In the explosive opening episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, viewers are treated to a display of impressive fighting skills from Dr. Joseph M'Benga and Nurse Christine Chapel. "The Broken Circle" kicks off with Captain Christopher Pike embarking on a solo mission to assist his former First Officer, Una Chin-Riley, leaving Lieutenant Spock in charge of the USS Enterprise. Despite being ordered to remain at Starbase 1 for inspections, Spock takes command of the Enterprise to answer a distress signal from the edge of Klingon space, sent by the former Chief of Security, La'an Noonien-Singh.
The first episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 delves into the pasts of Dr. M'Benga and Nurse Chapel, shedding light on their characters and adding depth. Both of them served in the Klingon War, where their roles extended beyond healing. In this particular episode, they confront Klingon warriors, showcasing remarkable combat skills that can only be attained through extensive training. Moreover, M'Benga, during the war, developed a potent serum that temporarily enhances an individual's strength. Their proficiency in combat, coupled with their creation of an experimental strength-enhancing drug, implies that M'Benga and Chapel occasionally deviate from Starfleet protocols.
Strange New Worlds’ M’Benga and Chapel Break Star Trek’s Doctor Rules
Doctors in the 24th century are bound by an oath to prioritize the well-being of their patients. However, in a thrilling display of skill and bravery, Dr. M'Benga and Nurse Chapel find themselves breaking that oath as they engage in a fierce battle against the formidable Klingons. In the highly anticipated premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, M'Benga and Chapel are forcefully taken aboard an old Starfleet vessel that has been commandeered by the Klingons. Determined to regain their freedom, they unleash their fighting prowess and face off against their adversaries. Prior to entering the fray, M'Benga surprises Chapel by producing two small vials containing a mysterious green liquid. Without hesitation, they each take a sip, instantly experiencing a surge of enhanced strength.
Even without considering M'Benga's super serum, both M'Benga and Chapel exhibit exceptional fighting abilities. They hold their ground against battle-trained Klingons and demonstrate combat skills that surpass those of any previous Star Trek doctors. While Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) showcased her proficiency with a phaser and a ship's weapons system in Star Trek: Picard season 3, it pales in comparison to the intense hand-to-hand combat displayed by M'Benga and Chapel in "The Broken Circle." This episode effectively highlights Babs Olusamnokun's real-life mastery of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, while Jess Bush eagerly embraces her own stunts and stage combat.
Strange New Worlds Needs To Explain M’Benga’s Super Drug
Dr. M'Benga's super-strength serum raises numerous inquiries that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds must address. The origins of this drug, whether it was independently developed by M'Benga or created under orders from someone else, pose a significant concern for Starfleet. Preventing the drug from falling into the wrong hands becomes a top priority. While M'Benga and Chapel have utilized the drug previously, the extent of its knowledge among others remains uncertain. The approval status of M'Benga's super drug by Starfleet or the Federation remains questionable, and its usage in this episode by M'Benga likely violates multiple Starfleet regulations.
The use of drugs with such remarkable outcomes often comes with inherent risks and potential adverse effects. As the story progresses in future episodes of Strange New Worlds, viewers may witness the repercussions of using this serum. Additionally, the existence of this drug raises curiosity about the precise methods and ingredients employed by Dr. M'Benga during its creation. Regardless of the direction Star Trek: Strange New Worlds takes in its upcoming episodes, we can always cherish the memorable scene of Dr. M'Benga and Nurse Chapel bravely defeating Klingon warriors. Don't forget to catch the streaming of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 on Paramount+, airing every Thursday.