Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

The is not a terrible Star Trek (like "Discovery"). It's okay. I find it difficult to get invested in the characters with only 46 episodes spread over five years.

The stories are okay. There have been a couple of real duds, though (the "singing" episode in year two and the "holodeck" episode in year 3). "Lower Decks" was a far superior show than "Discovery" and also better than this show. I thought "Picard" was excellent and I would like to see that be sequeled by the young(er) crew led by 7 of 9. But more than 50-odd shows... I miss the old Star Treks (especially DS9).

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.

TOS morality tales and TNG science, updated for 2022 with an ensemble cast and one full story per episode.

I can even forgive the fact that the 2022 Enterprise looks two centuries ahead of the 1966 Enterprise, because they got the details right and we do have good cgi and sets these days.

A dream come true, this incarnation of Trek. Having watched the first three episodes, Thank you production team and writers!

First episode, and we have an encapsulated story, with a beginning, middle and end, in which the dilemmas of modern society are explored in a self-reflective way, using an alien civilization as a parable.

The old classic trek formula with updated and impressive visuals.

And the same can be said of the cast, all charming and easily relatable. But keep in mind that some are remakes of familiar characters. Some people will not like that.

So far, this is the Kurtzman-era series that has positively impressed me the most. Let's see if the quality holds up.

Still. There are some creative choices that bother me a little.

Probably my favorite character from this new series, is La'an Noonien-Singh. One of the best officers onboard and a dashing beauty. But just the fact that she's a Noonien-Singh is going to unnecessarily stress many of the more purist fans.

So far this series is a significant improvement, it has everything many fans have long claimed. And still. They keep some of the tricks, which mess with the cannon, unnecessarily. For me is a minor complaint, but for some boomer fans it's sacrilege.

But clearly, in my opinion, it's the most enjoyable of all the recent Star Trek series. I really liked this episode. And I will look forward to the next.

Strange New Worlds is a fabulous Trekverse series in contrast to some recent offerings. Vintage stylistic choices from uniforms, through technology to sounds, together with opening credits and episodic stories make this a joy to watch for lovers of original Trek.

The stories are focussed, setting the tone, challenges and developing relationships between the crew members very well. The inclusion of younger versions of familiar characters, is a welcome and relatable anchoring to the series.

SNW comes with the familiar plot holes and humour blended nicely together with subtle references to earth's history and Kirk-like problem solving.

Mix all the above together with an excellent cast, this is a winner - I, for one, am very much looking forward to seeing more.