Four-and-a-Half Vulcans

I watched an interview with the cast a couple of months ago where they made a big deal about the start of the season being heavy with silly episodes and a tonal shift towards the end. We've had 8 episodes and it feels like we're still there so fingers crossed for the final 2. I feel the excursion at the start should have been on screen to give the first act something rather than using it as a way to deliver a punchline, with the hijinks then only taking up the next third.

Small amounts of character progression saved this episode for me but there wasn't enough. Batel's story is building to a peak..maybe? Was this episode contained to the ship to save money for a satisfying conclusion to that? I liked the character moments with Pelia and Scotty but the rest of the cast were just repeating their arcs from earlier in the season, if they had anything to do at all. I hate to say it but I don't think Anson Mount enjoys these episodes either, he doesn't seem to do as good as job as the others. He's brought another level to the show with Pike, who is an excellent and unique captain and show lead. I don't feel that in the sillier episodes and some of the other cast have to carry them.

I always look forward to Strange New Worlds but my interest has waned a little, the excitement isn't there as much as usual. I'm hopeful for the last 2 episodes as they should tie up some current plots... With some action/science/problem solving with any luck.

In that I mean the tongue in cheek episodes of the og 60s show and tng. The problem with that is that there are only 10 eps a season now vs the 20ish from the other shows. So it seems logical, that most eps should focus on a cohesive "serious" storyline and just have a single filler, maaaybe two. Just seems like a waste. As another review pointed out, this season is a little too focused on a specific viewer, that I'd say is in the minority, instead of what I'd think is the majority, who want a more grounded approach. That being said, I do enjoy these silly eps, it's nice to get an episode to put a smile on your face or even illicit a chuckle, in between the more serious or even dark core episodes. Again though, with shorter seasons, it's best to use the time wisely.

I love the series and the cast, Patton Oswalt was great, love the takes at the end.

But... it could be done so much better, for starters, the conversion itself, they should address why is everyone logical seconds after converting with no explanation, it was mentioned later by Spok, but again not the process, that should be the main reason why they fail so much in becoming funcional Vulcans, the difference in how they achieve logic, and emotional control, maybe that was cut, or it never was in the script... but is a huge oversight. Second... why the "new" Vulcans behave so ridiculous for the sake of it...? It will be more interesting if it was severe, grounded, credible with humor sparkled, not just a long gag... Una Chin-Riley also behaves weird and goofy... yes, she can be in love and being vulnerable, but they way is handled seems surreal, yes is a "fun" episode... with a fun guest... but regardless, it can be done in a more grounded way... I laughed, cringed... and get disappointed all at once... a good idea, that lacks finesse in execution...

The idea of the crew getting first hand of another species psychology and point of view is novel. However, I do think the episode focused too much on the comedy and did not sufficiently address the struggles.

The acting took away from the story as well. Pike (Anson Mount) reminded me more of a Conehead than a Vulcan. La'an (Christina Chong) could have embrace more of the Romulanesque cold, paranoid, and calculating nature. Chapel (Jess Bush) did a better job of addressing the task centered natured of the Vulcans. Uhura (Celia Gooding) did a superb job of demonstrating the Vulcan arrogance in their beliefs being superior to otheirs.

While it was not a bad episode, there was a lot of potential story left on the table.

Is this season using the audience as a set of lab rats to see just how much garbage we can tolerate before giving up on a show. Star Trek Discovery was able to find that threshold within 3 seasons and SNW is well on its way to also finding that breaking point. Can we dial up the SiFi and dial down the melodrama?