Jaw-Dropping: Star Trek's Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 2 Set to Amaze!

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

Directed by Dr. Valerie Weiss, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," is being praised by fans as one of the greatest courtroom episodes in Star Trek history. Dr. Weiss has an impressive portfolio, having directed episodes of popular shows such as Outer Banks on Netflix, Scandal, Suits, The Librarians, and How To Get Away With Murder. This episode marks her debut in the Star Trek franchise.

In this episode of Strange New Worlds, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera," Number One, also known as Commander Una Chin-Riley (played by Rebecca Romijn), is facing a Starfleet court-martial. To her surprise, she is defended by her estranged childhood friend, renowned galactic civil rights lawyer Neera Ketoul (played by Yetide Badaki). Una's trial holds significant implications for Captain Christopher Pike (played by Anson Mount) and the crew of the USS Enterprise. However, Number One's successful defense results in her reinstatement as the ship's First Officer.

Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview Dr. Valerie Weiss, a scientist with a Ph.D, regarding her directing of the captivating courtroom episode for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, as well as her work with the World Wildlife Fund on the Panda Paddle.

Valerie Weiss on Directing Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Screen Rant: Congratulations on your outstanding episode of Strange New Worlds! Your contribution to one of the finest Star Trek courtroom episodes has garnered immense praise, including from myself. This remarkable hour of Star Trek stands among the best since the 1990s. How has it felt to witness such a positive reception?

Valerie Weiss: It's quite surreal. I was incredibly excited when I got hired, and the process of making it was incredibly enjoyable. It was honestly one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had. It was a fantastic opportunity for me because I used to work as a scientist. The reason I transitioned from science to directing film and television was because I felt like I had something important to say. In our world, there is so much that needs fixing, and I firmly believe that if you're not actively trying to make it better, you're simply occupying space on Earth. So, for me, being able to tell a story that can reach a wide audience through such a significant franchise, despite it being about the question of being human, ironically, it touches on the theme of how we connect and treat one another.

Being able to do this, collaborate with such a talented crew, and work with Benji Bakshi, who recommended me for the job and with whom I had previously worked on two shows, was an absolute blast. Creating the episode and seeing the response it received was incredibly nerve-wracking because you're constantly aware that you'll be compared to other remarkable episodes in the franchise, which are some of the best "Trek" work. It's not just about being favorably compared to them, but also about hearing many people say what you mentioned, that it's the "best episode since the 90s." It's simply the icing on the cake, something you don't even dare to think about, and then it actually happens. I feel incredibly honored and thrilled to have had the opportunity to direct this episode.

The courtroom drama holds a special place in the Star Trek universe, being highly regarded despite its limited quantity. When you were tasked with the Una trial episode, did it overwhelm you? Did you feel the weight of living up to its standards?

Valerie Weiss: To be honest, I had limited knowledge of Star Trek before this project. However, during my interview and upon receiving this episode, I discovered that courtroom dramas were an integral part of Star Trek's canon. This revelation excited me as I had previously worked on shows like Suits, Bull, For The People, and How to Get Away with Murder, which also explored this style of storytelling. However, after watching episodes like "Measure of a Man" and "The Menagerie" and witnessing the profound exploration of ethics, morality, and the question of who should be the judge, my excitement skyrocketed. I couldn't believe that I had the opportunity to delve deep into these topics. I was genuinely thrilled.

As a director, my passion lies in taking ideas and themes and bringing them to life through compelling characters and dramatic storytelling. This episode was a perfect opportunity for me to do what I love. I always feel the pressure to do my best as a director, but I didn't feel any additional pressure for this particular episode. The writers, Henry, Akiva, and Dana, as well as Chris Fisher, who hired me, were incredibly supportive and always available to discuss the important aspects of the episode. I didn't feel nervous, instead I was focused on doing my job well and exceeding expectations because I genuinely care about everyone involved in this franchise.

