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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds journeys into zombieland
What does a zombie represent? Unlike werewolves, vampires, or Frankensteins, zombie stories are usually more about the humans living through them than the monsters themselves. Your classic zombie fable generally settles on the idea that it's the living who are the real monsters, not the living dead. But this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds finds a slightly different metaphor to play around with. Here, the 'moss zombies' of the abandoned planet Kenfori serve as a metaphor for the past (literally) coming back to haunt the crew of the Enterprise. Even when our heroes think they've put something behind them, it turns out it can still roar back to life. That's especially true for Dr. M'Benga. Last season introduced the idea that the kindly doctor was also a brutal mercenary in the Klingon War—a history he was forced to confront when self-aggrandizing Klingon defector Ambassador Dak'Rah stopped by the Enterprise for an official visit in 'Under The Cloak Of War.' That episode ended with M'Benga killing Dak'Rah, an act he'd hoped would bring closure to his wartime experience. This week, however, Dak'Rah's daughter B'itha (Christine Horn) shows up demanding justice. (She's not mad her turncoat dad is dead, just disgraced because she didn't get to kill him herself.) Sometimes there are experiences that won't stay buried, no matter how hard we try. In that way, zombies are a fitting metaphor for M'Benga—and for Ortegas and Captain Batel, who are also grappling with their own haunting experiences that refuse to die. But, metaphors aside, do zombies feel like they have a place in the Star Trek universe? I'm not so sure. Though it's delightful to have Captain Pike openly call them 'the z-word' rather than dodge the term like The Walking Dead and 28 Days Later have done, falling back on such a classic monster feels a little cheap for a show about strange new worlds. I can't exactly explain why zombies don't feel Star Trek-y to me while godlike imps, Alien-homages, and even musical episodes do. But that is my gut reaction. Still, the upside of using familiar monsters like zombies is that there's more room for other stuff because you don't have to explain the rules of the villain-of-the-week. And though I'd say 'Shuttle To Kenfori' is more about revisiting the beats of 'Under The Cloak Of War' than adding something new to the conversation, it does so with a sense of style and conviction that helps paper over the weak spots. Or maybe it's just that it's so fun to spend time with these characters and this cast that even when I can see an episode's flaws, I usually still have an enjoyable time watching it. The best thing about 'Shuttle To Kenfori' is that it continues the ensemble vibes of the two-episode premiere. That starts in sickbay, where Batel is taken after collapsing in Pike's quarters. Though she'd been planning to take up a new Starfleet commission, it turns out her Gorn-related illness is back with a vengeance. M'Benga, Spock, and Chapel quickly get creative with their treatment plan. Her best chance is a special Chimera flower known for its 'biological uniqueness' (LOL) and ability to 'move invasive molecules through cell membranes.' The trouble is, the flower only grows on the planet Kenfori, which just happens to be in a restricted no-fly zone right on the border of disputed Klingon territory. To take a trip there would violate multiple treaties—so Pike decides that he and M'Benga will take a shuttle on an off-the-books mission that will hopefully go unnoticed by the Klingons. (Naturally, it doesn't.) While Pike and M'Benga get the bulk of the screen time this week, 'Shuttle To Kenfori' makes a point to keep checking back in on the Enterprise and the characters there too. Little moments like our new nurse (does he have a name yet?) giving Batel pain meds or La'An worrying about Ortegas ensure those characters still feel active even if they don't actually have much to do. Spock, meanwhile, gets woven into Batel's story after he mind melds to help alleviate her pain and accidentally spots a monstrous vision that briefly turns him violent. And Scotty provides some classic comic relief as an artificial-gravity mishap sends the crew floating. Ortegas and Una are the only bridge crew with actual arcs here. Ortegas' willingness to defy orders and provoke a Klingon battle cruiser earns her a two-week suspension from Number One. But the way this episode ensures we get at least a little face time with all of the main players is a great example of how Strange New Worlds is carrying on the ensemble legacy of the '90s Trek shows in a way Discovery and, honestly, even Enterprise never really did. There's nothing like a ready room debate to evoke The Next