When the Enterprise responds to a distress call, the crew realise that nothing is really just black or white.

I’ve observed in my previous reviews of Strange New Worlds that the show enjoys reusing popular tropes from Star Trek’s back catalogue, and while this new episode uses the frequently employed ‘alien society with ideals different to ours’ plot, it’s handled in a different way to how you might expect.

While probably not in the same class as Kirk for having a girl in every port, Pike would appear to have had different hook-ups over the years with alien women. Here he meets an old flame from a race who do not wish to join the Federation, meaning that Pike has no jurisdiction over them.

The plot follows the attempted kidnapping of a holy child, the First Servant, who is preparing to ascend to save his planet. As always, all is not what it seems, and just who is right or wrong here? Pike desperately wants to employ Federation values (which match his own) but has he the right to do so? The matter is dealt with in a mature, even-handed way, with no real villains here or any simple answers.

This is very much Pike’s episode, but there’s also a strong sub-plot involving Doctor M’Benga and his big secret, as well as some fun repartee between Uhura and La’an. After last week’s comedy antics this is a grim reminder that it’s a tough universe out there.

Verdict: A strong hour that pulls no punches in its depiction of cultural differences. 7/10

Nick Joy