Those Old Scientists is a massively entertaining episode that combines humour with some great character moments and gives us a crossover that fans had been hoping for. Not only does the episode incorporate characters from the animated series Lower Decks, it was also directed by Jonathan Frakes.

The script was written by Kathryn Lyn and Bill Wolkoff and the episode debuted on 22 July, 2023.

In the 24th century, ensigns Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Mariner (Tawny Newsome) are investigating a portal, which turns out to be a time travel device sending them back to the 23rd century when it was discovered by Pike’s (Anson Mount) Enterprise.

Boimler is completely in awe of meeting his heroes and is troubled to find the Spock (Ethan Peck) they encounter is not only hotter than they thought he would be, but he’s also showing a lot more emotion than history ever indicated.

As Boimler and Mariner try to find a way to get home, something that allows them to work with their heroes and make oddly specific references, we get a chance to see each set of characters in a new way.

Frakes knows his Trek, and makes the comedy and the character work look easy, and it’s an absolute delight to see Mariner and Boimler on the Enterprise. They fan out just like many of us would, and we get to experience the tale vicariously through them.

But they also influence the tale, Boimler’s reveal about Spock will impact the Chapel (Jess Bush)/Spock relationship, and their conversation with Pike about ‘one more conversation,’ resonates.

This is a standout episode in a season of standout episodes. I love it.

Under the Cloak of War shifts the story from light-hearted to much more serious, and lets M’Benga (Babs Olunsanmokun) and Chapel shine. It also has an appearance by Clint Howard!

Written by Davy Perez, this episode was first broadcast on 27 July, 2023.

A Klingon defector-turned-ambassador, Dak’Rah (Robert Wisdom) has been brought aboard the Enterprise to be ferried to his next stop. His arrival stirs up lots of memories of the Klingon War, and the lasting effects of its horrors.

The story specifically follows M’Benga as Chapel arrives as a surgical unit in a warzone on the planet J’Gal under the command of Buck Martinez (Howard) and the shocking decisions that have to be made for the wounded, all while an ops team tries to recruit M’Benga, who apparently has a darker past, to come on a final mission for them.

Dak’Rah, while on the Enterprise, tries to push overtures of peace between the Klingons and the Federation (we know that’s a few decades off yet) and it causes a number of issues for Ortegas (Melissa Navia), Chapel and M’Benga, but it’s the truth of the events on J’Gal that truly haunt M’Benga, and force him to one final action.

It’s a dark and thought-provoking episode featuring fantastic performances and gives us new perspectives on these characters.

Next time I finish season two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is available now on DVD, Blu-Ray, and gorgeous 4K from Paramount Canada. Boldly go.