Season two of Strange New Worlds got underway with The Broken Circle. Written by Henry Alonso Myers and Akiva Goldsman, the season got underway on 15 June, 2023.

The Enterprise is docked at a starbase as Captain Pike (Anson Mount) goes off in search of someone who will be able to help Una (Rebecca Romijn) in her case; she was arrested at the end of season one when it is discovered she is Illyrian, a race that genetically modifies itself, something the Federation has outlawed.

Pike leaves Spock (Ethan Peck) in charge, and shortly after his departure, Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) receives a distress call from La’an (Christina Chong) who has taken some time off from Starfleet. The only option is that Spock and a small crew need to steal the Enterprise to rescue La’an.

La’an is on a mining planet that rotates between Klingon and Federation ownership, but there’s something more going on there. M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) and Chapel (Jess Bush) find themselves in the middle of it, and we learn a little more about their past, and how they survived their time in the war, and an injection they used to hold their own.

There’s a couple of stolen Starfleet ships, space battles, risks, and lots of great moments. In one fell swoop, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds shows that it’s back, and continues to pay homage to the franchise’s history while continuing to boldly go.

It’s a great reintroduction to the series, and its characters, including the new engineer, Pelia (Carol Kane), and establishes the connections and relations between all of the characters.

As Astra Per Aspera continues the proud tradition of excellent courtroom dramas on Star Trek. This one was written by Dana Horgan, and it first debuted on 22 June, 2023.

Una’s trial has come around, and Pike has found her the right representation, a fellow Illyrian who was not only a childhood friend of Una, but is also a civil rights lawyer, Neera (Yetide Badaki). Batel (Melanie Scorfano) is on the prosecution, and she warns Pike to stay clear, and not make it about him, otherwise he could imperil his command and his crew.

What plays out is an analogy for the hate and draconian laws that still exist in a number of places around the globe. The story could be interpreted for trans, bi, LGBTQ+, racism, any of it, and the hatred that laws allow free rein, and aren’t just at all.

It’s a compelling, and brilliantly acted, produced and directed episode, and once again the series elevates itself, showing that it can bring meaningful conversation to the table while entertaining you. Just like all good Trek.

It’s a powerful and beautiful episode, Badaki is fantastic, and I loved watching every moment play out. The little character beats of La’an realizing it wasn’t her fault, the way Pike’s face changes just before he hugs Una, little looks, nods and touches that make you realize how important these characters are to one another, and to us.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to boldly go, and season two is available for the viewing on DVD, Blu-Ray and gorgeous 4K from Paramount Canada.

The Human Adventure is just beginning…