Unveiling the Untold Musical Talents of Star Trek's Dr M'Benga in Strange New Worlds

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' musical episode, "Subspace Rhapsody."

Summary

The musical episode of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" brings a delightful shift in tone following a somber exploration of the emotional aftermath of war.

M'Benga's absence of a solo during the musical episode alludes to a shadowy secret connected to a recent homicide he perpetrated.

The musical episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds highlights the incredible adaptability of the franchise, showcasing its ability to explore diverse genres and tones. However, there is a hidden reason why Doctor Joseph M'Benga (played by Babs Olusanmokun) does not have a significant solo number in this episode. In this groundbreaking musical installment, iconic characters such as Lt. Spock (portrayed by Ethan Peck) and Ensign Nyota Uhura (played by Celia Rose Gooding) captivate viewers with their powerful performances of original, emotionally-charged songs by Kay Hanley and Tom Polce. The catalyst for this unexpected outbreak of singing aboard the USS Enterprise is the discovery of a quantum improbability field, leading to Uhura performing "Anything Goes" with both hilarious and touching consequences.

The Dark Reason That M’Benga Won’t Sing In The Star Trek Musical

: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' musical provides a refreshing shift in tone following the previous episode's intricate exploration of the psychological impact of war. While "Under the Cloak of War" offered a harrowing portrayal of the Klingon War and its aftermath, the latest episode delves into the contrasting experiences of crew members who directly participated in the conflict and those who did not. With its jubilant celebration of Star Trek, including a delightful Klingon boy band, the episode's structure doesn't leave space for a somber introspective ballad from M'Benga. It becomes apparent early on that M'Benga acknowledges and accepts this reality.

In Star Trek's musical episode, the singers unleash their vocal talents when their emotions reach a peak, revealing their innermost thoughts. For instance, Number One (Rebecca Romijn), renowned for her strictness, surprises everyone by confessing her desire to perform Gilbert & Sullivan on stage. On a more serious note, Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) bravely declares that her blossoming relationship with Spock will not hinder her pursuit of an exciting new fellowship. Amidst the recent murder of Ambassador Dak'Rah (Robert Wisdom), M'Benga is on the verge of bursting into a Steven Sondheim-style number, proclaiming himself as the true Butcher of J'Gal. "Forget the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, I'm the Klingon killer of Starfleet," he may sing.

M'Benga's insistence on not singing takes on a deeper significance when his hidden secret is revealed. While he actively participates in the group performances of "Status Report" and the powerful finale, "We Are One," he carefully avoids having a solo of his own. A similar approach may have been taken by Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (played by Christina Chong), who privately sings about her tragic love affair with Lt. James T. Kirk (portrayed by Paul Wesley) in her quarters. It is possible that M'Benga has done something similar, keeping his personal experiences to himself. Thankfully, for the sake of his Starfleet career and personal freedom, M'Benga manages to steer clear of publicly confessing his toe-tapping admission of guilt in the murder of Dak'Rah.

Strange New Worlds’ Musical Proves That Star Trek Is Better As An Anthology Show

In its 57-year history, Star Trek has continually embraced various genres and mediums. The musical episode of Strange New Worlds is the latest venture that adds a refreshing touch. This experiment takes inspiration from the episodic anthology shows that were the defining elements of the Star Trek franchise in the 1960s and 90s. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, for instance, was known for its darker tone, yet it skillfully balanced it with occasional comedic episodes in true Star Trek fashion. As we move forward from "Under the Cloak of War," it serves as a perfect palate cleanser before what appears to be a gripping finale for season 2 of Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds redefines the boundaries of tone and genre with its musical episode. By not limiting itself to a singular style, the franchise showcases the importance of maintaining a delicate equilibrium between light-heartedness and seriousness. The strategic placement of "Under the Cloak of War" amidst the comedic collaboration with Star Trek: Lower Decks and the groundbreaking musical episode signifies the franchise's unparalleled ability to explore and excel in varied storytelling. Catch the exhilarating season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+ this Thursday, August 10th.