Strange New Worlds has had a challenging season, navigating through episodes that at times favor gimmicks over meaningful storytelling. The result? A lack of depth in favor of exploring diverse themes. However, with the penultimate episode, one key takeaway emerges: the show’s focus shines brightest when it aligns itself with the legacy of Trek of yesteryears.
Historically, the show has succeeded in invoking nostalgia, crafting narratives that extend beyond mere references to the original series. The season one finale, “A Quality of Mercy,” perfectly mirrored the classic Trek episode “Balance of Terror,” while seamlessly integrating Pike’s journey. Similarly, this season’s “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” aimed to bring young Jim Kirk closer to his future crew while telling a fresh story about his rise in command.
Unfortunately, “Terrarium” doesn’t follow this precedent, offering a flat and predictable tale centered around Erica Ortegas—a character frequently overlooked in the series. This episode would be forgettable if not for its last-minute attempt to connect with one of the original series’ best stories, ultimately diminishing the impact of both narratives.
In this episode, Ortegas embarks on a solo mission to investigate gravimetric fluctuations, only to be pulled into a wormhole, landing in a system with treacherous cloud storms. As she grapples with limited resources, the crew aboard Enterprise scrambles to find her amidst their own urgent mission to deliver vaccinations to a struggling colony.
The premise is compelling. Finally, we have an opportunity to shine the spotlight on Melissa Navia’s character, who has often played a secondary role. Despite hints of complexity—like her trauma from encounters with the Gorn—much of the season resorts to status quo storytelling.
As expected, Erica discovers she isn’t alone in her predicament. The arrival of a Gorn rescuer creates a connection but, frustratingly, the episode neglects to evolve Erica’s character or dive deeper into her feelings regarding the Gorn, ultimately leaving viewers wanting more.
In the rich history of Star Trek, episodes often investigate unlikely partnerships in high-stakes situations. Yet, “Terrarium” hardly grasps the conflict or opportunity for growth in its narrative, diminishing any potential emotional resonance for Erica’s character against the backdrop of her challenge with the Gorn.
What are some episodes of Star Trek that highlight unexpected teamwork? Episodes like “The Ascent” from Deep Space Nine and “Rise” from Voyager emphasize the dynamics of disparate characters joining forces amidst adversity, showcasing the franchise’s strength in character exploration.
The episode’s climax is fraught with urgency as Erica and the Gorn devise a risky plan. The finale raises eyebrows as La’an’s team, upon beaming down, inadvertently kills the Gorn, leaving Erica in shock—a wasted opportunity for character development, having not shown the evolution of her feelings towards the Gorn leading up to this moment.
What makes “Arena” a classic in the franchise? “Arena” excels in depicting Captain Kirk’s humanity, exploring the complexities of his character and the moral dilemmas faced during the iconic standoff with the Gorn. The episode dives into the darker aspects of humanity, offering profound commentary on aggression and reconciliation.
Looking beyond “Terrarium,” the ending introduces a Metron, linking it to the original series. This connection, while interesting, further detracts from the episode’s standalone impact, constantly reminding viewers of the comparisons drawn with more established stories from the franchise.
Ultimately, even without the comparison, “Terrarium” reflects an underlying theme of character static, with Erica’s journey feeling less impactful. The absence of a searing moral conflict or character misalignment strips the episode of its dramatic weight, leaving viewers underwhelmed.
Why does “Terrarium” fall short in terms of emotional depth? The lack of character evolution leaves viewers feeling like they missed out on a meaningful journey. Erica’s quick acceptance of the Gorn’s help fails to resonate emotionally, making their interaction feel convenient rather than profound.
To summarize, “Terrarium” falls short of expectations, making it a missed opportunity in a season fraught with inconsistencies. As it strives for connections to the renowned legacy of Trek, it stands as a testament to the challenges that come with honoring an iconic franchise while attempting to forge new paths.
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