Nyota Uhura's #1 Fan

(Full disclosure, I was having a whole ass personal and creative crisis going on at the back of my mind while watching, so my viewing experience and focus were... limited.)

We got another gimmicky episode, but once again, because it was done well and wasn't stupid, I will allow it (can you tell I'm terrified of the muppet episode?). I think I liked it because it was not only referencing a specific genre (40s and 50s noir spy thrillers), but it was extremely inspired by certain episodes of TOS (alien planet is just gangsters? Americans? Nazis? sure, yeah, makes sense).

I liked how they explained the black and white with pseudo-science (maybe real science? idk, I studied languages) and how it was actually a problem for the characters in one or two scenes, I liked how very nonchalant the explanation for Una having a local doppelganger was (it just happens, don't worry about it; and then I didn't!).

The Klingons were fun and also very TOS-coded – there is sometimes the tendency to reduce Klingons to aggressive apes, despite them originally being quite cold and calculated (the best Klingon characters mix both imho), so I appreciated it. The interrogation scene was really cool in particular.

Una finally had a chance to shine in this season and she took that chance and ran with it. If Pike of this season was down there, he would have fumbled so hard, oh my god. I'm sorry, I can't help myself. She was the perfect resistance leader and she looked so good!

I loved how La'An's paranoia got subverted at the end and I give props to the writers for giving Chapel a non-romance related thing to do. I can see TOS Chapel doing the same thing, which is a rare joy for me with SNW.

Also there was the Vulcan cadet again! Yay! I love her (I don't remember her name.). She was not really important, but it was lovely to see her. And Scotty and Ortegas are besties!!! Love! ♥

So yeah, I actually don't have anything negative to say. It was very TOS, in tone (more serious and somber), as well as in how the story was built and shot. I wasn't jumping out of my seat while watching it, but it is solid work (just like TOS actually).

Sooo.. that was really gay, right?

Commentary:

- I love Scotty and Ortegas’ friendship. It’s really sweet. I mean, she literally decided to die for him despite hating him the day before. And that’s what I call a true sibling relationship. They better not make it romantic.

- Uhura’s outfit and makeup were the most gorgeous thing ever.

- Una’s dress or wrap or whatever was also stunning.

- I wonder if everyone thinks that “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was originally in Klingon. I hope they do, that’s hilarious.

- Why did Uhura keep touching Ortegas’ face? And Ortegas liked it??!! That’s gay lol

- Speaking of gay, Spock just told Kirk all of his most personal secrets and they hugged twice. So, that’s a thing. They might also have a mind bond now (T’hy’la?!)

- Another thing, I feel like before it was revealed that Kirk was there the whole time for real, it seemed like Kirk was there because La’an wasn’t, if that makes any sense. Like, La’an was gone and she’s the one who Spock is in a relationship with, so he was filling the gap with Kirk.

- Speaking of La’an, I still don’t really understand what they’re trying to do with her. We’ll see I guess.

- I hope Pike kept the horse tattoo. He can cover it up with his uniform when he’s on duty and he loves horses :)

- That whole plant thing was Spock was kinda weird, but it was a vibe lmao.

- Don’t think I didn’t spot the tribble and the dog with the unicorn horn

- Scotty’s shirt is so pretty and so want it

I haven't written about this episode yet, because there is SO MUCH I just don't know where to start:

MORTEGAS obviously

Klingon Power Ballads

Drunk Spock

Mugato!

GAY UHURA

I'm going to write a whole lot more about Ortegas (again, obviously). The show has continued to tear up my headcanons about her but something new is starting to come together.

I also recommend listening to the Open Pike Night interview with writer Kathryn Lyn.

It doesn't matter though, he doesn't have what it takes to be with a girl like me..