aaronclawrence

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.

We watched 4 episodes, and then gave up. The beginning seemed intriguing, although admittedly the 'science' parts were pretty bad, I could suspend disbelief. But then it just wandered: the plot, tone and characters seem to have no coherent plan.

It mostly.seemed like episodes of the Twilighr zone, or maybe just a writers workshop where they do exercises in varied motivations and ideas.

The thing that did my head in was really the characters. They change on a whim, and not even for dramatic purposes. One second they kill someone; next they are apologetic and sad, then they've forgotten this life changing trauma. Maybe the writers are trying to portray something - maybe everyone is supposed to be a pyschopath?? It's pretty weird.

In the end the lack of any ongoing plot or theme makes it not worth watching. How frustrating.

As usual, an expensive cast can't help with a poor script of less than B-grade quality. Kevin Hart is mis-cast and has zero charisma as the supposed leader of an elite team of art thieves. A few other names show up but have little to do.

Action is kind of feeble, except for the initial Venice boat chase which is just OK. The actual plot, such as it is, makes very little sense, and seems essentially random.

Even my wife, who is very tolerant for basic fun movies, was openly mocking the ridiculous and predictable script by the end.

Yes, it's another half-hearted by the numbers effort by Netflix. No, it's really not worth your time. I regretted watching it.