Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Melissa Navia reflects on her emotional Episode that defined her moments in Season 3

The newest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been nothing short of a masterpiece, especially because it solely relied on Melissa Navia’s acting prowess as Erica Ortegas. This episode is undoubtedly dedicated to us, fans eagerly waiting to see more of Ortegas in the series. This episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds starts with Erica Ortegas on a solo mission.

However, her mission takes a massive turn when she ends up stranded on a moon after being sucked through a wormhole. Throughout the whole series, the main focus is on Ortegas, and she finally gets the much-needed screen time. In an interview with Variety, she opens up about this defining moment in this season.

Melissa Navia reflects on her emotional Episode in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

The “Terrarium” episode of this season begins with Ortegas’ journey, where she ends up stranded with none other than a Gorn. Though she thinks that the Gorn might be her enemy initially, she soon realizes that the Gorn does not have any intention of harming her. Rather, it is revealed that the Gorn is actually a pilot who is also a woman. They begin to help each other fight through the difficult times by sharing resources and shelter.

Though Ortegas tried to contact the Enterprise, she failed. However, eventually the Enterprise gets her signal and goes through the wormhole to save her. Though the episode solely focuses on Ortegas’ struggle while stranded, Melissa Navia says that she had no idea that

“they were going to send the rest of my cast on vacation.”

This whole episode reflects much of Ortega’s emotional struggles. It is truly a defining moment for her. Alone and struggling, Ortegas relies on her wits to survive. Melissa Navia’s performance captures this desperation.

Melissa Navia also added that she knew that this episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds would be

“her essentially grappling with the manifestation of her nightmare."

Shooting a whole episode where she is the only focus definitely can be challenging. She adds that despite the challenge, “I wanted every bit of it.” In the episode, we see that Ortegas and the Gorn pilot begin to communicate and work together to survive the harsh environment.

They form a connection that gets shattered when La’an arrives to save Ortegas and kills the Gorn pilot. Ortegas’ emotional distress is profound. The pilot’s death leaves her in a complicated and emotional mental space. This episode depicts Navia’s acting talent. The emotional weight that Ortegas carries in this season is perfectly captured.

Melissa Navia also speaks about Ortegas’ distinct emotional situation during the second episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, where she was not able to join her friends. She adds,

“I think it gives her peace that she cannot control everything…She’s just had to figure it out on the death moon.”

In the 9th episode, we see that despite knowing that the Gorn pilot was not her enemy, she could not do anything to save her. Ortegas’ experience while being stranded acted as a crucial driving factor in her character arc.

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