Captain Pike's Shocking Response to the Enterprise Changes in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 2 - "Ad Astra Per Aspera"

Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) has returned to the Starship Enterprise in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, but his reaction to the significant changes that occurred in his absence is not shown in the thrilling episode 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera." In the season premiere, "The Broken Circle," Pike embarked on a solo journey across the galaxy to locate his Number One, Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), in order to provide her with legal representation during her court-martial. "Ad Astra Per Aspera" begins with Pike successfully convincing Una's estranged childhood friend, Neera Ketoul (Yetide Badaki), to serve as her lawyer.

Meanwhile, during Pike's absence, Lieutenant Spock (Ethan Peck) was left in command of the USS Enterprise. In the season premiere of Strange New Worlds season 2, Spock commandeers the Enterprise in response to a distress call from La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong). After reuniting with the Enterprise's former Security Chief on Cajitar IV, Spock and the crew prevent a plot by a Klingon/Starfleet syndicate to use a false Crossfield Class Starfleet ship to reignite the war between the Klingons and the United Federation of Planets. By the end of "The Broken Circle," La'an rejoins the Enterprise, and the Federation flagship also welcomes a new Chief Engineer, Commander Pelia (Carol Kane).

Captain Pike Doesn't React To Strange New Worlds Season 2 Premiere's Changes

Upon Pike's return to the Starship Enterprise in Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, there is a glaring absence of his reaction to the significant changes that occurred during his absence. Notably, he fails to consult with Spock regarding the latter's involvement in a crew mutiny and the theft of Pike's own ship. Furthermore, Pike neglects to acknowledge the return of La'an to uniform, even though she had previously resigned her commission in a previous episode to assist a young survivor in reuniting with her family. Additionally, the introduction of Commander Pelia as the new Chief Engineer goes unnoticed by Pike, replacing the late Lt. Hemmer. Instead, Pike's initial scenes upon his return feature his significant other, Captain Batel, who had served as the prosecutor against Number One and expressed anger at Pike's support of Una's decision. Batel successfully convinced Pike not to testify, as he had concealed Una's true identity as a genetically engineered Illyrian from Starfleet for an extended period of time. Strangely, Pike watched Number One's trial with his senior staff without realizing that La'an was present in the same room.

Why Captain Pike Was Only Focused On Number One's Trial

"Ad Astra Per Aspera," the second episode of Strange New Worlds season 2, stands out as a captivating courtroom drama within the Star Trek universe. The long-awaited trial of Number One, which had been introduced in the first season, delves into deep-rooted issues such as the Federation's ban on Augments, prejudice, inequality, and Number One's yearning for acceptance of her true identity. The stakes are high for Captain Pike as well, as he is entangled in Number One's deception and faces accusations of conspiracy. The absence of a scene capturing Captain Pike's reaction to Spock's intervention in preventing a war with the Klingons, the return of La'an, and his meeting with Commander Pelia feels like a missed opportunity. Although seemingly minor, these events hold significance in depicting the life of a Starfleet Officer aboard the Enterprise. It is possible that these scenes were filmed but excluded due to time constraints. Hopefully, the home video release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 will include these omitted moments, providing a more comprehensive picture.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.