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STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS' Latest Episode Connects the Original Series, NEXT GENERATION, and VOYAGER
In Strange New Worlds' second episode of season three, 'Wedding Bell Blues,' the writers pay homage to several parts of the Star Trek franchise. Not only does it seemingly reference a classic episode of the original series, but it also references Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager. And it even pays homage to a non-canonical Star Trek novel by the late, great author and comic book writer Peter David. And and, it features a voice cameo from a true Star Trek icon, John de Lancie as Q. Here's how this new, seemingly frivolous comedic episode ties in various parts of the Star Trek canon across decades. In 'Wedding Bell Blues,' the Enterprise docks at Federation Starbase 1 with a three-month layover for repairs after their encounter with the Gorn in the previous episode. They are also welcoming back Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush), who is coming back from a three-month sabbatical where she studied medical archaeology under Dr. Roger Korby (Cillian O' Sullivan). When she returns from her time away, she reveals she's now dating Korby, breaking Spock's Vulcan heart. A now despondent Spock (Ethan Peck) goes to the Starbase 1 bar. There, he drowns his sorrows over Christine entering into a new relationship. Fans of the original Star Trek may remember that Nurse Chapel had a fiancé named Dr. Korby, who had been presumed missing for years. The TOS episode 'What Are Little Girls Made Of?' back in 1967 revealed most of this Nurse Chapel backstory. Spock meets an odd bartender with muttonchops who remains nameless, played by Our Flag Means Death actor Rhys Darby. Although he appears human, Spock sees him as Vulcan. This odd fellow promises to fix his current romantic predicament somehow. The next morning, Spock wakes up in bed, next to Christine. We learn that today is their wedding day, and not the Federation centennial as it originally was. The only person on board the Enterprise who seemingly remembers the truth is Dr. Korby. Only he remembers that he and Christine are a couple. After Spock (very uncharacteristically) punches him, he remembers the real version of events. He and Korby try to convince the crew that this version of events is a fabrication. Eventually, they realize the odd bartender, also posing as an Andorian wedding planner, is an omnipotent being messing with reality. The being says he didn't like Korby doing archeological digs on his home planet, and wanted to get back at him. The character's look and demeanor draws heavy inspiration from the character of Trelane. Played by William Campbell, he appeared in the TOS episode 'The Squire of Gothos.' In that episode, the crew of Kirk's Enterprise beam down to a mysterious planet. There, a reality-bending entity dressed in 18th-century clothing named Trelane captures members of the crew. He toys with them for his own amusement, like a child playing with insects. He's only stopped when two beings of pure energy arrive, and take him away. Their respective attitudes in that scene reveal that Trelane is a child, despite presenting as a human adult. The two beings are presumably his parents. The mysterious being on Strange New Worlds has a look and demeanor almost identical to Trelane. In fact, the unnamed being could very well be Trelane himself. He's messing with reality seemingly only to amuse himself. And he's also a 'child.' When his parent appears like a swirling bit of energy to take him away, it's a direct reference to the end of 'The Squire of Gothos.' And that's where the Star Trek: Next Generation connection comes in. The voice of the parent being is none other than John de Lancie, who played Q in several iterations of Star Trek, but primarily on The Next Generation. In addition, this episode recalls the fourth season TNG episode 'Qpid,' where Q creates a Robin Hood-inspired fantasy, all to prove a point about love to Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The silly, frivolous tone of 'Wedding Bell Blues' matches the tone of that particular TNG episode almost exactly. The overt suggestion here is that the troublesome being is Q's child, who is 'a mere 8,000 years old.' As for when Q ever had a child, well that takes us straight to Star Trek: Voyager. In that series, Q and a female member of the Q Continuum have a son. Or at the very least, a child who presents as male, as the Q are really genderless. This junior Q first appeared as an infant in the third season Voyager episode 'The Q and the Gray' in 1996. Here, John de Lancie's Q mates with a female version of his race, producing a child. This joining was an effort to stop a civil war within the Q Continuum. Q then makes Captain Kathryn Janeway the baby's godmother, and disappears into the cosmos. A few seasons later, the child shows up again, referred to as 'Q2' in the episode of the same name. Now he presents as a teen male, played by John de Lancie's real-life son Keegan de Lancie. It turns out, he has inherited all of his father's troublesome personality traits. Q2 and his father depart into the cosmos by episode's end. And this episode marks the end of John de Lancie's time as Q for a very long time. He doesn't pop up as Q again until the second season of Star Trek: Picard over twenty years later. As stated in the final episode of Picard, the Q exist outside linear time. So even though Q died at the end of Picard season two, he reappears in the Picard series finale. He tells