Unleashing Spock's Comedy: The Unrivaled Star Trek Dream Team
Strange New Worlds' Spock Comedy Unveils the Stellar Ensemble Cast, Emphasizing Star Trek's True Strength as a Collective Force
Warning: Major spoilers for Season 2, Episode 5 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - "Charades" In this Spock-centric episode, the exceptional ensemble cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds showcases their diverse talents. Co-written by Kathryn Lyn of Star Trek: Lower Decks, "Charades" adds a hilarious Star Trek twist to the classic sitcom scenario of a dinner with the in-laws. Lieutenant Spock (played by Ethan Peck) is faced with the task of hiding his Vulcan identity for an important pre-wedding meal. As with any well-executed sitcom, the comedy in "Charades" is amplified by the support and comedic efforts of the ensemble cast.
From Spock sporting fake Vulcan ears to Captain Christopher Pike (portrayed by Anson Mount) reluctantly taking on the role of a put-upon waiter, "Charades" offers plenty of laughs. Furthermore, this episode takes the opportunity to focus on Nurse Christine Chapel (depicted by Jess Bush). While Chapel's attraction to Spock was once a recurring joke in Star Trek: The Original Series, "Charades" treats it with sensitivity, showcasing her crewmates' support in accepting her romantic feelings. In "Charades," the entire Strange New Worlds cast is given meaningful roles as they assist Spock in passing as a Vulcan, while simultaneously helping Chapel through her emotional journey.
Strange New Worlds' Spock Comedy Shows Off The Ensemble Cast
In "Charades," everyone has a role to play. Whether it's Rebecca Romijn as Number One and Christina Chong as Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh teaching Spock how to speak like a Vulcan, or Captain Pike's well-intentioned but comical attempts at Vulcan cooking. Anson Mount shines brilliantly in this Star Trek comedy episode, providing a highly entertaining comedic presence during the Vulcan V'Shal ritual. From the moment T'Pril enters Pike's quarters, Mount demonstrates his mastery of comedic reaction shots. One perfect example is when Pike takes a swig of scotch after T'Pril calls Spock a disappointment, perfectly timed for comedic effect.
Meanwhile, Chapel receives assistance from Lt. Erica Ortegas and Ensign Nyota Uhura in her efforts to piece Spock back together. Both characters deliver outstanding performances. A particularly touching moment occurs when Chapel turns to them for help in reaching the Vulcan moon Kerkhovia, unable to express her feelings for Spock. Uhura and Erica share knowing glances that provide subtle humor, but it becomes truly hilarious when Chapel stubbornly refuses to admit her love for Spock, even when his Vulcan DNA relies on it. Their exasperated pleas for Chapel to confess to the Kerkhovians convey the same thoughts undoubtedly felt by the audience watching at home.
Strange New Worlds Remembers That Star Trek Is Best As An Ensemble
Star Trek's animated series have advocated for the significance of an ensemble cast, but the live-action Trek had been surprisingly lacking in this aspect until the premiere of Strange New Worlds season 1. Not surprisingly, Star Trek: Picard centered primarily around Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), neglecting the opportunity for the audience to familiarize themselves with the new characters. However, the inclusion of the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast and the introduction of a well-crafted character like Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick) rectified this issue in Star Trek: Picard season 3.
Meanwhile, as Star Trek: Discovery nears its conclusion in 2024, it remains difficult to recall any members of its crew beyond Captains Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Saru (Doug Jones), along with Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp). This is especially true after Lt. Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman) departed to take up a teaching position at Starfleet Academy. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds acknowledges that Star Trek has never solely revolved around the starship captain and their closest advisors; it has always thrived due to its diverse range of characters, enabling each Trek series to delve into a wide variety of stories, encompassing everything from intense drama to uproarious comedy.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.
