Mind-Blowing Setup: Unveiling Star Trek's Ultimate Moment - First Ever Encounter of Kirk and Spock Revealed in Strange New Worlds
Strange New Worlds brilliantly lays the groundwork for the iconic first encounter between Spock and Kirk, surpassing JJ Abrams' Star Trek in terms of impact and intrigue Prepare for a captivating introduction that revolves around the strategic game of chess
Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 6 - "Lost in Translation"
The sixth episode of Strange New Worlds season 2, titled "Lost in Translation," presents a clever setup for the initial encounter between Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock in Star Trek: The Original Series. Within this episode, Lt. Kirk and Ensign Uhura meet for the first time in Star Trek's Prime Timeline, and their meeting concludes with Uhura introducing Kirk to Lt. Spock. These three characters will later become renowned for their adventures aboard the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: TOS.
In this episode, Lt. Kirk boards the Starship Enterprise with the intention of reuniting with his brother, Lt. Sam Kirk. Unfortunately, their reunion turns sour, leaving James alone. However, his interest is piqued when he encounters Uhura, who appears to be in emotional distress. Despite an accidental punch from Uhura, Kirk joins forces with her to unravel the mystery behind her disturbing nightmares and its connection to Starfleet's deuterium mining station in Bannon's Nebula. Additionally, Kirk becomes intrigued by a Vulcan playing 3D chess at the Enterprise's Port Galley, paying homage to Spock and Kirk's original interaction in Star Trek.
How Strange New Worlds Set Up Spock & Kirk’s First Star Trek Scene
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NBC rejected "The Cage," the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series that introduced Captain Christopher Pike (Jeffrey Hunter). Instead, they aired the second pilot episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," which opens with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock playing 3D chess. Kirk is preoccupied with the USS Enterprise's journey toward the Galactic Barrier while Spock continuously reminds him that it's "your move." Kirk playfully remarks to Spock that he has an "irritating game of chess." In Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 6, Kirk watches Spock play 3D chess with Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) and annoyingly reminds her that it's "your move." Kirk then instructs Uhura to tell her "Vulcan friend to protect his Queen" because Chapel nearly checkmated her, just as Kirk plans to do when he plays against Spock in Star Trek: TOS.
Technically, the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series to be aired on NBC was "The Man Trap." This was because the visual effects for "Where No Man Has Gone Before" were not yet ready. However, the network decided to broadcast the more action-packed "The Man Trap" as the first episode. Nevertheless, the first glimpse fans were meant to have of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock was them playing 3D chess in "Where No Man Has Gone Before," which effectively established their friendship and playful banter. In Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," it is also revealed that Kirk is skilled in chess as he hustled people for money in 21st century Toronto.
Spock & Kirk’s First Meeting Is Better Than J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek
In the season 2 finale of Strange New Worlds, episode 6, Ensign Uhura pleasantly surprises Lt. Kirk by introducing him to Lt. Spock. The three of them then gather to enjoy a drink together. This simple and graceful encounter serves as a charming introduction for the iconic Enterprise trio, in stark contrast to the dramatic meeting between James T. Kirk (played by Chris Pine) and Spock (played by Zachary Quinto) depicted in J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot film. In that film, Cadet Kirk cheated in the Kobayashi Maru scenario, which was designed by Spock, leading to a strained relationship between them once they were aboard the USS Enterprise.
In the 2009 Star Trek film, Kirk and Spock's initial mission together was filled with ups and downs, including physical confrontations, Spock banishing Kirk from the Enterprise, and Kirk managing to deceive Spock in order to take command. However, as a team, Kirk and Spock proved to be highly effective and successfully saved the Earth. Strange New Worlds recognizes that the most intense moments between Kirk and Spock are yet to come, and the prequel cleverly builds up to their understated first encounter by alluding to the 3D chess scene from the original Star Trek series.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.