Generation in the best way. Speaking of character work, this episode's biggest new addition doesn't have anything to do with the Klingons or the Gorn or even the zombies. It's the (slight) retconning of Pike and M'Benga's relationship. During their away mission, the two banter about past missions and joke about his three(!!) ex-wives (and one annulment) in a way that takes them beyond just longtime colleagues and into true old-friends territory. It's a chummy connection that Anson Mount and Babs Olusanmokun sell really well. Where the first season of Strange New Worlds sometimes lazily fell back on making Pike and Spock the heart of the show à la Kirk and Spock in the original series, I like how these past two seasons have consciously tried to mix it up and find new dynamics too. When Pike accepted M'Benga's story about Dak'Rah last season, it felt like a captain dealing with a crewmember. Here he gets to reassure him as a friend. In fact, this whole episode is a chance to square M'Benga the Healer with M'Benga the Killer. As he puts it when B'itha demands the truth, 'A mass murderer gave me the opportunity to kill him and I did, willingly… Was that dishonorable? I don't know. But there was justice.' It's an explicit confirmation of what happened during the purposefully veiled scene in 'Under The Cloak Of War.' But as Pike reminds him, being a flawed man isn't the same thing as being a monster. Of course, you could also argue that this episode retcons in the Pike/M'Benga friendship specifically, so it doesn't have to grapple with how a Starfleet captain should deal with the reveal that their doctor committed an extrajudicial execution of a political ambassador—which feels like it would be a big deal for the honor-bond Federation. If Discovery was sometimes too obsessed with the rules and regulations of Starfleet, Strange New Worlds can be a little too quick to dodge an interesting moral debate in favor of a 'power of friendship' ending. Indeed, having both Pike and, to some degree, B'itha absolve M'Benga of his guilt over killing Dak'Rah risks cheapening the intentional emotional ambiguity of 'Under The Cloak Of War.' The more interesting wrinkle is how M'Benga's time in the Klingon War has given him an understanding of Klingon culture in a way that someone like Pike doesn't have in this era of Trek history. M'Benga agrees to B'itha's ritual combat (even if he ultimately decides not to kill her) and he understands what it means for her to sacrifice herself in order to earn a noble death worthy of Sto'Vo'Kor. That's an interesting perspective for a Starfleet officer to have in an era where Klingons are still very much 'the bad guys.' The other big swing 'Shuttle To Kenfori' takes is to give even more dramatic weight to Pike and Batel's relationship—a romance that always feels kind of grafted onto the series even though, to be fair, the pilot did open on their pairing. Here it turns out she's been hiding the swiftness of her impending death and her plan to turn herself into a human-Gorn hybrid because she thought Pike would make it all about himself. And she's right: That's exactly what he does—at least before taking her into his arms as they both admit they're scared. It's a bit of an odd scene to end on, mostly because this episode starts with Batel, then pivots to M'Benga, and then pivots back to Marie without really drawing any thematic parallels between the two. I guess you could say they're both afraid of becoming monsters or they both have to learn to trust Pike with their dark secrets in order to find peace. But I'm not sure 'Shuttle To Kenfori' totally weaves its disparate ideas together in the end. Still, I'm interested to see what will happen when Batel goes half-Gorn (or whatever that flower is going to do) and how the season will pick up on the Ortegas thread too. After last week's strong two-episode premiere, 'Shuttle To Kenfori' occasionally feels like a bit of a detour. But it keeps this season alive—and sometimes alive is all you need in a zombie story. Stray observations • I was trying to figure out if this episode's title is a play on something. Maybe the famed South Korean zombie movie Train To Busan? • I started rewatching Discovery after revisiting the first two seasons of Strange New Worlds and I'm so glad this show returned to the '90s Klingon look we know and love rather than the truly terrible revamp of Voq & co. • I also love the depiction of the Klingon shuttle, which is even more bird-like than their famed birds of prey. • I'm not sure the hair department has ever quite nailed the right look for Rebecca Romijn. And while it doesn't this week either (the braids look too much like a hat), I'm glad to see it continue to experiment! • It turns out B'itha was able to plant a tracker on M'Benga after he ate the olive on a drink a R'ongovian offered him. What a scheme. • Also, apologies if I'm getting the spelling of B'itha's name wrong. My screeners don't come with subtitles so I'm taking my best stab at Klingon there! • In case you need more of me writing about plant-related zombies, I recapped this most recent season of The Last Of Us too. More from A.V. Club Star Trek: Strange New Worlds boldly finding out if "puppet episode" still feels like a creative gimmick First Star Trek: Starfleet Academy trailer knows not to skimp on the Holly Hunter Staff Picks: A historical fiction podcast, and a drummer gone too soon Solve the daily Crossword
