Mind-Blowing Twists and Surprises: Unraveling the Epic Ending of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 6

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 6 - "Lost in Translation." In the concluding scene of "Lost in Translation," Lt. James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) extends a helping hand to Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), aiding her in overcoming her personal struggles. This significant interaction establishes the foundation of their professional collaboration on the USS Enterprise. Amidst the Enterprise's assistance in the construction of a new refinery alongside the USS Farragut, Jim Kirk pays a visit to his brother Lt. Sam Kirk (Dan Jeanotte) on board the Enterprise. At the same time, Uhura is plagued by distressing visions of the late Lt. Hemmer (Bruce Horak), a former comrade who valiantly sacrificed himself to save an away team during the first season.

The sensation of death lingers throughout Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 6, provoking Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) to reflect upon his own agonizing destiny with Kirk's arrival. Simultaneously, Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) is forced to confront the untimely demise of Kirk once again. Nevertheless, "Lost in Translation" is ultimately an uplifting episode that showcases Uhura as the focal point. It pays tribute to her role as the renowned communications officer of the USS Enterprise, allowing her the privilege of introducing two future Star Trek legends to each other for the very first time.

Kirk, Spock & Uhura Meet For The First Time In Star Trek's Prime Timeline Canon

In a wonderfully subtle moment, Kirk and Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) have their first encounter towards the end of "Lost in Translation". Building upon the near miss fight between Spock and Kirk in season 2, episode 5 of Strange New Worlds, Spock acknowledges Kirk's assessment of his brother Sam as "frustrating". Uhura then introduces the two men, leading Spock to agree to join Uhura and Kirk for a drink. This brief interaction gives viewers a thrilling glimpse into what will eventually become the legendary crew of the Enterprise in Star Trek. Additionally, it highlights Uhura's significance in Star Trek history, as she is the one who introduces Kirk and Spock for the very first time.

The simplicity of Kirk and Spock's initial meeting is the perfect way to approach such a highly-anticipated scene, devoid of any heavy significance or pressure. It feels more realistic that Kirk and Spock would gradually get to know each other as their paths cross, rather than through a cataclysmic event that binds them together for life. Similarly, Kirk's bond with Uhura is formed through an intriguing mystery that showcases her exceptional communication skills and Kirk's commanding abilities. It's no surprise that Kirk chooses to keep Uhura on board the USS Enterprise once he assumes command of the flagship.

Uhura Finally Faces Hemmer's Death & What She Learns

Bruce Horak reprises his role as Lt. Hemmer in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. In a cherished recording dedicated to Uhura, he appears in new scenes as both a terrifying zombie and a benevolent ghost. However, these hallucinations that Uhura experiences hold a deeper significance rather than merely being a result of fatigue or poison. Unbeknownst to Starfleet, the new refinery site, Bannon's Nebula, unknowingly harms an alien species residing there. To communicate this harm, the aliens communicate through Uhura by sending her visions of a zombified Hemmer and the location of her family's fatal shuttle crash.

This captivating portrayal showcases Uhura's exceptional skills as a communications officer, as she pieces together the clues to understand that the images of death are not intended to frighten her. Instead, the alien species communicates through images, relying on them rather than words. The purpose of these images is to convey to Uhura their shared experience of trauma and loss. Following Kirk's guidance to confront death, Uhura manages to save the lives of the entire alien species and prevents Starfleet from unknowingly perpetuating genocide in their pursuit of starship fuel. Furthermore, this experience grants Uhura the opportunity to bid farewell to Hemmer, as the aliens send her one final vision of him smiling and nodding, appreciating her commendable efforts.

Pike Gets His Star Trek: TOS Fleet Captain Promotion

In a foreshadowing moment of Christopher Pike's destiny in Star Trek: The Original Series, he is elevated to the rank of Fleet Captain. Tasked with overseeing the refinery project, Pike assumes command of both the USS Enterprise and USS Farragut for the duration of the mission. Although this promotion is temporary, it serves as a reminder that his permanent elevation to Fleet Captain, as well as the accident that awaits him, are just a few years away. The reminder of his own mortality becomes more pronounced when he encounters his future successor, Lt. James T. Kirk, for the first time, visibly uneasy about what lies ahead.