And it seems like I succeeded. I would be interested to hear about the challenges you encountered while directing this episode. With such a talented cast and a great script by Dana Horgan, as you mentioned, can you walk me through the process of bringing this episode together? What were the hurdles you faced along the way?

Valerie Weiss found the courtroom episode to be challenging due to the amount of coverage in one location and the need to keep it interesting despite the heavy dialogue. They spent around seven days in the courtroom, which presented difficulties in maintaining visual variety. To overcome this, Weiss approached the episode like a play, rehearsing with the director of photography to determine the optimal placement of tables, judges, and observers. This allowed for the creation of a cinematic language, particularly in scenes involving Neera, where the camera movements enhanced the storytelling. Weiss also relied on their background as an actor to understand the emotional beats and subtext, providing a sense of how characters might move in the space.

After conducting a rehearsal, we engaged in a table read to go through the script and discuss the important moments. Having the opportunity to work with our talented actors during this process proved to be very fortunate. Drawing from my preparation, I pitched some ideas which the team readily agreed with. Rebecca's limited movement in the courtroom posed a challenge, but I proposed some ideas for Yetide, Neera, and others to enhance their presence and engagement. For example, in the opening arguments, Neera moves around the table, and Admiral April is pushed towards the judges. The closing arguments complete the circle by going to the judges in a different direction. Each of these ideas was carefully considered and deliberate. The actors actively embraced and personalized the concepts, offering insights into what worked and what didn't. Having the opportunity for a theater rehearsal prior to filming was a stroke of luck. Furthermore, Benji and I dedicated ourselves to determining the most effective shots and angles to capture the emotional storytelling. We constantly assessed when to shoot over Batel's shoulder, incorporate Rebecca, juxtapose Neera and Una, or allow individuals to be alone in the frame. Every single shot was meticulously planned with the intent of conveying the intended emotions.

The absence of action, phasers, and space battles made this episode truly astonishing. Its focus was solely on people engaging in meaningful conversations, debating ideas and perspectives. This is precisely what defines Star Trek and why it felt incredibly revitalizing to witness.

Valerie Weiss: The aspect that fascinated me as a scientist was the pursuit of truth through debate. It is when both parties approach it in an honest manner, without any manipulation, solely driven by the pursuit of knowledge and expressing their understanding at that moment. As new information emerges, viewpoints evolve. This occurs through genuine arguments. Personally, this aligns with how I strive to live my life, which is why I was extremely thrilled to be part of something like this.

Did you have a particular scene in the episode that stood out for you? A moment when you shouted, "Cut!" and thought, "Yes, we nailed it. That was perfect."

Valerie Weiss: I was really impressed with a few scenes in particular. Yetide's closing arguments were incredibly powerful and she fearlessly confronted the judges. It was such a memorable moment. Another scene that stood out to me was the one between Neera and La'an in Una's quarters. La'an's character is incredibly strong and always needs to be that way as head of security. But even the strongest of us need emotional support. Neera, as an outsider with mixed feelings about Starfleet, taking care of La'an was a beautiful display of humanity and sisterhood. The acting in that scene was outstanding, with subtle yet full performances. Watching it again made me cry, it really touched me.

That's amazing. Yetide Badaki truly shines in every scene she's in. She's definitely one of the best guest stars Star Trek has had. I actually recently interviewed her and we discussed the standing ovation she received at the end. It was a special moment, and she mentioned that it was actually scripted and not spontaneous.

Valerie Weiss expressed her need to refer back to the script and acknowledged that there were significant emotional moments in this particular episode, such as the unplanned hug between Anson and Rebecca. She couldn't recall if it was Anson who suggested it or if she had the idea herself, but she greatly appreciated it. Valerie wondered if hugging had ever been shown in Star Trek and Anson confirmed that it would be a unique occurrence. She enthusiastically embraced the concept. Valerie sought Henry's feedback to ensure it was appropriate for the scene, as it was a significant moment. With Henry's approval, she was confident that it was the right choice considering the high stakes of the trial, not only for Una but also for Pike and his entire team. The trial posed the most severe threat for the group, making a hug a fitting response.

