Four-and-a-Half Vulcans

Strange New Worlds started out promising a return to the adventures of the original series. But now, it seems to have reverted to the same tropes most modern shows follow: let's explore inwards, examine these characters and how they interrelate. Well, that's not what Star Trek is meant to be about... they should be looking outwards, to other civilisations... and maybe those others teach us something about ourselves, by allegory or in some other way, but it's never just navel gazing about the crew's own problems.

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.

And he doesn't plan on going back. How did we get from the Gorn to this? Did the production staff go on a two year bender or what? On one hand, it looks as if the crew had a great time doing these episodes. On the other hand, this has gone from a paragon of ST to a parody of it. It's not funny anymore.

This episode really shows the problem with this series' episodic approach. The premises just become shallow gimmicks since the whole thing must be reset in 50 minutes.

What if La'an, as the only non-canon character, had been permanently "Romulanized"? At least then the premise could be used for more than comedy. And the comedy generally fell horribly flat. These writers just aren't good at comedy, yet they keep trying, and failing.

Dear David Ellison: now that you are taking over the reins of Star Trek, please fire that hack Kurtzman, clean house and bring in a whole new staff. The SNW actors are good so if you want to bring them over to a new series, fine. But please for the love of the Great Bird of the Galaxy, get better writers. This season has been mainly painful to watch. Star Trek deserves better than this.

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...