The Intriguing Interplay of Gilbert & Sullivan in Spock's Unraveling of Number One's Star Trek Strange New Worlds Trial

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 2 - "Ad Astra Per Aspera," Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) makes a reference to Gilbert & Sullivan musicals during Number One's (Rebecca Romijn) court-martial. This reference is a clever nod to another Star Trek show and adds depth to the storyline. The episode explores the problematic attitudes of Starfleet towards individuals with genetic enhancements and also delves into the backstory of Number One, also known as Commander Una Chin-Riley. Previously portrayed by Majel Barrett in Star Trek: The Original Series' unaired pilot episode, "The Cage," Number One's character was initially defined as the only woman Captain Pike (Jeffrey Hunter) was comfortable with on his bridge. However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds expands on her backstory and presents a less problematic portrayal of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). In this episode, Spock takes on the role of defending Una in court as the most senior USS Enterprise officer, humorously revealing her guilt of suppressing her enjoyment of Gilbert & Sullivan musicals.

Spock's "Gilbert & Sullivan" At Number One's Trial Is A Short Treks Callback

In the Star Trek: Short Treks episode "Q&A," Ensign Spock arrives on the USS Enterprise and has his first encounter with Number One. Recognizing the importance of curiosity for a Science Officer, Number One instructs Spock to continue asking her questions during their ride in the turbo lift to the bridge. Unfortunately, the lift malfunctions, and as Spock's inquiries become a bit bothersome, Number One decides to ask him a question of her own. She astutely observes that Spock displays a more emotional side, which is not typical of his Vulcan heritage. Encouraging him to embrace his uniqueness, she surprises him by singing the "Major-General's Song" from Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, showcasing one of her own quirks.

Their unexpected rescue by an engineer leads to an amusing situation where Number One insists that Spock swear on his honor as a Starfleet officer that he never heard her singing. This promise becomes especially comical during Spock's appearance in the trial scenes of Strange New Worlds. While testifying under oath, Spock's loyalty to Starfleet compels him to divulge Una's "affinity for Gilbert and Sullivan musicals." This lighthearted moment not only highlights Spock's dry sense of humor but also underscores his friendship and devotion to Una.

How Number One Changed Spock In Strange New Worlds

Spock's acknowledgment of Una's influence on his emotional side gains significance when revisiting "Q&A" after the events of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, "Ad Astra Per Aspera". Una's refusal to ask someone to suppress their nature becomes more significant as her own struggle to conceal her Illyrian heritage is revealed. The openness of Spock's human emotions in Strange New Worlds can be attributed to Una's impact.

In Number One's trial, Spock references Star Trek: Short Treks and credits Una for teaching him valuable leadership lessons. Their time stuck in the turbo lift allowed Number One to impart wisdom about a career in Starfleet to Spock. Spock's exceptional leadership qualities, showcased in the season 2 premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, validate his belief that Starfleet would suffer greatly from the loss of Una.

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