Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

I have to admit that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was so much better than I expected. This is the prequel to the original Star Trek and even has some familiar characters like Spock and Uhura. It's led by Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and has basically the same plot as the original in where they explore the galaxy. This is actually one of the most well received Star Trek shows ever by both the critics and fans, it currently has a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. It has a new fresh feel while also honoring the original. This is a show that both new fans and longtime fans can both enjoy. This hooked me from the very first episode and didn't let go. I binged the entire first season over a weekend and I'm already looking forward for next season.

I've only seen the first episode, but I can say with certainty, this is the first time I've been optimistic about nu Trek.

It is actually optimistic. It seems episodic. It seems like Trek. Characters are also likeable, relatable.

In terms of when this is set, it's important to remember it's just before the original series with Kirk and way before The Next Generation. You need to take this into account when evaluating, looking at what the mission is, looking at the sets, costumes and all round character of the show.

It has embraced that which we're all used to from that era of the Trek universe.

The rule breaking, edge of your seat decision making, pushing boundaries, constant uncertainty and volatility, tongue in cheek scenarios, a healthy dose of sarcasm, wit and humour all mixed with a decent amount of action, wide variety of aliens and great effects and CGI.

Anson Mount nails Pike. Particularly as a predecessor to Kirk who was a happy maverick. The surrounding cast just excel it even further and it's tough to fault any of them.

The mention of other reviewers with "wokeness" I believe are mixing it up with ethnic diversity, which is beautiful and rich across the entire cast.

If you're looking for wokeness and a trek through emotions.......watch Star Trek Discovery.

This, nails what Star Trek is. Great stories, on a 5 year mission with wonderful diversity and a fresh take on that era of the trek universe.

Long may it last. They have so many possibilities to deepen a lot of the characters and expand the universe even further.

Perhaps because it was only renewed for two more seasons but the show in 2025 is really getting down to business laying the groundwork for Kirk and the crew from TOS to get rolling. No more musical episodes or weird offshoots, just a good Trek feeling (though turning the Gorn into a Borg-like threat is an intriguing move). It's great watching Spock mentor the young Kirk through a disastrous mission on the Farragut into the confidence we'll see later on. It feels almost a shame Anson Mount has to relinquish the role of Pike into his ultimate fate as a vegetable given how fully-fleshed he's made the character (I saw him and Ethan Peck discuss their love of the series at the Trek Con during the writer's strike). Maybe they can somehow fold that alternate future where he escapes the explosion into the new Academy series; he's been the best Captain since Scott Bakula on Enterprise. Don't need no doctor for these Strange New Worlds (other than Bones and that African guy)!

I absolutely love this series. In my book it is one of the best. I believe, however, that Kirk was a hard pill to swallow. I absolutely loved him in the Vampire Diaries. But Kirk? Please producers lighten his hair. Make him more Kirk like. Just a suggestion to make him more like Kirk whom we love.i have to add more for this review to be acceptable. That's BS! Give Kirk lighter hair. Take my word for it.