I tweeted about the hug, which deeply moved me. And you're absolutely right, it's quite unusual and that's why it's so remarkable to witness Pike releasing the Captain, embracing his friend, and then swiftly returning to the Captain with a playful punch.

Valerie Weiss: Yes, even the awkward vulnerability was captivating. And that's what I admire about these actors. They don't just perform a single moment; they also portray the emotional bridge between the moments. So, instead of abruptly transitioning from something heartfelt to a joke like, "Hey, that was good," he skillfully navigates the journey between them. You can see the vulnerability and a hint of embarrassment. They are truly talented and a joy to direct.

Definitely. Your episode delves into intricate themes such as racial bias and persecution within the Federation. However, what truly captivated me was the essence of the story – the tale of two childhood friends who once shared a strong bond but grew apart, only for one to embark on a mission to rescue the other. Moreover, the connection between Una and Neera exhibited remarkable profundity, even with the limited details provided. Let's take a moment to explore that further.

Valerie Weiss expressed her appreciation for bringing up the importance of storytelling that goes beyond being didactic and message-driven. She believes that her work should have a purpose to make a difference in people's hearts and minds. In reflecting on the content, Valerie found the connection between two young girls with broken hearts to be a powerful way to engage the audience. Personal experiences with her own daughters reminded her of how friendships hold significant meaning, especially during times of hurt, which can leave lasting impacts. Valerie emphasized moments in the episode where the characters, even as adults, struggle with expressing their pain and longing for reconciliation. These vulnerable conversations in the prison cell and during the trial aimed to reconnect the characters with the inner child who had experienced heartbreak. Valerie described the closeness she developed with the actors, having shared personal experiences during their time together. This enabled her to guide them in accessing their own vulnerabilities on camera, resulting in a powerful and authentic performance. Valerie expressed her pride in being a part of this transformative process.

The scenes between Neera and Una were captivating both inside and outside the courtroom. There were two particular moments that I absolutely loved. The first was when Uhura bravely confronted La'an and refused to hand over the personal logs. The second standout moment was Spock's comedic interaction with Ortegas and M'Benga, followed by his sincere apology for his outburst. It was classic Spock and added a much-needed touch of humor to an otherwise serious episode.

Valerie Weiss expressed her satisfaction with having both of these moments, emphasizing the importance of contrasting elements in a symphony. Without something to contrast it with, the drama wouldn't be as noticeable. She also appreciated that the comedy in the episode was not just an unnecessary addition, but rather an integral part of the story.

I will discuss the Uhura and La'an moment. One aspect that makes Strange New Worlds' approach impressive is that they allow each director 20 minutes of preparation time with every actor. Although the focus was more on Una and Neera, as well as Pike, Batel, and La'an, I had the opportunity to meet with all of them. During these meetings in my office, we discussed each actor's individual storylines for the episode. If a character had fewer scenes, we delved into topics such as their thoughts on eugenics, their personal philosophy, and their perspective on Una's trial. I encouraged them to contemplate these ideas so that they could have specific reactions while watching the trial in the ready room.

Outstanding performances rely heavily on character arcs - where they begin and where they end. Celia and I dedicated a significant amount of time discussing her character's relationship with La'an and her thoughts about Una. I believe we talked about her feeling somewhat betrayed by Una's actions. Additionally, she grappled with how the Eugenics Wars had impacted her parents. Therefore, her character had a lot personally at stake, which provided a strong foundation for her performance. In the scene with her and La'an, the depth and complexity arose from thoroughly exploring her thoughts and emotions surrounding the situation. This allowed her to confront her superior and express her strong opinions, making the scene more intriguing and multifaceted than it would have been without those conversations.

Totally. Now, I've only seen the first six episodes. Are you back to direct in season 2 or season 3?

Valerie Weiss: Yeah, I've been invited to direct an episode of season 3. I'm really excited.

That's so great. Yeah. I mean, obviously, the writer strike has kind of pushed everything back. But I'm so glad to hear that you're coming back.

