As with the previous series, I waited for the home video release of Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season Two to binge-watch all of last year’s broadcast all in one go. That review can be read here. The Steelbook Blu-ray or 4K (which comes with magnets) for this next release is worth getting, and to find it at a reasonable price really means hitting checking various online retail shops rather than visiting Amazon. The design of the packaging is beautiful, and I love the fact the colours are consistent with the first volume so that they can be displayed. The poster (available in both releases) is a nice touch, and I think I’ll invest into getting it block mounted to get rid of the fold lines.
Ultimately, I wanted to look at the behind the scenes before diving in. The best bonus features concern updating how “The Gorn,” looks like, and explaining why “Singing in Space” is important to further develop the characters that we love. The episode, “Subspace Rhapsody,” was not cringe worthy because the explanation that accompanied this happenstance is plausible. While it’s easy to give praise to an episode prior to its airing, is it worth rewatching? I would say this episode has its place in the world of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer inspired television musicals.
At first, I was hesitant, even when Anson Mount and Ethan Peck talked about it during Fan Expo Vancouver 2023. What they mentioned before this season aired certainly whetted some appetites, but for me, sometimes what’s expressed isn’t necessarily their views. But it wasn’t until seeing the deleted scenes where the Klingons sing and dance like a boy band made me howl! If only that segment was longer! I’m glad this take was used. The other song used isn’t as good, and to spoil this release’s special offering would void the reason for buying this release. I even checked online to see if someone would attempt to post it, and could not find it at all.
“Those Old Scientists” is also a fun chapter, and it’s better than a Star Trek: Lower Decks episode. After seeing this crossover, I gave the animated series another chance, and found the later seasons are where it’s at after Boimler discovers Mariner’s secrets, and they aren’t as narcissistic to each other.
If I had to pick my favourite, “Charades” is the best. Spock loses his Vulcan hood, and to see Peck get extreme as a human is downright hilarious! To see him lose it in front of Sam Kirk (Dan Jeannotte), the older brother of James T (Paul Wesley), is a meme waiting to happen.
Although a version of him “died” in “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” how that affects the past incarnation will have to be examined further. The feelings La’an has for him are well explored in the musical, but as for the impact, that remains to be seen. I rather like this hook, as it’s well known Kirk’s main crush is Carol. Just how this will pan out for the rest of the series has me invested into how much canon material will remain in this soft reboot.
Also, I can’t help but think Wesley can pass himself off as a young Jim Carrey. Nearly half the scenes featuring him see him exhibit some candour that’s very telling. Should there ever be a documentary examining this career of the comedian, I hope he’s chosen!
Because of the actor’s strike, production started late for the next session, and it’s expected to continue well into mid-year. Only time will tell regarding if Paramount will split the season up for release, and offer something in 2024. The wait for new episodes will be rough, especially after that cliffhanger!
4 Stars out of 5
Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season Two Trailer
