A distress call compels Spock to disobey orders and take the Enterprise and its crew into disputed space, risking renewed hostilities with the Klingons in a bid to aid a shipmate. 

The Star Trek TOS prequel / Discovery spinoff about the adventures of the Enterprise before Kirk took the chair returns for a second season, displaying the same sort of confidence and joie de vivre that defined its opening year.

The Enterprise in space dock at Starbase 1 and the crew are taking some well-deserved R and R while the ship undergoes inspections. Una (Number One) is in custody, and Pike is offering to help track down someone to be her counsel, leaving Spock in charge. This in itself shouldn’t be an issue, until Uhura picks up a distress call and it’s apparent that the temporary captain will have to disobey direct orders.

It’s a ballsy move sidelining two of the show’s three main leads in the opening episode, but such is the strength of the cast that we don’t feel like we’ve been shortchanged. Clearly the Una/ Pike plot thread will play out, and if anything, this helps suggest the passage of time. It also allows Ethan Peck’s Spock to take centre stage, and he’s a joy to watch as he assumes command, supported by his loyal crew.

This is very much an ensemble piece, with Chapel and M’Benga getting the sort of screen time that their original iterations could only dream about. The visual effects are excellent, there’s Easter eggs aplenty and it’s a rollicking fun hour.

Verdict: ‘I would like the ship to go… now!’ The retro Trek show is back, and in fine form, even with two of its main characters in the shadows. 8/10

Nick Joy