Valerie Weiss: Thank you.

I can't ask you what it's about.

Valerie Weiss: I don't even know. We would have shot it already, but the strike ended up pushing all the productions.

So it's a fairly early episode in the season.

Valerie Weiss: It's an early episode, yeah. And it sounds phenomenal. So I'm really, really excited.

Before we wrap up, I'm curious to know about your other interests beyond directing. I recall you mentioning your recent conversation with the WWF, although not the professional wrestling organization.

Valerie Weiss: No, that was just a playful remark we made.

Please provide information about the Panda Paddle, the Water Bears, and your involvement.

Valerie Weiss: Thank you for inquiring. During a recent coffee chat, I discussed the Panda Paddle event, which was open to the public for information. The World Wildlife Fund is an organization dedicated to conservation efforts. Their mission encompasses not only the preservation of animals but also the protection of our planet and its natural resources. For the past four years, I have been actively engaged with this cause. The Panda Paddle serves as a fundraising initiative, providing opportunities for individuals to engage in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and even surfing—using their arms for propulsion— to show support for the cause.

I currently lead a diverse team of approximately 20 individuals located worldwide. Our team members are spread out across different countries, including Australia and Luxembourg, as well as throughout the United States. Thanks to the flexibility allowed by the pandemic, we participate in virtual paddling events during specific days in August. Last year, we achieved the remarkable feat of being the top fundraiser, raising $7,000. As a result, I was fortunate enough to win a beautiful custom paddleboard, which I take great pride in. We are excited to be participating once again this year.

Engaging in this cause reminds me of the excitement I felt when working on the Star Trek episode. It is important for us to not just exist on this Earth, but also make meaningful contributions to replenish it. Being part of this team fills me with immense pride. If anyone is interested in joining or making a donation, our team is known as the Water Bears. We welcome all individuals who share our passion. The team is truly special and includes professionals from various backgrounds such as lawyers, actors, and doctors. If you'd like to join us, John, we would love to have you as part of our team.

Do you know about the connection between Star Trek and the tardigrade?

Valerie Weiss: Yes, I am aware of it. I should mention that. I actually forgot about it. Ethan, who portrays Spock, and I have discussed this as well. Thank you for bringing it up. We chose to call ourselves the Water Bears, which is a simpler name compared to tardigrades. It's a more casual name. This decision was made because tardigrades are the most resilient creatures on Earth, capable of surviving nuclear fission, extreme temperatures, and even being found on the moon. Since we began during the COVID pandemic, I felt that we needed something to believe in. We are all resilient and will overcome this together. That's why we adopted the name tardigrades. If you have any further information about the Star Trek connection, please feel free to share, though I do recall there being one.

In Star Trek: Discovery season 1, a colossal space tardigrade became the navigator aboard the USS Discovery while utilizing their spore drive, a device that allowed for instant teleportation. However, the crew encountered difficulties in operating the spore drive as the experiment would repeatedly result in the ship crashing into various objects upon arrival. It was then discovered that a navigator was required, and the giant tardigrade possessed the ability to communicate with the mycelial network, becoming their initial navigator. Unfortunately, mistreatment of the tardigrade emerged, leading to its release. Subsequently, Stamets, portrayed by Anthony Rapp, assumed the role of navigator. Thus, the tardigrade serves as a significant link in Star Trek's storyline.

Valerie Weiss: I find it fascinating. It demonstrates that everything is interconnected. Each interaction and relationship must be handled with care as they yield consequences. This aspect truly captivates me.

About Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2

Explore our collection of interviews with the cast and crew of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, as they delve into the voyages of Captain Christopher Pike and his team aboard the USS Enterprise. Witness their thrilling adventures and groundbreaking missions across uncharted territories in the galaxy during the decade leading up to the renowned Star Trek: The Original Series.

Yetide Badaki

Anson Mount & Rebecca Romijn

Ethan Peck & Paul Wesley

New episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 air Thursdays on Paramount+.