REVIEW: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2 Episode 9 — “Subspace Rhapsody”

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds once again pushes the boundaries of the sci-fi genre with its ninth episode of Season 2, titled “Subspace Rhapsody.” This week viewers are taken to the far edges of the Alpha Quadrant, where a remarkable discovery awaits the crew of the Enterprise. There they find a subspace fold, capable of tripling the speed of subspace communications, sparking an unexpected chain of events, leaving the crew singing their way through a musical odyssey. Directed by Dermott Downs and written by Dana Horgan and Bill Wolkoff, take the helm of this milestone episode in Star Trek history as Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 9 becomes the first full-fledged musical episode in the franchise.

Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 9 opens with Spock’s (Ethan Peck) experiment attempting to harness the power of the subspace fold. However, when the experiment fails, Commander Pelia (Carol Kane) suggests using harmonics for communication, an idea previously explored in season one by Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding). Their hypothesis yields results as an energy wave hits the Enterprise. As the crew faces this unusual phenomenon, they find themselves singing while performing their regular duties. The seemingly random bursts of musical numbers leave everyone wondering about the cause behind this unprecedented phenomenon. Following the opening number, the episode opens with an acapella version of the series’s theme, setting the stage for a wild ride of an episode.

As Spock’s logical explanation unfolds, it is revealed that the subspace fold unleashed an energy wave, trapping the Enterprise in a reality where everyone bursts into song sporadically. To prevent the energy ripple from spreading across all subspace communications within the Federation, the Enterprise crew must find a way to close the subspace fold, but doing so while singing presents numerous challenges. The musical numbers strike unexpectedly, leading to candid expressions of feelings that challenge the characters’ control over their emotions. The episode cleverly uses the music to unveil long-awaited character moments, showcasing the talents of the cast.

What initially seems like a fun and lighthearted musical episode quickly unfolds into a character-driven exploration of emotions and relationships. As the crew faces the pressures of singing their truths unintentionally, their emotions run high, resulting in a plethora of character moments expressed through solos, duets, and ensembles. The stakes escalate when the subspace fold’s unexpected benefits improve communications in the region but also put the Federation at risk of revealing their secrets through song. The crew must confront their feelings and find a way to close the fold while preserving the security of Starfleet.

The musical numbers serve as a vehicle for the characters to express thoughts and emotions that they might not otherwise have the courage to share. The episode highlights the growth of various relationships throughout the season, including those of Spock and Nurse Chapel (Jess Bush), Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and Captain Batel (Melanie Scrofano), La’an (Christina Chong) and James Kirk (Paul Wesley). The musical energy opens the door to honesty and vulnerability, offering a glimpse into the characters’ innermost thoughts. As characters confront their feelings and desires, some previously burgeoning relationships come to the forefront, while others encounter obstacles.

Underneath the layers of musicality and heartfelt moments lies a central theme of finding purpose. At the heart of this musical extravaganza, the episode reinforces the unity of the Enterprise crew and their commitment to Starfleet’s mission. Despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are all bound together by a shared purpose, reminding viewers of the core values that Star Trek embodies. However, getting to that point isn’t easy. The portrayal of the characters’ struggles to maintain these relationships amidst constant duty changes and reassignments feels heartbreakingly authentic.

In particular, the performances of La’an and Spock stand out, as they convey intense emotions despite their stoic exterior. While Peck’s impeccable acting is to be expected at this point, I was blown away by Christina Chong’s range in not only voice but the emotional depth she was able to get across with minimal changes to her facial expression as she fights to keep her tough demeanor despite the song that is pouring out of her.

Throughout the relationship turmoil on the ship, La’an and Kirk’s “will they won’t they” dynamic takes center stage, delving into their complicated connection shaped by their alternate timeline encounter. La’an’s poignant solo beautifully illustrates her inner conflict as she ponders if her reserved nature can adapt to a potential future with Kirk and the chances she is willing to take. Chong’s voice is powerful yet fragile, showcasing her ability as a singer but also capturing the depth of La’an’s character. These heartfelt character moments add emotional weight to the episode, making the relationships feel more genuine and human, despite the fantastical setting. As someone who was critical of their kiss earlier in the season, I am glad to see that the payoff was for more than just shipping purposes. La’an finds her voice without needing the music to tell her true feelings and for better or worse, La’an is better for it adding depth to her character overall.

With that said, I am sure the episode will also leave viewers questioning the overall direction of the season and the series. With only 10 episodes in the season and a lack of a strong throughline plot compared to the previous season, some may wonder if Strange New Worlds will follow a “genre of the week” format or if the central focus will be on the relationships within the Enterprise crew, eventually transitioning to Captain Kirk taking the helm. Further, the decision to yet again follow a very serious and dark episode with another more upbeat, fun episode is certainly a choice.

Regardless, the current format of the series focused on relationships and character development, has proven to be a captivating approach. As the crew faces a wide range of challenges, the characters find their voices and grow, allowing the audience to form deeper connections with them. While there might not be a ticking clock like in season one, season two has without a doubt grown the viewer’s relationship with these characters making me excited for what’s to come in future seasons.

“Subspace Rhapsody” reflects the power of music and the effectiveness of the musical genre in storytelling. The episode may not appeal to those who are not fans of musicals, as the musical numbers are anything but subtle. However, it stands as a testament to the series’ versatility and creativity. The episode’s clever explanation for the musical phenomenon stays true to the show’s themes and provides a unique way to heighten character moments. As a character-driven episode, it enriches the connections between the crew members, reinforcing their unity as they tackle various themes and genres throughout the series. While the musical numbers may not resonate with everyone, those who appreciate character-driven storytelling and the power of music will find this episode particularly enjoyable. Strange New Worlds‘ willingness to take creative risks and experiment with different genres continues to make it a standout series in the Star Trek franchise.

Overall, Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 9 is a testament to the creative freedom given to writers and actors, allowing them to have fun with their work and take bold creative leaps, such as embracing a musical episode. Fans who enjoy musicals will undoubtedly relish this episode’s energetic and vibrant numbers, showcasing the actors’ talents as they embrace their characters’ emotions and express themselves through song. On the other hand, those less inclined toward musicals might find the musical numbers overwhelming. However, “Subspace Rhapsody” ultimately showcases Strange New Worlds‘ ability to tackle diverse genres and deliver a satisfying hour of television that is both fun and creatively daring.

As we approach the season’s conclusion, the series proves its commitment to strong character-driven storytelling and an exploration of relationships, promising exciting possibilities for the future of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 9 is streaming exclusively on Paramount+ with new episodes every Thursday.