It’s not often that the words “Star Trek” and “musical” are mentioned in the same sentence. However, the beloved space-faring franchise is about to push the boundaries of the final frontier. The buzz is getting louder, and yes, it’s true! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 is all set to present a first in its storied legacy – a musical episode! This extraordinary development was unveiled at the Star Trek Universe panel at the recent San Diego Comic-Con.
The fans present at the event enjoyed a sneak peek at the upcoming episode, a unique crossover episode with ‘Lower Decks’, heightening their anticipation. The unexpected twist was announced alongside a delightful trailer and an intriguing retro-style poster for the new episode, aptly christened “Subspace Rhapsody”.
The trailer and the poster set the mood for the episode by giving a nod to the charm of classic 1960s musicals. The trailer offers a glimpse into the unconventional situation the Enterprise’s crew finds itself in. An encounter with a mysterious subspace stream leads to an unusual side-effect: the crew starts to express themselves mainly through song and dance.
The Harmonious Adventures of the Enterprise Crew
The crew is seen immersed in song and dance throughout the trailer. Chapel, portrayed by Jess Bush, appears to be involved in an extravagant musical number at the ship’s bar. La’an, played by Christina Chong, delivers what could possibly be a moving ballad from the solitude of her quarters. Fans also get to see Una (Rebecca Romijn) and Kirk (Paul Wesley) sharing a dance routine along the ship’s corridors. Meanwhile, Uhura, depicted by Celia Rose Gooding, ensures that a melodic tune resonates throughout the spaceship, while Captain Pike (Anson Mount) decides to take a break from commanding the Enterprise and indulge in a dance session on the bridge.
This episode is not merely about song and dance; it also delves into romantic narratives. The footage hints at the return of Pike’s intermittent girlfriend, Captain Batel, played by Melanie Scrofano, and also suggests a potential connection between La’an and Kirk. However, it remains uncertain if the budding connection between La’an and Kirk is a daydream sequence of La’an or a real romantic link in this timeline.
La’an and Kirk’s Historical Encounters in Strange New Worlds
The third episode of Strange New Worlds Season 2 witnessed La’an transported to the past. Her mission was to correct the timeline with an alternate version of Kirk, whom she ultimately developed feelings for during their shared mission to restore history. However, the romance was short-lived as this version of Kirk was tragically killed, and La’an was strictly ordered not to discuss this loss or her experience in the present timeline.
The Melodious Side of the Strange New Worlds Crew
While this is Star Trek’s maiden musical episode, it’s not the first time the Strange New Worlds cast has showcased their vocal prowess. Uhura used her singing skills to communicate with an alien life form in Season 1, and it seems likely she will do the same in this episode. During the Short Trek “Q&A,” Una unveiled her fondness for Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. She performed “I Am the Very Model of a Modern-Major General” while trapped in a turbolift with then-ensign Spock.
As we eagerly await the airing of this pioneering episode, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 continues to break the mold, creating a fresh blend of science fiction and music. This endeavor exemplifies the show’s ongoing commitment to exploring new realms of storytelling. It serves as a reminder of the adventurous spirit that has always been at the heart of the Star Trek franchise, boldly going where no Star Trek series has gone before.
