As I delve deeper into my analytical relationship with Strange New Worlds, it’s becoming evident that I’m more forgiving of its comedic episodes than its serious ones. This isn’t about having different standards based on the tone; it’s more about my perception of Star Trek shows from the ’60s and ’90s, which I remember as mainly upbeat with occasional intense episodes. Hence, the comedic turns in Strange New Worlds seem fitting, while themes like zombies or war feel out of place.

The charm of the first two seasons of Strange New Worlds was its return to the comforting ambiance that recent Alex Kurtzman-era series such as Discovery and Picard seemed to overlook. This nostalgic quality shines in the episode “Four-And-A-Half Vulcans,” reminiscent of those light-hearted Trek episodes from the ’90s that captivated me as a child, like “Deja Q” and “Civil Defense.” This season reintroduces Trelane, brings back the holodeck, and features a gathering of the Original Series crew, yet this particular episode is the first to truly evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone Star Trek era, despite its somewhat lackluster conclusion.

Unfortunately, “Four-And-A-Half Vulcans” seems to unravel in its final act, leaving me to speculate whether a scheduling conflict with Patton Oswalt, who plays Doug the Vulcan-aspiring human, might have cut his filming time short. The episode builds up an intriguing storyline about humans-turned-Vulcans, only to drop it abruptly.

Nevertheless, the episode does explore one of my favorite themes: the portrayal of Vulcans by different actors. In a humorous twist, Pike, La’An, Chapel, and Uhura are transformed into Vulcans, complete with pointy ears and a heightened capacity for logic, due to a lingering effect from a transformation meant to be temporary. The reason behind their initial change—aiding a pre-warp civilization before the establishment of the Federation and the Prime Directive—is cleverly crafted, but the execution of their mission is almost instantaneous, leaving them stuck in their Vulcan forms while the Enterprise is docked.

This scenario raises interesting questions about what truly defines a Vulcan and the core identities of Pike, La’An, Chapel, and Uhura. Despite their Vulcan appearances and enhanced logical abilities, elements of their true selves persist.

While a more in-depth exploration of these questions could have enriched the episode, “Four-And-A-Half Vulcans” primarily serves as a platform for Anson Mount, Christina Chong, Jess Bush, and Celia Rose Gooding to indulge in some over-the-top fun. The challenge of convincingly portraying a Vulcan has been met by only a few actors, and it’s fascinating to see the range of interpretations presented here: Pike is stern and meticulous, Chapel becomes a paragon of scientific efficiency, Uhura fully embraces self-improvement, and La’An amusingly channels a Romulan.

Gooding arguably captures the essence of Vulcan the best, with Bush and Chong also delivering commendable performances. Mount, however, takes a more eccentric approach. The episode doesn’t shy away from slapstick humor, but it also maintains a relaxed, hangout atmosphere, setting it apart from previous Vulcan-centric comedic episodes.

While the portrayal of Vulcans in this lighthearted context could be seen as somewhat disrespectful, the fact that the characters are temporarily altered hybrids with human spirits somewhat mitigates this concern. The episode highlights the deep emotions Vulcans experience and the rigorous control they must exert over them, as noted by Spock. Some of the episode’s most amusing moments involve the unaltered crew members dealing with their temporarily Vulcan colleagues’ antics.

Carol Kane delivers some memorable lines, and it’s a delight to see Marie more integrated into the group, acknowledging her ongoing Starfleet career. Additionally, Spock’s interactions with a Vulcan who admires his unique heritage provide a touching element to the storyline.

Although not all the comedic attempts hit the mark, and the episode falters in the second half, the initial comedic pacing is effective. Regrettably, an opportunity for a more focused story on Una is missed, and the narrative resorts to clichéd humor without delving deeper into her dynamics with Doug. The episode concludes with an underwhelming resolution to the Spock and La’An subplot, leaving their relationship ambiguously defined despite a hinted compatibility.

The abrupt narrative shifts in “Four-And-A-Half Vulcans” might be attributed to production delays caused by the writers’ strike in May 2023, which possibly impacted the overall development of this season’s episodes.

Despite its flaws, “Four-And-A-Half Vulcans” has moments that recapture the charismatic essence of Strange New Worlds, reminiscent of classic Star Trek comedy. The interactions among the crew, from Ortegas’s spirited outbursts to the camaraderie shared over a drink, evoke a distinctive atmosphere that is uniquely enjoyable.

Random Musings

• • Anson Mount using his Vulcan voice for the opening narration is a nice touch.
• • The minimal use of Sam this season is becoming notable, although Kirk’s enthusiasm for spending time with La’An hints at intriguing character dynamics.
• • The reference to officers switching every 42 minutes might be an allusion to typical network TV episode durations.
• • Chapel’s decision to invite Spock and Korby to a joint apology dinner raises eyebrows—her efforts to foster a friendship between her boyfriend and her ex are perplexing.
• • Paul Wesley’s portrayal of a character supposedly much younger than his actual age continues to confuse the timeline, especially when considering the age differences between actors in The Original Series.