The Star Trek franchise has never disappointed its viewers. Similarly, the new Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was successful in presenting a refreshing and optimistic approach to the franchise. It quickly received widespread recognition from viewers all around the world.
Filled with intriguing storylines, it is difficult to choose the 9 best episodes from two seasons. This series blends thrilling sci-fi with compelling character development seamlessly.
So, let’s dive right in!
9 best Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episodes that were absolute bangers
1) Season 2 Episode 3: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Season 2 Episode 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds brings forth the theme of time travel, and we get to see La'An and James T. Kirk! However, they struggle to adapt to the new environment of the 21st century.
The main objective of time travel is to discover the reason behind their visit and prevent an attack that could affect the future. From the very beginning of this episode, the viewers get hooked, and it is undoubtedly one of the best ones in the series.
The depiction of bewilderment as they try to make sense of present-day Canada is handled in a humorous yet nuanced manner. Through this episode, the viewers were treated to familiar faces from the Star Trek franchise, but in an unfamiliar setting.
2) Season 1, Episode 4: Memento Mori

The intriguing depiction of Gorn’s attack on the Enterprise makes this episode one of the best in the whole series. We get to see the crew tackle a different kind of enemy. They also incorporate newer techniques to be safe under the threat.
One of the main reasons that makes Season 1 Episode 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds so intense and intriguing is the fact that they're not afraid to experiment. The franchise has never shied away from bringing in newer elements that initially might not make sense, but ultimately lead to chaotic battles and character growth.
In this episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the way Pike handles the Gorn is a little atypical nonetheless truly remarkable.
3) Season 2, Episode 5: Charades

Often looked up to, Spock is one of the most interesting characters in the Star Trek universe. However, in Season 2 Episode 5, we see a different side of Spock altogether.
His new human nature has made this episode one of the best in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. In the episode, we see Spock struggling with new emotions and feelings that come with being a human. This is a result of the elimination of Vulcan DNA by the aliens.
Being a human is definitely not an easy task, and Spock finds it extremely difficult to deal with. As a human, he also has to attend a dinner with his fiancée T’pring and her family.
4) Season 1, Episode 10: A Quality of Mercy

The tenth episode of Season one is undoubtedly one of the best one in the series. This episode also has some annotations from the previous series, especially the original. In another time travel episode, Captain Pike is confronted by his future self after he tries to alter his fate.
The episode takes place in an alternate reality as Pike's future self reveals how his actions in the present affect the events in the future. The brilliance of this episode lies in the detailed depiction of the characters and the plot twists.
5) Season 1, Episode 2: Children of the Comet

This episode demonstrates how the crew of the Enterprise handles a new kind of threat. Initially, as the crew is studying a comet, it is supposed to strike a planet with a particular type of inhabitants. However, on further investigation, they realise the threat the comet entails.
The highly advanced species, known as the Shepherds, are the looming threat above their heads. The episode focuses on the vast unknown and the danger of it all: the threatening nature of the species, with a motive to follow the arbiter.
However, eventually the comet presents a favorable atmospheric condition: it releases water vapour. Though the origin of the comet remains unknown, this episode brings forth a unique perspective to the crew of the Enterprise.
6) Season 2, Episode 10: Hegemony

In this episode, we get to see how dangerous the Gorn is. Even after April’s concerns, Pike does not back away from the challenge. This episode is action-packed and filled with the themes of horror because of the Gorn. The depiction of the Gorn is truly terrifying.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this episode is Pike’s emotions, which can be felt through the screen. Even though he understands the dangers of the Gorn spawn infection, he does hesitate to help Captain Batel.
Captain Batel is then transferred to the medical team to improve his health condition. The intense tension, thrill, and action sequences of this episode make it a banger!
7) Season 1, Episode 9: All Those Who Wander

Yet another intense episode from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, with earnest as well as frightening moments that feature the Gorn hatchlings.
As these hatchlings come out of the bodies of the ones they were once attached to, Pike, along with his team battle it out, increasing the horror within the episode exponentially.
In this episode, Hemmer sacrifices himself for the safety of the others. As he gets infected by the Gorn eggs, he decides to end his life to kill the Gorn eggs with him.
8) Season 1, Episode 1: Strange New Worlds

As Captain Christopher Pike is haunted by the vision of his grim future, he decides to confide his worries to Spock. Despite his worries, Pike returns to the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Pike, along with Spock, tries to rescue Number One from captivity. Captain Pike’s personal struggles resonate with the viewers. He is wrestling with the knowledge of his own future which adds a layer of complexity and vulnerability in this episode.
This pilot does the perfect job of introducing the crew to the viewers, balancing exciting adventures with thoughtful ethical questions.
9) Season 2, Episode 6: Lost in Translation

In this episode, Uhura gets the spotlight, and the viewers enjoyed every bit of it! We see her go through an emotional journey as she struggles with hallucinations (she also punches Spock!) and grief.
It is intriguing to see her character go through a complex journey. This episode is more about the mystery and how the characters navigate to reach the present, which we are aware of as the viewers. The depiction of loss, struggles, and misunderstanding in this episode truly resonated with the viewers.
Along with this, the much-anticipated meeting of Kirk and Spock makes this episode truly one of a kind.
Each aspect within Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been written and dealt with in nuance. From tense confrontations to resonating personal journeys, the series truly stands out!
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