The second installment of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 finally resolves the heart-stopping cliffhanger from Season 1. Commander Una Chin-Riley (played by Rebecca Romijn) was arrested and detained for lying about being genetically altered. In episode 2, titled “Ad Astra per Aspera,” we are treated to a captivating courtroom drama that tackles social issues in true Star Trek fashion. Additionally, we get an inside look at how the crew of the Enterprise views their first officer.
Written by Dana Horgan and directed by Valerie Weiss, “Ad Astra per Aspera” introduces Yetide Bedaki as Una’s Illyrian lawyer and childhood friend Neera. Melanie Scrofano reprises her role as Captain Batel, who represents the strict adherence to Starfleet laws and protocols. However, Batel sympathizes with Una, while Neera aims to prove that laws can be unjust and should be altered when they no longer serve their purpose of protecting people.
This episode offers insightful commentary on how we should treat others and how we approach the laws that govern us. It also provides a compelling character study of Una through the perspectives of her peers. The emotional depth of “Ad Astra per Aspera” makes every moment engaging and thought-provoking, drawing parallels to our own societal prejudices.
“Ad Astra per Aspera” begins with a flashback to Una’s childhood, where her parents argue about seeking medical assistance for her unique genetic modifications. These modifications, particularly in the Illyrian community, are frowned upon due to historical events like the Eugenics Wars on Earth. Una’s immune system glows due to these modifications, forcing her family to keep them a secret.
Director Valerie Weiss pays homage to classic Star Trek with visually stunning shots as she transitions back to the present. Una finds herself at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco, where Captain Batel offers her a plea deal. If Una pleads guilty, she won’t serve jail time, but she will be dishonorably dismissed from Starfleet. Despite caring about her honor, Una wants to do what’s right and shed light on the injustice of Starfleet’s anti-genetic modification laws, making the plea deal unappealing.
Una’s court-appointed attorney is ineffective, leaving her defenseless. Meanwhile, Captain Pike (played by Anson Mount) travels halfway across the galaxy to seek help from the only lawyer he trusts with Una’s case — Neera. Despite their past falling out, Neera agrees to take the case to help other Illyrians who cannot hide their modifications.
On the Enterprise, Batel confronts Pike, wondering why Una rejected the plea deal. Pike believes that Una should never have been arrested in the first place because he has come to understand the Illyrian community through his experiences in “Ghosts of Illyria.” The next day, the prosecution amends their charges, recommending a dishonorable dismissal and 20 years in prison for Una.
Neera knows they need more than Una’s personal account to win the case. Una agrees to let Neera lead and gathers evidence aboard the Enterprise. Lt. La’an reveals a potential way to dismiss the case, suggesting that evidence against Una was obtained illegally.
Meanwhile, Batel questions Pike’s absence from the witness list, and their conversation reveals the depth of their relationship. However, Batel also questions how long Pike knew about Una’s Illyrian background, warning that his involvement might harm Una’s case.
As the trial begins, Batel explains the laws against genetic modification, while Neera presents evidence to challenge Starfleet’s draconian approach. The episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Una’s case unfolds.
“Ad Astra per Aspera” offers a captivating narrative that delves into social issues within the Star Trek universe. It encourages reflection on how we treat others and challenges our perspectives on the laws that govern us. With its emotional depth and engaging characters, this episode provides an enthralling viewing experience for fans of the series.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
