JUNE 12, 2023 - Season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has big shoes to fill. Not only does it have to live up to the show’s acclaimed first year, but it’s coming right on the heels of Star Trek: Picard season 3, which many people think is the best season of Trek since the 1990s. So does SNW’s sophomore season live up to its predecessors?

Given the way season 1 ended, with Number One’s (Rebecca Romijn) arrest for her illegal genetic status, it is reasonable to expect the first episode of the second season to begin with a resolution to that storyline. Not so. Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and Una Chin-Riley are absent for most of the first episode as Pike searches for a way to help his first officer beat the charges. Instead, we are treated to a look at Spock’s (Ethan Peck) first command, which doesn’t exactly break canon, but may possibly lessen the impact of Star Trek: The Original Series’ “The Galileo Seven.” Still, that’s a small gripe, when the story, which involves SNW’s first look at Klingons, is so entertaining.

The second episode of the season resolves the Number One storyline in a classic courtroom tale in the tradition of TOS’ “Court Martial” or Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “The Drumhead.” As with the first season, while some character stories may carry through from episode to episode, the season itself is not serialized. The intrepid crew could be traveling through time one week and facing their own alarming memory loss the next. The formula gives the show an old-school Trek feel, even as some of the technology on the TOS prequel looks more up-to-date than the 1960s show. It’s a fine line to walk, and the show manages to find the right balance.

The writing, of course, is superb, giving every character something important to do throughout the season. I felt that the Enterprise’s pilot, Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) was underused in season one, but she has some terrific stuff this season, showing the viewer what makes her such a good helmsperson. Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) and La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) both have a lot of meaty stuff to do this season, as well, especially the latter, who must come to terms with her questionable ancestry.

The position of chief engineer on SNW is a somewhat thankless role. In some ways, it feels like anyone who takes it on is simply treading water. If my hunch is right, there will be a different one every season until a new Montgomery Scott is cast. Carol Kane’s off-the-wall performance as this season’s engineer, Pelia, is a delightful addition to the crew. She has a secret and a mysterious connection to Spock, which I trust will pay off at some point.

If season 1 of Strange New Worlds was the show’s shakedown cruise, its true mission begins with season 2. The cast, crew, and writers have all found their space legs with stories that are not only as good as the first season, but, in many respects, better. You can tune into the show on Paramount+ beginning Thursday, June 15. And if you haven’t signed up for the streamer yet, what are you waiting for? Click the button below and get started watching every Star Trek series and film ever made!