Captain Christopher Pike comes out of self-imposed exile to rescue an officer who went missing during a secret mission.

Star Trek’s latest live action series is a spin-off (to Discovery) of a prequel (to The Original Series) and right out of the gates feels the closest we’ve had yet to the 60s show, and that includes the reboot movies. While Picard is written to appeal to The Next Generation fans, Strange New Worlds is a glorious love letter to TOS, and for this reviewer is a reassurance that my beloved corner of the Trekverse is still being catered for.

Of course, what helps greatly is the presence of actors already established in their roles (Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romjin as Una Chin-Riley AKA Number One and Ethan Peck as Spock) coupled with the return of Uhura, Chapel and Doctor M’Benga. And it’s set on the original Enterprise. So already there’s a lot of goodwill towards the characters and the setup, but that would all be for naught if the show just wallowed in nostalgia rather than creating its own identity. Luckily for us, this isn’t a show that relies on Easter eggs and stunt casting; rather, it picks up its credentials and runs.

We begin in snowy Bear Creek, Montana, where Pike is watching The Day the Earth Stood Still. His communicator is buzzing, but he refuses to answer the call – the Enterprise is in space dock for another week for maintenance. Then he’s informed his first officer has disappeared during a covert mission and he jumps into action.

From the beautifully retro bridge of the Enterprise to the conceit of the captain leading the landing party, it feels like ‘proper’ Star Trek, complete with allegory and polemic. Mount, Romjin and Peck are of course great as the main three, but already Christina Chong is making an impact as La’an Noonien Singh, as are Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura and Jess Bush as Christine Chapel. Writer/director Akiva Goldsman ensures that every character gets at least one memorable moment. Oh, and the main theme by Jeff Russo is a gorgeous nod to Alexander Courage’s classic.

Before I get too carried away (maybe I have already?) this is of course only the opening hour, but it’s so rewarding that the promise of this show has been fulfilled in its first episode.

Verdict: Best new Star Trek in a very long time. Fans rejoice, this really is the show you hoped for. 9/10

Nick Joy