Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds “Spock Amok” was written by the staff of Henry Alonso Myers and Robin Wasserman (What/If, Seven Lethal Sins) and was directed by Rachel Leiterman, whose different credit embrace New Amsterdam and The Good Physician. As soon as once more, this didn’t really feel like a “unusual new world” however a really acquainted one – the episode started with Spock (Ethan Peck) dreaming of T’Pring (Gia Sandhu) wanting a kal-if-fee in a sequence that mirrored the TOS episode “Amok Time.” Besides this time it was Spock’s human aspect preventing his Vulcan aspect. And a fast shout out to the superb casting her as Sandhu appears so much like the unique T’Pring performed by Arlene Martel. The physique swap between Spock and T’Pring can be a name again to “Turnabout Intruder” when the same physique swap occurs to Kirk. LOVED IT ALL!
Whereas many of the crew take pleasure in some shore depart, Pike (Anson Mount), Spock, and Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) assist Admiral April (Adrian Holmes) in negotiations with the R’ongovians – Vasso (Ron Kennell) and Brax (Carlisle J Williams). I liked Pike attending to flex his negotiation muscle tissues as they attempt to persuade the R’ongovians to aspect with them and never the Klingons and Romulans. Ultimately, it’s his eager remark of them and his use of utmost empathy that wins them over.
We get some enjoyable buddy-ing-up on this episode. Ortegas (Melissa Navia) and Chapel (Jess Bush) head to the floor with Chapel anticipating a hook up with an outdated buddy. Dr M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) opts for fly fishing to chill out. La’an (Christina Chong) and Una (Rebecca Romijn) are baffled by the crew’s want for R&R, and Una discovers that among the many crew, she is called “the place enjoyable goes to die.” Seemingly having one thing to show, when the 2 uncover two ensigns taking part in “Enterprise Bingo,” they determine to play – to raised perceive the crew. The 2 taking part in good cop/dangerous cop was enjoyable sufficient, however them struggling by means of the precise bingo recreation was hysterical.
A few of the highlights of the episode included Spock getting relationship recommendation from Chapel – and TEASING her! I actually like Peck’s Spock, however I nonetheless say he smiles an excessive amount of. I believe Peck is only a joyful man… It’s clear by the tip of the episode that Chapel’s crush on Spock is already nicely underway.
Taking over Chapel’s recommendation, Spock tries to get nearer to T’Pring by sharing a thoughts meld ceremony that ends in their physique swap. I assumed Peck did an particularly good job of seeming a bit extra female that traditional. Naturally, Pike reveals as much as get Spock to assist with the negotiations, and so they have to inform him the reality. Pike/Mount as soon as once more will get the very best strains – completely delivered – “Get outta city!” It’s hilarious!
Whereas Spock is away negotiating with the R’ongovians, T’Pring can be summoned again to work. Spock doesn’t seem like serving to a lot on the desk and Pike intervenes – regardless that he’s solely speculated to be an observer. Maybe a bit heavy handed that he was truly singing Spock’s praises to T’Pring – and the ambassadors – but it surely was as soon as once more a pleasant demonstration of his management.
T’Pring – or Spock in T’Pring’s physique will get Chapel’s assist in detaining Barjan T’Or (Alden Adair). I used to be a bit at sea as to what precisely her job was. Why speak with him in any respect in the event you can merely punch him and take him captive?
M’Benga is sort of gleeful as he makes use of a particular goo – and a few foolish straws – to place Spock and T’Pring again in their very own our bodies. The 2 then make good use of the time they’ve left collectively by sleeping collectively – this needs to be one of many wasted experiences that Chapel was occupied with – think about what an amazing lover you would be in the event you skilled intercourse in your companion’s physique!
Pike will get yet one more strive at diplomacy and tries excessive empathy. It’s onerous to see what the result is as Vasso and Brax stand up and depart somewhat abruptly. Nonetheless, it really works, and I assumed their ship with the photo voltaic sail was one of many coolest ships we’ve seen in a very long time. Pike and April get their reply when the ship hoists the Federation flag as they sail off. Seems to be like they’ll be becoming a member of!
There’s additionally a pleasant second between Una and La’an as they full Enterprise bingo by signing the scorch. As the 2 signal their names, the R’ongovian’s ship flies over them.
I assumed this was one other terrific episode, not solely capturing the spirit of TOS however actually paying homage to 2 iconic episodes. Nice performances throughout, and I’m conscious that Spock is preventing his human aspect and that could be a completely logical clarification for all these little half smiles… What did you consider the episode? Let me know your ideas within the feedback beneath!
