Unveiling the Ultimate Courtroom Episode in Strange New Worlds, Truly Classic Star Trek TNG

"Ad Astra Per Aspera," the second episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, brought viewers an enthralling courtroom drama reminiscent of the best episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Continuing the ongoing mission of Captain Christopher Pike and the USS Enterprise crew, this season picks up where the first season left off, tying up loose ends left from before. One such loose end is the return of Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh to the Enterprise, and more importantly, the consequences of Commander Una Chin-Riley's arrest in the season 1 finale.

Una, being an Illyrian, comes from a culture where genetic modification is common, but the Federation prohibits genetic enhancements after the Eugenics Wars. Consequently, Pike's trusted Number One is taken into custody when her genetic alterations are discovered. Naturally, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 had to address Una's trial, and episode 2 skillfully presents a high-stakes courtroom spectacle rarely seen in the franchise. Not only is this episode a masterfully crafted narrative in its own right, but "Ad Astra Per Aspera" also shares intriguing parallels with a beloved episode from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

How Strange New Worlds' Number One Trial Compares To TNG's "Measure of a Man"

Una's trial in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds shares many similarities with Data's trial in Star Trek: TNG season 2, episode 9, "The Measure of a Man". Although the specifics of the cases differ, both trials revolve around the issue of civil rights. During Data's trial, Captain Picard argues that treating Data as Starfleet's property would set a dangerous precedent for other sentient androids, essentially determining the future freedom of an entire race. Similarly, Una's lawyer, Neera, challenges the Federation on their prejudice, arguing that their restrictions on Illyrians are simply a continuation of past unjust laws targeting marginalized groups.

Apart from the central issues addressed in each episode, certain elements of the surrounding storylines also parallel one another. Captain Pike's relationship with Captain Batel mirrors Captain Picard's previous romantic involvement with Captain Phillipa Louvois, who served as Starfleet's Judge Advocate General representative during Data's trial. Furthermore, Batel's unwillingness to fully embrace her role as prosecutor in Una's case echoes Commander William Riker's reluctance to pursue Data's prosecution, despite not personally agreeing with the argument he was presenting. In these ways, "Ad Astra Per Aspera" pays homage to "The Measure of a Man" while still carving out its own unique narrative.

Why Star Trek Courtroom Episodes Are Now Rare

Courtroom dramas were a highlight of early Star Trek episodes, but they have become less common in the franchise as streaming services became popular. These types of episodes thrive in shows with self-contained storylines for each episode, a structure that was used in earlier Star Trek series like TOS and TNG. However, more recent series have embraced serialized storytelling, which makes it challenging to feature one-off episodes like courtroom dramas.

Nevertheless, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has returned to the episodic storytelling style of the earlier franchise shows while still incorporating serialized character arcs. This unique approach allowed for the successful execution of a classic Star Trek courtroom drama episode called "Ad Astra Per Aspera". The positive reception of this episode suggests that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds should continue to reintroduce forgotten story formats to the franchise.

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