The new captain of a Federation science vessel finds out the hard way that some people don’t take no for an answer…

The last Short Trek dramatized a key moment from Star Trek history, with Spock’s first day on the Enterprise. This one is as important a moment in the Federation’s history – the first appearance of the tribbles, at least in the form that we know them best. (Oh and under no circumstances switch off when the credits roll, or even the studio logos – one of the best gags is kept for a post-credits scene.) David Gerrold’s little creations are front and centre (and back and side and left and right) in this, with plenty of fresh information regarding their propensities provided by Graham Wagner’s script.

I don’t want to spoil the many and various gags in this, but it’s one of those episodes that definitely reward a second viewing for some of the more serious parts. Rosa Salazar’s Captain Lucero and H. Jon Benjamin’s Edward Larkin are clearly destined to butt heads from the start of her mission on the Cabot, with both parts played absolutely straight, allowing the comedy to come across – as well as some dramatic moments. There are some brilliant visual gags, and impeccable timing even for the gags we just know are coming, given it’s a tribbles episode.

Verdict: Laugh aloud funny at times, it’s another strong Short Trek. 9/10

Paul Simpson