When La'an tests a prototype holodeck with a fictional case only she can solve, the consequences of failure get greater and greater, with the Enterprise hanging in the balance. Chapel and Korby's quest to uncover the next step in human evolution leads the Enterprise to a planet where ancient ruins hide a deeper mystery and a terrifying secret.
"A Space Adventure Hour" was written by Dana Horgan & Kathryn Lyn and directed by Jonathan Frakes
Well, this was an incredibly meta episode. The success of the original series came from its ability to address real-world issues through the fantasy lens. And now, that becomes a significant part of dialogue when La'an tests the holodeck. She was tasked to push the program to its limits. She wasn't expecting it to jeopardize the entire crew. She didn't even know she could get injured in the holodeck. The stakes increase until the Enterprise is facing a lethal dose of radiation. Scotty has to learn to reach out to others for help. Plenty on the crew would be willing to extend their expertise. He's haunted by what happened to his former crew. He was the only one to survive their encounter with the Gorn. He acts well under pressure. He reaches out to Uhura with the communications problem. However, the story outside the holodeck mostly serves as an elaborate explanation for why its power source is detached from the rest of the system during the shows set later in the timeline. The utility of the plot is to connect those dots. That's frustrating to an extent. The power of this show comes from its episodic nature. It has to tell engaging stories that reward the viewer during the hour. That's still present here. It's always glorious when La'an takes center stage. Her character evolution has been quite remarkable this season.
Well, this was an incredibly meta episode. The success of the original series came from its ability to address real-world issues through the fantasy lens. And now, that becomes a significant part of dialogue when La'an tests the holodeck. She was tasked to push the program to its limits. She wasn't expecting it to jeopardize the entire crew. She didn't even know she could get injured in the holodeck. The stakes increase until the Enterprise is facing a lethal dose of radiation. Scotty has to learn to reach out to others for help. Plenty on the crew would be willing to extend their expertise. He's haunted by what happened to his former crew. He was the only one to survive their encounter with the Gorn. He acts well under pressure. He reaches out to Uhura with the communications problem. However, the story outside the holodeck mostly serves as an elaborate explanation for why its power source is detached from the rest of the system during the shows set later in the timeline. The utility of the plot is to connect those dots. That's frustrating to an extent. The power of this show comes from its episodic nature. It has to tell engaging stories that reward the viewer during the hour. That's still present here. It's always glorious when La'an takes center stage. Her character evolution has been quite remarkable this season.
The narrative is pairing La'an and Spock as a couple. They bond over dancing. That was initially a way for both of them to appear lighter and more adventurous without actually risking any lives. They didn't have to feel the pressure so acutely all the time. In that sense, one can see the value in them becoming romantically involved. It's jarring given the strength of Spock's prior coupling with Chapel. That was a central piece of the narrative recently. And now, he has moved on to the next member of the crew. The connection is so pivotal that it's the key to solving the murder mystery in the holodeck. La'an knows what her bond with Spock feels like. The holodeck may know her better than herself. However, it cannot perfectly recreate that dynamic. That's how she figures it out even though it doesn't quite match the motive of the mystery being investigated. Ultimately, this is just a way for the show to pay deeper homage to what was possible back in the '60s. That sense of wonder and inspiration created this universe. It continues to innovate and uplift people six decades later. That's impressive even though this episode takes the characters out of their world to comment on the franchise's history and the viewer's connection to it.
Grade: B+
"Through the Lens of Time" was written by Onitra Johnson & Davy Perez and directed by Andi Armaganian
In pursuit of immortality, Korby and Chapel may have discovered an ancient evil. A lot of this story plays into the narrative's overall strengths. The Enterprise crew is tasked with handling a delicate mission on a planet where the native population isn't friendly to Starfleet. They land in pursuit of a mission. It pertains to unlocking the mysteries of the past. This is the work Korby has dedicated his career to. It intrigued Chapel away from the Enterprise. The stakes are wrapped up in romantic intrigue. Things remain awkward between Spock and Chapel. La'an believes they can handle the situation as adults. They rely on each other's expertises. Yet it all fundamentally comes down to Chapel trusting Spock's instincts over Korby's. That too reveals how none of this romantic drama is over. In fact, it has expanded to include more players. La'an describes her relationship with Spock as casual. That undercuts its importance previously. The inclusion of Chapel and her significance to Spock does that even more so. It's messy. That's not a bad way to develop characters. Their interests and behavior evolve over time. It becomes a problem when it's overwhelming to the overall story and the grand ambitions of Starfleet. Those ideals are meant to prop up every Star Trek. And now, it feels as if the character's love lives inform their decisions instead of their natural instincts and core personality traits.
In pursuit of immortality, Korby and Chapel may have discovered an ancient evil. A lot of this story plays into the narrative's overall strengths. The Enterprise crew is tasked with handling a delicate mission on a planet where the native population isn't friendly to Starfleet. They land in pursuit of a mission. It pertains to unlocking the mysteries of the past. This is the work Korby has dedicated his career to. It intrigued Chapel away from the Enterprise. The stakes are wrapped up in romantic intrigue. Things remain awkward between Spock and Chapel. La'an believes they can handle the situation as adults. They rely on each other's expertises. Yet it all fundamentally comes down to Chapel trusting Spock's instincts over Korby's. That too reveals how none of this romantic drama is over. In fact, it has expanded to include more players. La'an describes her relationship with Spock as casual. That undercuts its importance previously. The inclusion of Chapel and her significance to Spock does that even more so. It's messy. That's not a bad way to develop characters. Their interests and behavior evolve over time. It becomes a problem when it's overwhelming to the overall story and the grand ambitions of Starfleet. Those ideals are meant to prop up every Star Trek. And now, it feels as if the character's love lives inform their decisions instead of their natural instincts and core personality traits.
Plus, the story revolves around some affection Gamble has for the job. He was the ensign who replaced Chapel in the medical bay. M'Benga grew fond of him. He was invited to stay on even when Chapel returned. Batel appreciates how he has overseen her care. The audience has no attachment to the character. It's not significant when he participates in his first landing mission. He becomes infected with this malicious entity. M'Benga must decide whether to treat his friend or attack the monster. It's meant to highlight how dangerous this new threat can be. That's just setting up expectations for what's to come in the back half of the season. As such, Gamble's life is essentially irrelevant. That's frustrating. He was introduced just in order to be killed at some point. M'Benga mourns. Everyone tries their best to make this moment land. It even features a moment where Batel's Gorn instincts take over. She must attack. That's her primal behavior. She doesn't understand it. Meanwhile, Pelia underlines just how ancient and malevolent this mysterious entity truly is. It's a moment of gravitas delivered by the great Carol Kane. And then, it's a joke that she was playing things up for the camera. That inconsistency threatens to derail this story before the narrative can really dive into the depth of what's happening.
Grade: B-
