Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Recap: Vulcan of the Bride

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Following the heavy and intense tone of “Hegemony, Part II,” it’s understandable that “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” would opt for a change in Season 3, episode 2, shifting towards a more optimistic tone. However, does it truly do so? To clarify, “Wedding Bell Blues” is indeed a joyful and humor-filled episode, featuring an excellent guest star and a surprising final twist that longtime “Star Trek” fans will appreciate. Yet, within this light-hearted narrative, one of our heroes endures repeated heartbreak, while another’s newfound joy is repeatedly tested due to the demands of an old flame still dear to her heart. Moreover, it seems as if another crew member is grappling with PTSD triggered by a Gorn encounter. Yes, “Wedding Bell Blues” is a light-hearted episode, but its appeal lies in its balance between laughter and seriousness, preventing it from drifting away.

At the start of this new phase, Spock’s narration hints at a three-month leap in time, giving him ample reflection time on his feelings towards Christine. Meanwhile, several crew members have taken advantage of this interval to sport fresh hairstyles. Spock, sticking to tradition, hasn’t changed. The USS Enterprise is now readying itself for resumption of regular duties. Captain Pike plans a grand gala to mark the Federation’s centennial, which coincides with Christine’s return from her archaeological fellowship under Dr. Roger Korby. Given his name, one might expect him to be an uptight academic, but we’ll see. With her time abroad, it seems that Christine has had clarity about their relationship. It looks like things are looking up for Spock, making this the perfect moment to learn a new dance skill.

La’An has taken on the role of teaching Spock how to dance, as Christine is expected back soon. It turns out that she’s quite an accomplished dancer, impressing Spock enough for him to express his surprise and admiration, considering her traumatic past. She confides in him that at one point, she aspired to be a prima ballerina. Spock assumes the Gorn must have ended those dreams, but La’An tactfully agrees without causing offense. When Spock hints at planning a romantic gesture for Christine’s return, La’An expresses her curiosity about the situation (implying: Are you sure about this?).

In response, Spock plays coy by pretending not to catch La’An’s allusion to the phrase “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” He’s just in a playful mood and it won’t last.

Upon hearing about Christine’s impending arrival, he hastens towards the transporter room. However, his anticipation is interrupted by La’An’s presence, causing him to be momentarily taken aback and neglect investigating a possible oddity Scotty noticed on the scanner. This distraction intensifies upon Christine’s arrival with Dr. Roger Korby (Cillian O’Sullivan), who proves to be far from formal. La’An instantly recognizes the situation — Christine has brought a new companion — yet it seems Spock is slow to comprehend. It isn’t until La’An questions whether Korby will require living quarters that the reality of the situation becomes undeniable.

Besides Korby, there’s another new face on the Enterprise. In the time since our last visit, Erica’s younger brother Beto (Mynor Luken), a documentary filmmaker, has joined the team, albeit temporarily. Erica uses him as her sparring partner, but Beto explores other interests throughout the episode. The arrival of Uhura with news about Christine arriving with a date leaves Beto smitten at first sight. Meanwhile, we encounter Nurse Gamble (Chris Myers), a charismatic nurse who thinks he’s merely filling in for Christine. However, it turns out that Gamble has won over the crew so much that Dr. M’Benga has asked for him to stay on board the Enterprise, which Gamble is delighted about.

In addition, there’s some potentially positive updates regarding Captain Batel: It appears that Una’s Illyrian heritage has brought about the desired outcome, liberating her from being Gorn. However, this might not be entirely joyous news. It implies that Batel will have to part ways with Pike, having found a content and harmonious relationship they never expected given their demanding roles as starship commanders. While it’s somewhat sweet, the situation is undeniably tinged with sadness, especially considering they plan to make the most of their remaining time together. Notably, Pike is aware that his future is limited.

In my perspective as a movie connoisseur, when the enigmatic Christine finds herself in the company of Dr. Korby, it’s Spock who’s left grappling with the puzzling situation. You see, Christine had made it clear she preferred to stay single. Yet here she is, appearing quite attached to Dr. Korby. However, it seems Christine herself is as baffled as Spock. Despite her evident feelings for him, she doesn’t want a relationship with Spock. Quite ironically, she invites Spock for an evening of cocktails and unwinding, hinting at a desire for friendship rather than romance.