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
New ‘Alien: Earth' Footage Teases the Creepy Creatures to Come
The new series Alien: Earth has more than Xenomorphs killing humans; it's also got some new extraterrestrials fans of the franchise haven't seen before. In a new behind-the-scenes look, the cast and creator Noah Hawley offer some insight into the show's basic plot and what it'll bring to the larger franchise. Included in the footage are glimpses of unnamed species that range from an eyeball with tentacles to a big, centipede-looking thing, both of which want to get in humans' faces as much as the Xenomorph does. The creatures come from a Weyland-Yutani ship that specifically went out to find various species and bring them back for study, and you can imagine how well that went. Alien: Earth picks up in the aftermath of said ship crash-landing on the planet in the territory of the Prodigy corporation. Marines are on search and rescue duty, but entrepreneur Boy Cavalier thinks what's on the ship could give his company Prodigy a leg up on the competition, particularly after it successfully transfers the mind of young girl Wendy into a synthetic body played by Sydney Chandler. Like the films before it, Earth's dual extraterrestrial and synthetic threats will be used as a way to explore if humanity deserves to survive. And if it does its job right, it'll also leave the audience scared as hell; cast members like Babou Ceesay (Morrow) and David Rysdahl (Arthur Sylvia) talk about aliens putting the characters under a lot of stress and wanting to capture the terror of those earlier movies. We'll see how the show does when Alien: Earth premieres August 12 on FX and FX on Hulu. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Mail & Guardian
6 days ago
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
What goes into creating Sneaker LAB's sustainable sneaker care products?
We are well aware that the sneaker care industry has long relied on chemical-heavy formulas to clean, protect, and restore footwear. Those of us in the sneaker community have always held true to the idea that sneakers transcend the footwear category; they are cultural symbols, and sneakers continue to be feats of design and engineering within the fashion space. So, our vision at Sneaker LAB has always been clear, and predicated on two simple questions: how do we respect the care practices instinctive to our community, while moving the needle forward for fashion care practices that protect the planet? Our commitment to biotechnology-driven solutions prioritise both performance and environmental responsibility; what exactly goes into creating a sneaker care product that is effective, safe, and sustainable? At the core of our care products is probiotic biotechnology—a science-led, planet-first approach that harnesses beneficial microorganisms to break down dirt and grime at a molecular level. Unlike traditional cleaning agents that rely on harsh surfactants and synthetic chemicals, probiotic-based formulas leverage naturally occurring enzymes to digest organic matter. If it seems kind of sci-fi, well; that's because it is. Our process is futuristic, and our products are announcements that the future is here, now . The development of these probiotic enzymes begins in a controlled lab environment, in which specific bacterial strains are cultivated for their cleaning efficacy. Our bio-chemistry team isolates and grows these microorganisms in optimal conditions, ensuring they produce the enzymes necessary to degrade stubborn stains, odours, and biofilms on sneaker materials. These enzymes work continuously even after application, providing a long-lasting cleaning effect without the need for repeated use of harsh chemicals. What makes these probiotics even more fascinating is their ability to create a self-sustaining ecosystem on your sneakers. Instead of stripping materials of all bacteria—good and bad—like conventional cleaners do, our probiotic formulas encourage beneficial bacteria to outcompete the harmful ones. This means that every time you clean your sneakers, you're actively creating an environment that resists future grime and odour buildup. Creating a sustainable sneaker care product that is eco-conscious, includes ensuring that it