character with 56 years of history.
Star Trek Discovery season two re-introduced us to Spock and Ethan Peck, with a majority of the season focused on him and his sister, Michael. It's hard to complain, though, as DISCO season two was undoubtedly the show's best season, spawning Strange New Worlds (and this podcast) in the process.
But since Strange New Worlds debuted in May 2022, an alarming amount of episodes have either focused entirely on Spock or had a B plot that had something to do with the Vulcan science officer.
The first real example of this (setting up the Spock and T'Pring arc in "Strange New Worlds" notwithstanding) comes in "Memento Mori," which is a fantastic submarine thriller focusing on the Gorn, only to be taken out of those moments so Spock can share a mind meld with La'an.
The very next episode is literally called "Spock Amok," and whether you love this one or hate it, Spock and T'Pring, hijinks and all are the A plot. In "The Serene Squall," an otherwise hilarious pirate romp, the focus is once again, you guessed it, on Spock and T'Pring, also bringing Chapel into the fold and creating the love triangle arc between the three.
Ethan Peck as Spock and Gia Sandhu as T'Pring - Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
Even in "All Those Who Wander," which should have been an emotional sendoff for our beloved Hemmer, Spock overshadows his memorial service with his outburst of anger and more Chapel shenanigans. As nearly perfect as "A Quality of Mercy" is, the episode is still basically about how Pike needs to let his future happen so Spock can live and do all the amazing things he's going to.
Season two unfortunately continues the trend of overly focusing on the son of Sarek. "The Broken Circle" sees Spock in command of the Enterprise. An episode that should have been an ensemble piece still manages to put 90% of the focus on Spock.
Finally, in what has already become a Strange New Worlds tradition, the fifth episode of season two, "Charades," is yet another Spock and T'Pring "comedy" romp. "Charades" is arguably a sequel to "Spock Amok," and despite my enjoyment of both episodes, it is a strain on an already limited ten-episode order of television.
Haven't we been here before? Gia Sandhu as T'Pring and Ethan Peck as Spock - Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/Paramount+
As you can see, with only ten episodes per season, focusing on one singular character is a detriment to all of the other fascinating characters Strange New Worlds has introduced to us. Yes, I was excited to get these brand new journeys with Captain Pike, Number One, and Spock. But I was equally, if not more excited to get to know all the new faces aboard Pike's Enterprise.
Unfortunately, Strange New Worlds has struggled to follow through in that regard. We barely got to know Chief Hemmer before his untimely passing. Number One has been grossly underused. We still know next to nothing about Erica Ortegas other than that she served in the Klingon War. Where is that story? And the only thing we know about Christine Chapel so far is that she's hot for Spock and talented in archeological medicine.
I don't want to take anything away from the episodes that have put the focus on the other members of the Enterprise. Nyota Uhura has been given a lot to work with, and getting to know more about her has been a treat. Thursday's episode continues that trend. While he could certainly be given a bit more, Doctor M'Benga's journey, especially in "The Elysian Kingdom," is one of the many bright spots on Strange New Worlds. La'an is increasingly becoming a beloved character with some great content in both seasons one and two.
And, of course, being the Captain of the ship, Christopher Pike, played oh so perfectly by Anson Mount, has had more than his fair share of the spotlight, though that has taken a downward trend in season two.
But after Thursday, only four episodes of season two will be left. It may be too late to hope for more of these other characters to get more screen time, but with the WGA and SAG strikes halting production on season three, there's a hope that feedback from the press, fans, and podcasts like ours will reach the powers that be.
It's time to give Spock his flowers. He's had his time. It's time to let Christine Chapel practice medicine. It's time to let Erica Ortegas spread her wings and fly an away mission. It's time for Number One to be the first officer that makes young ensigns quiver in their Starfleet boots. And it's time to let Chief Pelia scream, "LIAAARRR." Wait, that's not right.....