Picard's son, Jack Crusher, that the Q exist outside of linear existence. So the version of Q that Picard's son Jack meets comes from a different point in his own timeline. This means the young Q we meet in Strange New Worlds may very well be both Trelane from the '60s series, and also Q's son from Voyager. The voice casting of John de Lancie as the 'father' certainly suggests that he is. Neither being refers to itself as part of the Q Continuum, preserving continuity with TNG, who officially make first contact with the Q a century later. This connection between TOS character Trelane and Q, who was created decades later, was first suggested by writer Peter David. The prolific writer, who wrote legendary runs on comics like The Incredible Hulk, Young Justice, and others, first gave this explanation in the 1994 TNG novel 'Q Squared.' That book revealed that Trelane was the godson of Q. However, Peter David heavily hints that Q was Trelane's actual son. Q denies parentage, but Jean-Luc seems to know the truth. Although he wouldn't openly admit this to Picard. If the character on Strange New Worlds played by Rhys Darby is indeed Trelane, and seemingly Q is his true dad, then this makes at least part of Peter David's novel canon. And although the episode was written long before his passing, it's nice to know something he came up with is now official Star Trek canon. 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Geek Girl Authority
5 days ago
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STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Recap: (S03E02) Wedding Bell Blues
Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) is getting married… but not to Spock (Ethan Peck). Or is she? Star Trek: Strange New Worlds ' 'Wedding Bell Blues' features direction from Jordan Canning and a script by Kirsten Beyer & David Reed. RELATED: Read our recap of the previous Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode, 'Hegemony, Part II' Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 'Wedding Bell Blues' Spock's personal log, stardate 2251.7. It has been three months since the events of 'Hegemony, Part II.' Dots assist in repairing the damage to the U.S.S. Enterprise , docked at Starbase One. Spock is lying down in his quarters. His log relates that the Federation's Centennial celebration is three days away. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) intends to host a gala. Chapel is returning to the Enterprise after three months under the tutelage of Roger Korby (Cillian O'Sullivan). In one of the Starbase biodomes, La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) assists Spock in learning to dance. La'an relates that she once wished to be a prima ballerina. Spock asks if the Gorn were responsible for changing this. La'an says she spent her whole life waiting for the return of the Gorn. Now the Gorn have returned and been defeated. La'an observes that 'the Gorn are less ravenous than prima ballerinas.' The conversation turns to Spock's relationship with Chapel. They haven't spoken since Spock left. Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) contacts Spock and informs him that Chapel is preparing to beam aboard the Enterprise . Spock leaves to greet Chapel. Meet Doctor Korby In the transporter bay, Spock checks his reflection as Scott 'Scotty' Montgomery (Martin Quinn) enters. They are joined by La'an. The security officer must greet all visitors, and Chapel has added a guest. Scotty notes a strange reading that momentarily appears and then disappears on sensors. Spock holds a book: a gift for Chapel. Chapel and her guest arrive. Chapel is surprised to see Spock. Alongside Chapel is Korby. Korby identifies the book in Spock's hands. Spock says it is a gift for Chapel, and hands it to her. Chapel says she is attending the Centennial celebration with her. Korby is her date. As Spock considers this, the score by Nami Melumad recalls Star Trek: The Original Series ' 'Amok Time.' RELATED: Star Trek : 8 Women of Vulcan Elsewhere on the Enterprise , Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) boxes with her brother, Beto (Mynor Luken). They're interrupted by a floating camera. Erica punches it. Beto says he's doing his job. Erica counters: his job is a documentary about the Centennial celebration. Uhura arrives in the room and informs Erica that Chapel brought a date. Beto is instantly charmed and introduces himself. Erica takes advantage of his distraction and punches him. Uhura seems equally charmed by Beto and introduces herself. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ In sick bay, Ensign Gamble (Chris Myers) draws blood from Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn). Una likes him. But now that Chapel has returned, his time aboard the Enterprise is drawing to a close. However, Doctor Joseph M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) has requested that Gamble be permanently assigned to the Enterprise . Something Blue Gamble states that the Gorn embryos in the body of Captain Batel (Melanie Scrofano) have been absorbed. M'Benga tells Una that her blood has been indispensable. Una says she's grown used to having Batel aboard. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds In Pike's quarters, Batel is helping Pike prepare his celebration outfit. Meanwhile, Batel is shopping for a new starship. However, potential assignments will keep her from seeing Pike. Pike assures her she'll find a good commission. But he does want more time with her. The future is uncertain, but for now, the couple kisses one another. