Shuttle to Kenfori

I enjoyed this episode, though it's not their best. I must admit I was very distracted by the weird makeup choices for the female stars. What did they do to Una? She's a VERY attractive woman, but for some strange reason they decided to roper her hair above her head so now it looks like a cow patty sitting on top of her. Also the horrible lipstick on Uhura makes her look like she has a moustache in some scenes. Seems like a deliberate attempt to tone down the women. I like the hair change on Uhura. I think it would have looked better let out instead of tied up, but to each their own. I must admit I like the black woman afro look, so I'm biased. I wont go into plot details as that's been reported on by several other posts. Like seeing Scotty, but I wish Pelia was in the episode as well. Missed not seeing Jenna or Kirk on this episode. The problem with shows with large cast ensemble's is there's only so much script to go around, so sometimes actors get left out.

Man, this show is having an odd start to the third season and I think it is easily in trouble of going off the deep end here.

Too many goofy aliens and not enough seriousness, and yes, I understand the show and franchise I am talking about.

I am hoping future episodes are a little bit better than this.

Dr M'Benga has a potential cure for Captain Batel. He wants to go with Spock to find a special flower, the Chimera Blossom. It also means endangering a Federation/Klingon treaty.

Captain Pike decides to accompany Dr M'Benga to Kenfori. A former Federation agricultural outpost abandoned during the Klingon War.

Upon arrival, they discover that Federation scientists and the invading Klingons encountered a chemical agent that turned them into zombies.

If that is not enough, they are being tracked by Klingons, one of them looking for vengeance and restoration of honour.

Star Trek does horror. The Walking Klingons. Some of the visual effects were on the strong side.

Yet the episode was weakened by being overstuffed. It should really had been more of a zombie episode. It got lost with the ethical dilemmas that Pike faced when he learns of Dr M'Benga's true intentions.

There has never been a worse Klingon in the history of all Star Trek. Absolutely ridiculous. How they ever expected anyone to buy that is astounding. Compare that cartoon Klingon to Martok, Kurn, Worf, or The Duras sisters. I really don't know what they were thinking. Won't even comment on the well worn and thread bare plotline of a rare substance only found in one hard to reach place in order to cure a rare disease. Or the Walking Space Dead.

Season 3 Episode 3 we are treated an actual strange new world to explore! Unfortunately, what could have been a standout ST experience ends up as an average episode.

On paper, I love this concept. It has the right ingredients: space-opera politics, a compelling problem to solve, and courageous initiative from the crew - including the captain himself. I especially appreciated that the central conflict was medical in nature, giving Dr. M'Benga a natural spotlight with real potential to deepen his character.

The execution, though, falters. The entire story leans on a MacGuffin that feels more contrived than organic (ironically). The planet's premise is fascinating, but the viewer only gets a glimpse of a few uninspired sets, leaving the world underdeveloped. The questions raised about its dangerous environment could have opened the door to imaginative, speculative science - but the answers turn out to be clichés so underwhelming that even the characters joke about them. Honestly, I don't blame them.

The Klingons' inclusion was another promising idea, but again, the follow-through comes off uninspired. The attempt to make the episode "edgy" with moments of violence feels restrained - not nearly as impactful as it could have been, especially when dealing with Klingon warriors and a hostile environment.

I did like some of the ship scenes involving chain of command and following orders. While the execution of these elements may of been heavy handed, it set a meaningful precedent worth following in future episodes.

So yes, I'm glad season three brought viewers to a new world to explore. But the underdeveloped script undermined what could have been one of the more exciting premises so far. A missed opportunity - Generous 6/10.