Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Season 3)

(Paramount+)

By: Nick Zednik

After a two year hiatus, it’s time to “go boldly where no one has gone before.” In grand season premiere fashion, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 opens with a bang by directly following up on the dramatic season 2 cliffhanger that left viewers on edge with Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and his crew desperately fighting off an alien attack after a rescue mission goes horribly wrong. The stakes are prevalent right away and perfectly establish a continuous storyline without sacrificing the integrity of its episodic one-off space adventures it's known for. 

Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New World’s greatest strength is consistent balance of different tones and strong character development. Anson Mount’s (Marvel’s Inhumans) Captain Pike shines bright with his "business-casual" demeanor and positive leadership while also adding life-altering layers to his marriage to Captain Batel (Melanie Scrofano). A ship is only as good as its crew. The supporting cast continue to break through as the young Spock, Ethan Peck (10 Things I Hate About You) is graciously entertaining with his wry Vulcan humor and line delivery. Rebecca Romijn (X-Men), Christina Chong (Black Mirror), Jess Bush (Skinford: Chapter Two), Celia Rose Gooding (Jagged Little Pill), and Babs Olusanmokun (Dune: Part One) all progress as the season effortlessly jumps from light and comedic to dark and ominous storytelling. 

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to impress by threading the needle between nostalgia and legacy. While embracing its futuristic setting in space and often forced to navigate the limits of established canon, it does so with the utmost care and respect, making the story accessible even to newcomers. It's rare to find a TV show that can exuberate this feeling of pure joy.

Season 3 continues to utilize its villains well with a mix of frightening and hilarious, but primarily focuses on a new threat that is as unsettling as anything the U.S.S. Enterprise has faced. Without risking hyperbole, the show may have very well found the “big bad” it so desperately desired and can rank up there with the most notable “Trek” villains when all is shown and seen. 

The ability to let loose and have fun is one aspect Strange New Worlds isn’t afraid to adapt. Whether it's a fake wedding, time travel, zombies, or an alien species out for revenge, Season 3 has no shortage of spectacle storytelling. A major highlight is episode 4, a mystery-spoof reminiscent of Clue and Knives Out, where the cast is seen as mirrored versions of themselves and allows for hilarious comic relief on low budgets in TV.

Nick’s Pick: 9/10 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 is like a seasoned athlete at the top of their game - too good, charming and humble to dislike. Season 3 left me wanting more and excited at the places it could go next. While some episodes are more memorable than others, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds puts the fun back in the franchise with great pacing, emotional moments, solid action and visuals far above contemporary standards.