Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Review - An Overall Stellar Season Can Be A Bit Crowded But I'm Having Too Much Fun To Care

In its third season, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to deliver a bold mix of genres and styles, cementing itself as one of the most fun sci-fi shows on television. Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and his Enterprise crew remain as dynamic as ever, as they embark on new relationships and exciting new adventures.

The first five episodes of Strange New Worlds season 3 each tell distinct stories that are held together by the emotional throughline of the characters and their relationships. With more of a focus on romantic entanglements, Strange New Worlds season 3 continues to explore its characters, although some get more development than others.

Fans of the previous two seasons of Strange New Worlds will find a lot to love in season 3, and the show continues boldly going with the confidence that only comes when the people involved truly understand the story and its characters. My only complaint is that I wish the show had more episodes per season, as it would give the characters (and us) some time to breathe.

Every Episode Of Strange New Worlds Season 3 Offers Something Different

From A Murder Mystery To A Rom-Com Caper To A Horror Movie 

Strange New Worlds season 3 picks up right where the previous season left off, with Captain Pike and the Enterprise facing off against a Gorn armada. The resolution to season 2's cliffhanger works well and gives each of the show's main characters something to do. Pike is as heroic as ever, and the episode proves why he has so much faith in his crew.

The second entry takes things in a completely different direction, embracing its lighter tone and rom-com hijinks. Rhys Darby makes an excellent addition to the cast as a "cosmic trickster" who enjoys messing with human lives. While "Wedding Bell Blues" centers on Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck), it continues to explore other characters, too, and introduces a few new faces.

The third episode of Strange New Worlds season 3 switches genres yet again, delivering a tense horror story centered on Dr. Joseph M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun). "Shuttle to Kenfori" cements M'Benga and Pike as a particularly great duo, exploring their friendship as they investigate a dangerous alien planet (with zombies!?).

For its fourth episode, Strange New Worlds jumps back to comedy, with a holodeck-esque episode directed by Star Trek legend Jonathan Frakes. "A Space Adventure Hour" is an incredibly fun outing packed with Trek references, with Lt. La'an Noonien Singh (Christina Chong) as its emotional center (and all of the actors appear to be having a blast).

Just as Strange New Worlds risks becoming too self-reverential, it switches gears to tell a classic story of exploration in its fifth episode, which might be my personal favorite of the bunch. With some shocking turns and a sprinkling of relationship drama, "Through the Lens of Time" plays with fascinating sci-fi concepts and introduces frightening new aliens.

Strange New Worlds' Dynamic Cast Of Characters Always Keep The Show Engaging

Strange New Worlds Season 3 Adds More Depth To The Show's Characters

As with the first two seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the show continues to look amazing, with stunning alien landscapes, gorgeous space shots, and sparkling starships. The music, too, fits the show perfectly, sometimes sounding exactly like something from Star Trek: The Original Series.

While all five of these episodes deliver compelling storylines, it's the characters of Strange New Worlds, as well as its cast and crew, that make the show work as well as it does. The genuine love and excitement about the Star Trek universe shine through, and every actor brings their A-game.Strange New Worlds is at risk of juggling too many characters, but these episodes manage to find time for pretty much everyone. Less developed characters like Lt. Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) and Captain Marie Batel (Melanie Scrofano) get more screentime, which, hopefully, continues throughout the final five episodes.

From Dr. Roger Korby (Cillian O'Sullivan) to Erica's brother, Beto (Mynor Luken), to a new medical ensign, Strange New Worlds' newest season introduces some fun new faces. This makes some episodes feel a bit crowded, but I'm mostly having too much fun to care.

Above All Else, Strange New Worlds Season 3 Is Fun

I Just Wish Each Season Had More Than 10 Episodes

While I enjoy Strange New Worlds' big genre episodes, I sometimes find myself wishing for the days of 20+ episode seasons, so the show would have time for "filler." With only ten episodes, it can feel like every episode needs a "hook," but I'd love to see more of the characters' daily lives aboard the Enterprise. Still, this is a minor complaint when the episodes we do get are this good.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds can be thought-provoking and heartbreaking and intense, but above all else, it's so incredibly fun. Throughout its long history, Star Trek has always experimented with genre and storytelling styles. While Strange New Worlds pushes the boundaries more than most, it almost always sticks the landing.

By now, Strange New Worlds knows what kind of show it wants to be, and the first five episodes of season 3 (which were provided for review) have something for everyone to love. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to embrace its sense of adventure, exemplifying Star Trek's ideals and finding new ground to cover in the nearly 60-year-old franchise.