Pike has been aware since the conclusion of Season 1 of Strange New Worlds that Kirk will eventually replace him as the Captain of the USS Enterprise, making Kirk's arrival on the ship a startling event. Interestingly, when Captain James T. Kirk (portrayed by William Shatner) was asked if he had ever met Chris Pike (played by Sean Kenney) in "The Menagerie," he responded by saying, "When he was made Fleet Captain." Remarkably, Pike's temporary promotion in "Lost in Translation" cleverly advances the timeline of this encounter. Now that this moment has transpired, Strange New Worlds is able to slightly deviate from the established Star Trek: TOS canon and explore further interactions between Pike and his eventual successor.

La'an & Kirk Meet But She Keeps Her Episode 3 Secret

Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh is unsettled by Kirk's presence on the USS Enterprise, especially as they join forces to hunt down a rogue saboteur. Captain Pike becomes curious about their connection and asks La'an, but she cryptically implies that there is not enough time to explain. This hint suggests that La'an may break her promise to the Department of Temporal Investigations, the time cops from Star Trek: DS9. Despite this, La'an refrains from discussing her romantic involvement with Kirk's alternate-reality counterpart during their encounters in "Lost in Translation."

However, there are indications that La'an possesses more knowledge than she reveals. Kirk is surprised by La'an's understanding of his relationship with his father and his motivations for joining Starfleet. In the trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, Number One senses a connection between Kirk and La'an. As "Lost in Translation" concludes, it is evident that Kirk intends to collect on a drink that La'an owes him. However, he could be in for more than he bargained for if La'an discloses the specifics of her mission involving time travel.

Number One & Pelia Also Deal With Hemmer's Death

In Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 6 of the USS Enterprise, it is revealed that Commander Pelia and Uhura have had minimal communication due to the pain of Hemmer's death. This extends to Number One, who is sent to increase the refinery's construction and initially has issues with Pelia. However, during a shuttle ride, Number One admits that her frustrations stem from her time at Starfleet Academy, where Pelia gave her a low grade. This revelation allows Pelia and Number One to bond, as they both understand the grief they have experienced. Pelia even agrees to let Number One publicly blame her for the grade if it helps her cope.

Kirk Brothers' Sibling Rivalry Hints At Sam's Star Trek TOS Fate

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds offers a glimpse into the dynamic between Sam and Jim Kirk, revealing a sibling rivalry. Jim is announced as the next First Officer on the USS Farragut, making him the youngest in Starfleet history. While Jim receives congratulations, Sam is bothered by the promotion. This stems from the fact that their father, George Kirk, previously held the record. As George Samuel Kirk, Sam feels the pressure to meet his father's legacy, fueling the competition between him and his ambitious brother.

To address this, Jim suggests that Sam, a xeno-anthropologist, find his own path to honor their father instead of confining himself to the laboratory. Tragically, Sam does just that when he moves his wife and child to the Deneva colony. In the "Operation - Annihilate!" episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, the Deneva colony faces an attack from deadly flying parasites, claiming the lives of Sam and his wife, and leaving behind their son Peter.

Spock & Chapel Are Officially A Couple

After acknowledging their mutual feelings in the episode "Charades," Spock and Nurse Chapel, portrayed by Jess Bush, have entered into a romantic relationship. However, they are proceeding with caution and taking things slow. Spock believes it is necessary to inform Starfleet Command about their relationship due to regulations concerning couples working together. On the other hand, Christine is more hesitant, fearing that defining their relationship too early may jeopardize it. This portrayal of their relationship is refreshingly realistic, especially since Star Trek enthusiasts are aware that Spock and Chapel's relationship will become increasingly complicated in the future.

With Uhura introducing Kirk to Spock, the groundwork for Star Trek: The Original Series is being laid. Unfortunately, this means heartbreak for Chapel as she and Spock are not together in the series. At some point in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, there will likely be a rift between them. It remains uncertain whether this will be due to Christine's apprehension in defining their relationship or if Spock will reconnect with T'Pring, played by Gia Sandhu. Nevertheless, as Kirk, Spock, and Uhura bond over a drink at the end of "Lost in Translation," the future of the USS Enterprise appears promising, despite the potential for future heartbreak.

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