Unexpected Romances Emerge in the Enigmatic Universe of Star Trek
Strange New Worlds subtly introduces yet another captivating Star Trek love triangle, leaving fans intrigued Spock's enigmatic charm continues to draw interest, making this potential love triangle with Chapel and Korby an enticing and unique narrative thread
WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 9, "Subspace Rhapsody"
Summary
In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, there may be another love triangle involving Spock and Nurse Chapel, introducing a fresh romantic storyline. As Christine is offered a fellowship with Dr. Korby, Spock's emotions for her and their bond are put to the test, causing doubts about their future together.
The potential love triangle involving Spock, Chapel, and Korby serves a different purpose compared to Spock's previous triangle. This is because Chapel and Spock come from different backgrounds and Korby has yet to make an appearance.
In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, there is a setup for a possible love triangle involving Spock (played by Ethan Peck), Nurse Christine Chapel (played by Jess Bush), and an upcoming character named Korby. Spock found himself in a love triangle during the first season of Strange New Worlds when he started developing feelings for Chapel, despite being engaged to T'Pring (played by Gia Sandhu). In episode 6 of season 2, titled "Charades," T'Pring took a break from their relationship, leading Spock to finally acknowledge his feelings for Christine. Subsequently, Spock and Chapel began dating, until their relationship seemingly ended in Star Trek's first-ever musical episode, "Subspace Rhapsody."
T'Pring's absence leaves Spock free to pursue other relationships, for now at least. Over time, Spock's growing affection for Christine has become evident, and she has never been shy about expressing her attraction to him. Their relationship appeared to be flourishing as Spock continued to delve into his humanity. However, Ensign Brad Boimler inadvertently raised doubts in Chapel about her future with Spock when he arrived from the 24th century's Star Trek: Lower Decks. Although Christine seemingly ended her short-lived romance with Spock in "Subspace Rhapsody," it remains uncertain whether they have truly called it quits.
Strange New Worlds Set Up A Possible New Star Trek Love Triangle
Apart from Boimler accidentally undermining Chapel's confidence in her relationship with Spock in Strange New Worlds' crossover, there were other contributing factors to the end of their romance. Despite Spock's attempts to embrace his humanity, he often grappled with how to handle Christine's emotions. Additionally, Strange New Worlds subtly hinted at the inevitable break-up by mentioning Dr. Roger Korby, who would eventually become Chapel's fiancé. Dr. Korby, portrayed by Michael Strong in Star Trek: The Original Series, was a specialized scientist in archeological medicine and made a sole appearance in season 1's episode "What Are Little Girls Made Of?".
Why A Spock, Chapel, & Korby Love Triangle Is Different
: In "Subspace Rhapsody," Nurse Chapel is offered a fellowship opportunity with Dr. Korby, which requires her to be away from the Enterprise for three months. Expressing her excitement through a captivating song and dance number titled "I'm Ready," Christine eagerly embraces this chance, even if it means leaving Spock behind. Spock, understandably surprised by the news, decides to dedicate his future to logic and reason. However, the immediate impact of this change is not imminent, and it is clear that Spock and Chapel still have deep feelings for each other. Throughout the course of TOS, Christine's affection for Spock remains, indicating that their story is far from its conclusion.
While the love triangle involving Spock, T'Pring, and Chapel illustrates Spock's internal struggle between his Vulcan and human identities, a love triangle where Nurse Chapel takes the central role would serve a distinct purpose. Spock and T'Pring were destined to be together from childhood, growing up on Vulcan with Vulcan ideals regarding relationships and marriage. On the other hand, Chapel and Spock possess contrasting characteristics, suggesting that Christine may discover qualities in Dr. Korby that she could not find in Spock. It should be noted that although Korby's name has been mentioned, his appearance on Strange New Worlds has yet to happen, leaving the commencement of his connection with Chapel uncertain.
In Star Trek: The Original Series, the version of Dr. Korby that was seen was actually an android into which the real Korby had transferred his consciousness prior to his death. As a result, the true Dr. Korby has never been depicted on-screen, leaving room for exploration of his character in Strange New Worlds. It should be noted that according to TOS, Chapel was initially Korby's student before their romantic involvement, which presents a potentially complex dynamic. However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has successfully modernized characters and storylines from TOS, suggesting that Dr. Korby and his relationship with Nurse Chapel could receive the same treatment. The season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will be available for streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday, August 10th.