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Erica Ortegas In Spock's quarters, Chapel attempts to return the book. Spock asks Chapel about bringing Korby home when she told Spock that she wanted to remain 'unattached.' Chapel doesn't have an answer. She invites him to join them for cocktails later in the evening. Later, Erica, Uhura and Beto head towards the galley. Erica calls Uhura and Beto out for having a budding romance. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds In the galley, Sam Kirk (Dan Jeannotte) geeks out over Korby's presence. Spock arrives and joins the party. Korby was about to tell a 'romantic story.' Spock claims he wants to hear it. Chapel and Korby tell the story of Korby giving Chapel a bracelet. Spock walks away and sits down at the bar. Something Different At the bar, Spock is approached by a 'Vulcan bartender' (Myles Dobson). However, the audience can see that this is Trelane (Rhys Darby) in disguise. Taking Spock's drink, Trelane offers Spock 'something different, but better.' Later, Spock gets into bed in his quarters. As he sleeps, there is the sound of the snap of fingers. When he awakens, he is lying beside Chapel. Chapel tells them that they won't sleep together the next night, as it's 'bad luck to see your bride on the day of your wedding.' Spock's log, stardate 2251.7: The Enterprise has been docked for three months at Starbase One for repairs. While there, the crew will celebrate Spock and Chapel's wedding. Once again, La'an teaches Spock to dance. This time, the pair discusses marriage. La'an says she isn't the commitment type. Spock leaves to attend the rehearsal. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: La'an Noonien-Singh Trelane's new disguise: Andorian wedding planner. He announces that there is much preparation to complete. Korby arrives with the wedding cakes. He is now Chapel's best man. Korby tries to ask Chapel a question, but Trelane tells him, 'Later.' Trelane gives Korby a special 'best man task,' sending him to stand in the corner and wait quietly. Meanwhile, he offers cake samples to Spock. Spock doesn't like the cake. So Trelane changes the cake to a different flavor with a snap of his fingers. This time, Spock and Chapel enjoy the flavor. Something Borrowed Next, Trelane turns to the wedding choreography. Trelane reveals he has a surprise. Chapel's late mother's bouquet, preserved after her wedding. But the flowers have burned in transit. Trelane suggests they just need to breathe. He snaps his fingers. The flowers are restored. Korby again approaches Chapel. But Trelane says rehearsal is done. He whisks Chapel away to her fitting. In the Enterprise hallway, Korby approaches Spock's quarters, PADD in hand. He uses the key code to get inside. Spock sees this and confronts Korby. Korby admits he's trying to delete Spock's vows. Spock accuses him of wedding sabotage. RELATED: When Franchises Collide: Star Trek and the Marvel Cinematic Universe Korby admits that's accurate. He also admits that he's in love with Chapel. But this is not his motivation. Reality has shifted. Korby tells Spock what really happened the day before. But only Korby remembers this reality. As Spock listens, Korby explains that he remembers Spock and Chapel broke up. However, Korby and Chapel soon fell in love. This story angers Spock, who punches Korby unconscious. But then Spock remembers reality as well. Spock is lying beside Korby in bed when Korby regains consciousness. Korby is alarmed. But Spock states that he owes Korby an apology. Spock acknowledges reality has been altered. He posits several theories. Korby debunks several. However, it could be the result of a probability field, like the one in 'Subspace Rhapsody.' But Korby suggests this could indeed be the cause. Something New Spock says he will no longer follow through with the wedding. But Korby has already tried to interfere, without success, as something resists. Spock suggests an intelligence with reality-altering abilities. But why wasn't Korby affected? Korby posits it was due to his intellect. Spock says that if one of their intellects rendered them immune, it would have been Spock's. He suggests they scan the ship for anomalies. That's when Trelane (disguised as an Andorian) enters with possible outfits for Spock. Trelane suggests Korby join the rest of the wedding party for facials. Spock accepts the first outfit Trelane offers. Then Spock and Korby leave. RELATED: Hailing Frequencies Open: 3 Star Trek Podcasts Korby is impressed by Spock's lab. He tells Spock he was thinking of the moment Spock became aware of the illusion. Spock states that when he punched Korby, it was like a mental fog lifted. Korby suggests this sudden burst of adrenaline and cortisol might have caused the realization. Spock says it could also be that the illusion could not survive being so directly confronted with the truth. But either way, Spock says they must determine how to convey the information to Pike. Sam arrives with wine selections. Spock tells Sam the reality of the situation. Sam listens, but he dismisses the statement as 'cold feet.' Spock orders Sam to punch him, then attempts to goad him into it. But Sam says Chapel would kill him if he gave Spock a black eye before the wedding. Next, Spock and Korby head to Pike's quarters to tell him of the 'urgent situation.' Pike simply welcomes Spock to his bachelor party. Something Old Sam pours more Saurian brandy for himself and M'Benga. The men demand that Spock give a speech. Spock states reality has been changed. He and Chapel are not in love; Chapel loves Korby. The others ignore this assertion. Korby