Mind-Melding Secrets Exposed: Chapel's Epic Romance with Spock on Strange New Worlds!

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 5 - "Charades." Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) and Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) finally acknowledge their feelings for one another in the episode, but a hint is dropped that their relationship may not last. In "Charades," Spock temporarily becomes human just before an important dinner with his fiancée, T'Pring (Gia Sandhu), which leads to T'Pring taking a break from their engagement. The episode ends with Spock visiting Nurse Chapel and the two sharing a long-awaited kiss.

The romance between Spock and Nurse Chapel in Strange New Worlds has been building since the start of the series, and it's satisfying to see their chemistry finally come to fruition. However, early on in "Charades," there is mention of a character who may complicate their relationship. Chapel reveals that she has applied for a two-month fellowship with the Vulcan Science Academy and reviews the principles of archaeological medicine as outlined by Dr. Roger Korby. Fans of Star Trek may recognize Korby as Chapel's future fiancé.

Strange New Worlds Easter Egg Mentions Chapel's Future Fiancé

Nurse Chapel prepares for her interview with the Vulcan Science Academy, receiving assistance from Dr. Joseph M'Benga, Ensign Nyota Uhura, Lt. Erica ErOrtegas, and Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh. In "Charades," Christine recites Dr. Roger Korby's 3 Principles of Archaeological Medicine, hinting at her future romance with him. With a few episodes remaining in Strange New Worlds season 2 and potential future seasons, the potential appearance of Dr. Korby adds complexity to the dynamic between Spock and Nurse Chapel. Although they have not yet met, Nurse Chapel's passion for archaeological medicine suggests that she may encounter Dr. Korby as she seeks alternative paths for her studies. This reference to Korby introduces a time constraint on Chapel's relationship with Spock.

Star Trek: TOS' Timeline Says Chapel & Spock's Romance May End Soon

Dr. Korby and Nurse Chapel are engaged before the year 2161, as established in Star Trek: The Original Series. In the episode "What Are Little Girls Made Of?," it is revealed that Dr. Korby got injured during a mission on Exo III. This suggests that they met and became romantically involved before this event. In the episode "Charades" of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, set in 2259, Dr. Korby will soon go missing on Exo III.

There is uncertainty about how or when Dr. Korby will be introduced in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. However, the mention of his character implies that he will have some involvement. In TOS, the relationship between Dr. Korby and Chapel is considered problematic as he was her professor. Nevertheless, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has impressively modernized characters and storylines while staying faithful to Star Trek canon. Even though Spock and Chapel have a strong bond, their relationship might not last long if Christine's future fiancé is introduced in the series.

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