As Spock shows up, Dr. Korby is engaged in lively conversation with a group of star-struck crew members eager to learn about his work. Notably, this includes details of a “romantic” mountain climbing adventure, which he’s embarking on just as Spock arrives. This situation, understandably, is quite awkward, but Spock, who has recently taken an interest in romance, expresses his desire to listen to the story.

The narrative revolves around Christine’s final wish, which Spock had previously learned (and interrupts Christine to confirm), that her daughter would discover “the celestial bodies of the sun, moon, and stars.” In an effort to fulfill this request, Dr. Korby offers her these sights and a unique bracelet as proof. The glance shared between Christine and Korby prompts Spock to depart in quest of a beverage. He obtains one from a bartender who, to Spock’s perception (and viewers’ eyes resembling Rhys Darby), seems Vulcan. The bartender encourages Spock to try something novel, which he does. Upon waking the next day, Spock finds Christine in his bed. Her excitement is warranted as it turns out: Today marks their wedding day.

Despite initial confusion, it’s clear that this isn’t their wedding day, though many seem unaware of this fact initially. The episode keeps going back to La’An instructing Spock in dance lessons, but this time he seems more joyful and agile. A mysterious figure, who looks like Rhys Darby despite being introduced as an Andorian wedding planner, is in charge of the event’s organization. This shape-shifter remains a mystery for now, but we’ll learn more later. For now, he’s a friendly, energetic professional ensuring everything runs smoothly by nailing the rehearsal first. The key players are all present: Pike, Una, Dr. M’Benga, and Christine’s tardy best man, Korby, whom the wedding planner seems to dislike for some reason.

It soon becomes evident: Korby suspects something amiss and breaks into Spock’s quarters to verify his suspicions (having earlier attempted to spoil the day by presenting a subpar cake and wilted flowers). Discovered in the act, Korby gets straight to the point: “This wedding shouldn’t be taking place.” Unlike others, Korby understands that their reality has “changed.” He remembers arriving on the Enterprise with Christine yesterday to celebrate Federation Day. Whatever Spock might recall – specifically proposing to Christine three months ago – is false. The truth lies in Korby winning Christine over through kindness and a Pablo Neruda poem. Despite his Vulcan nature, this account of their relationship enrages Spock, leading him to punch Korby; this, however, reveals that Korby was telling the truth.

When Korby regains consciousness, he’s taken aback to discover (1) that he’s lying in bed alongside Spock and (2) that Spock appears remorseful for his actions and concurs with Korby’s perception of the world. This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for an unusual partnership between them as they delve deeper into the mystery at hand. The probable culprit, according to Spock, is a highly advanced entity possessing the ability to manipulate reality. (This explanation might spark memories of the 17th letter in the alphabet among seasoned Star Trek enthusiasts.)

Before their investigations have even properly begun, the wedding planner tries to interfere. For a moment, he manages to halt them, but not for long. Eventually, others unwittingly take over his role as Spock and Korby try to uncover how to make everyone else believe nothing is amiss. Sam arrives with a selection of wines and dismisses both Spock’s truth-telling attempt and his baiting to fight. The same pattern repeats at Spock’s bachelor party in Pike’s quarters, where they decline the karaoke opportunity after narrowing down their suspects for the distorted reality to either the wedding planner or, as Spock calls him, “the entity.

In this retelling, the wedding organizer becomes malicious, causing trouble yet again. This time, Spock awakens next to another bedmate – the very same wedding planner who has threatened mass destruction, forcing him into a staged wedding ceremony. Korby tries to intervene but ends up transformed into a bulldog, adorned with a stylish cummerbund. In the climax, only Spock can reverse the enchantment, employing the poetry of Pablo Neruda and an explanation of why he’s unsuitable for her, culminating in a phrase reminiscent of her beloved – moon, star, sun.