and Spock conclude that being confronted by the truth is insufficient to break 'the spell.' This leaves the emotional response. However, they have seen a range of emotions among the affected. Spock notes that rage is among the most powerful of emotions. Perhaps an equally powerful emotion would suffice. Spock suggests 'love.' RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Nyota Uhura Korby asks Pike about the wedding guests. Pike answers all the crew, plus 107 guests. Korby asks the Enterprise computer (Alex Kapp) how many are aboard the ship besides the crew and guests. The computer answers 'one.' This individual is in the galley. Korby and Spock arrive in the galley. Trelane greets them. Spock accuses Trelane. Trelane says he's the wedding planner and cites Spock's wish. Spock recalls the bartender who heard Spock wish things were different with Chapel. He surmises Trelane granted the wish. Trelane says, 'You're welcome.' Spock says they aren't going through with the wedding. Korby says Trelane must fix it. But Trelane says he can do anything he wants. He snaps his fingers, and the ship shakes and goes to red alert. Then he says he doesn't like his plans being ruined and snaps his fingers again. Something Green Spock awakens in bed. Trelane is lying beside him. Spock says Trelane can't force him to continue. But Trelane says he can. He demonstrates by snapping his fingers. Trelane shrinks Spock in size, appearing in a glass on his bedside table. Trelane returns Spock to normal size and leaves. Soon, everyone is in formal attire, gathered at the wedding venue. Trelane has made Korby into Maid of Honor. If Korby doesn't go along, Trelane has promised to 'wish [them] into the cornfield,' a reference to The Twilight Zone . Korby says Spock must go through it. Perhaps playing Trelane's game will result in a conclusion to Trelane's meddling. RELATED: Double Double: 6 Star Trek Episodes With Duplicates Chapel walks down the aisle. Trelane serves as the officiant. He grandstands about love conquering all things. However, Korby objects. So Trelane turns him into a bulldog. Spock quotes Pablo Neruda's 'Sonnet XI.' He continues his vows. These include a quotation that served as Chapel's late mother's last words to her daughter. This same quotation was included in the story Chapel and Korby shared about their romance earlier in the episode. Chapel realizes reality has been altered. She says they aren't meant to be getting married. Chapel leaves the altar and runs toward Dog Korby. Trelane says he's going to kill everyone. Something Q Trelane tells everyone in the audience they're going to die. But then an energy orb entity (John de Lancie) arrives. The entity is Trelane's father. Korby is returned to his true form. The entity threatens to show him the consequences for disobedience again. Trelane promises he'll be good. He is 'only' 8,020 years old. The entity tells Trelane it's time to go. Before he leaves, Spock asks why Trelane did what he did. Trelane reveals that he spotted Korby on an excavation on the homeworld. He says he resented Korby for being attractive and intelligent. Spock says this makes 'perfect sense.' Trelane's father demands that he free everyone else. With a snap of the finger, he does so. Then he becomes an energy ball entity and leaves with his father. RELATED: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Nurse Chapel's HERstory Pike takes to the altar and acknowledges the strangeness of the event. He begins giving a Federation Day speech. Noting that the Federation's founding involved awkward interactions with other species, he says this awkward interaction was perhaps appropriate. He states the bar is open. The bartender is Kelzing (Kira Guldien), an Edosian. A R'Ongovian Delegate (Ron Kennell) approaches M'Benga and asks if he's the Enterprise doctor. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Korby and Chapel reflect on the events of the episode. Pike and Una offer Kelzing a job on the Enterprise . Beto tells Uhura that the Starfleet Chancellor may commission him to make a documentary about Starfleet. Jitterbug Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Later, La'an approaches Spock as others are dancing. She says his speech was beautiful. Spock says he has no regrets. But La'an says his having learned to dance is a waste if he's just sitting on it. Spock asks if she's asking him to dance. 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' by Wham! begins to play. Spock accepts La'an's offer to dance. Almost everyone is dancing. But Ortegas puts down her drink and excuses herself. RELATED: Read our Star Trek: Strange New Worlds recaps In the gym, Ortegas punches a punching bag. As she looks at her reflection, she sees a vision of a Gorn behind her. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streams on Paramount+ on Thursdays. Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: CHRISTINE CHAPEL Avery Kaplan (she/her) is the author of several books and the Features Editor at Comics Beat. With her spouse Ollie Kaplan, Avery co-authored the middle school textbook on intersectionality Double Challenge: Being LGBTQ and a Minority. She was honored to serve as a judge for the 2021 - 2024 Cartoonist Studio Prize Awards and the 2021 Prism Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her partner and a pile of cats, and her favorite place to visit is the cemetery. You can also find her writing on Comics Bookcase, the Gutter Review, Shelfdust, the Mary Sue, in the Comics Courier and in many issues of PanelxPanel, and in the margins of the books in her personal library.