This solution works, causing the wedding planner to vow a grand spectacle he calls a “procession of doom,” an event that the music suggests we shouldn’t take too seriously. And indeed, the music is accurate. As the wedding planner departs, a radiant, orb-like creature appears, which the wedding planner identifies as “Dad.” The recognizable voice of John De Lancie confirms what many viewers of this episode would have guessed: The wedding planner belongs to the Q continuum. In fact, he is none other than the son of the most renowned Q. With a cheerful “Hurray! You’ve all been delightful!” Q Junior departs, and normalcy returns for those left behind.

After Pike shares a peculiar observation with the gathering, he switches to a modified version of his Federation Day speech before announcing the bar is now open. This unexpected scene introduces Kelzing (played by Kira Guloien), a three-armed bartender whom Pike and Una swiftly try to enlist for the Enterprise. Christine and Korby also seem trustworthy, while it appears Beto might be signing up with the Enterprise to carry on his documentary and pursue Uhura romantically. Everything seems to be going well.

However, despite La’An’s efforts to lift his spirits by inviting him to dance (to a 20th-century tune by Wham!), Spock appears gloomy. Additionally, there seems to be an issue with Erica that goes beyond just watching her brother flirt with one of her friends. As the episode concludes, she’s trying to vent her anger on a punching bag, but she realizes that her punches are too weak to erase the image of the Gorn from her memory.

Without a shadow of doubt, the season opener “Wedding Bell Blues” underlines that Strange New Worlds hasn’t skipped a beat during its break. Reminiscent of past comedic episodes, it manages to be amusing yet substantial, advancing various character arcs. The entrance of Spock at Christine’s cocktail party, aiming to support an ex who’s moved on, exhibits a keen edge that showcases the complexity of his friendship. Although Li’l Q’s actions may seem absurd and innocuous, they demonstrate the noble characters of both Spock and Korby, as they prioritize Christine’s happiness over their personal contentment. It would be effortless to portray Korby as the villain in this scenario, but that’s not the case. The situation is more nuanced than that, and it speaks volumes about Spock’s wisdom that he grasps this reality so swiftly.

Hit It!

Roger Korby is a fresh addition to “Strange New Worlds”, but the character, previously portrayed by Michael Strong, isn’t new to “Star Trek” or Christine Chapel’s narrative. He makes his appearance in the first season of the original series, specifically in the episode titled “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” Disclosing further details would constitute a spoiler.

Scotty expresses that he rarely consumes alcohol,” he notes, implying that this current season appears to be revealing his backstory piece by piece.

It’s not entirely clear if Beto and Uhura are genuinely flirting or merely trying to irritate Erica. However, it appears that Beto has taken an instant liking to Uhura. Determining Uhura’s intentions is a bit tricky, but they could make an adorable couple regardless of their motives.

Kudos to either writers Kirsten Beyer and David Reed, or director Jordan Canning, for the thoughtful tribute to Yasujiro Ozu by arranging shots of Batel and Pike’s personal items together – brushes, coffee cups, jewelry. This subtle yet effective technique not only captures their current state but also echoes a style commonly used by one of cinema’s greatest filmmakers.

• If Paramount is smart, it will merchandise that Spock-Christine cake topper.

I’m finding myself at a loss when it comes to understanding Korby’s comment about turning us all into a cornfield. It appears to be a reference to an old TV show called “The Twilight Zone,” specifically the episode titled “It’s a Good Life.

In every episode, this extraordinary cast is delivering top-notch performances, but I must single out Anson Mount as Spock and Rebecca Romijn as Christine for their exceptional work. They consistently bring depth to the intricate relationship between their characters, a task that requires immense skill. As Spock grapples with emotions he’s only just acknowledged, Mount portrays this struggle masterfully. Meanwhile, Romijn beautifully conveys Christine’s complex feelings: she still cares for him deeply, but yearns for something more personal for herself. Remarkably, both actors manage to express these unspoken emotions through their performances, even when the script doesn’t explicitly state them.

Christina Chong’s past, not surprisingly, involves dance education. Starting from her childhood, she received dance training and gained considerable stage experience. Interestingly, just like La’An suggested, she excels at making her skills appear effortless.

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2025-07-17 17:55