performs at the highest level. How else would we convince you to take the road less travelled? Each Sneaker LAB product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure effectiveness on a wide range of sneaker materials, including leather, suede, canvas, mesh, and synthetic textiles. The research and development team conducts laboratory tests to measure cleaning efficiency, pH balance, and material compatibility. Controlled stain tests simulate real-world conditions, exposing sneakers to common contaminants like mud, food, and oil. These tests help refine the formula to deliver optimal cleaning power while preserving the integrity of delicate materials. Luckily, we have been around for some time and the wear-testing we do today is conducted within our community. Our product must meet the expectations of sneaker collectors, athletes, and everyday wearers: and they do. Beyond functionality, our team ensures that the probiotic-based formulas don't degrade the adhesives that hold sneakers together or cause unexpected colour changes. The goal is to provide a cleaning solution that sneaker lovers can trust—one that works on rare archival Jordans just as well as on your everyday pairs, that encounter all kinds of surfaces and terrains. Sustainability is a vast concept, encompassing many facets. Alongside our commitment to the environment, our ethical considerations are equally important. Sneaker LAB ensures that all its products are cruelty-free, meaning they are never tested on animals. We take care and pride in maintaining ethical supply chain practices, working with suppliers that uphold fair labour standards and environmentally responsible production methods. Our commitment to social responsibility also extends to community initiatives; so the things that make us sustainable are broader than our product offering. We know firsthand how sneaker culture and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. We're also As the demand for sustainable care products grows, so does the potential for innovation. We continue to invest in research and development to enhance its probiotic cleaning technology and refine formulas for even greater efficiency. Looking ahead, we believe the future of sneaker care lies in circular systems—in which packaging can be upcycled, refilled, or composted, and where biotech advancements further reduce environmental impact. With continued commitment to sustainability, we're shaping a cleaner, greener future for the footwear and fashion industries. Sneaker culture is built on passion, and caring for sneakers should reflect that same dedication. By choosing products that prioritise both performance and the planet, we are dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable future—without compromising on style, or our shared love for design.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Donkey Kong Bananza' Review: Have A Banana
This is easily one of the best platformers of recent years. The latest entry in the Donkey Kong series is a banana-fuelled blast, and may be one of the best platforming games in recent years. The main setup of the game has you control the titular Donkey Kong as he tackles the evil Void Company while venturing to the core of the planet to make things right. Developed by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza has a lot of functional and structural carry-overs from that game. Each new level, as you venture deeper into the planet, has distinct biomes and is effectively a mini-open-world layout. Now, in Super Mario Odyssey, you collected coins and moons to progress, whereas in Donkey Kong Bananza, it's more open-ended with additional currencies to choose from. The skill upgrades are as numerous as they are helpful. The currencies are also more functional here and are spread out over different areas of gameplay. The gold you mine goes into buying items, whereas fossils give you different clothes (which also afford differing attributes). The 'moons' in this instance are massive Banandium Gems, and these are used to upgrade a large and varied skill tree. This is because this game is as much about exploration as it is about destruction. The last game that nailed this kind of setup was the original Dragon Quest Builders, which still holds a fond place in my heart to this day. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Anyway, destroying an area in a fit of monkey rage is deeply satisfying and also gives you the currency for all the aforementioned upgrades. You also have fun challenges dotted around each area and tasks you have to complete in order to thwart the evil Void Company. Even as you tunnel underground, the camera keeps up fine. Boss fights are also ingenious and again help you satiate your banana-induced monkey rage. The game is also entirely massive and has a huge amount of replay value, as you go back and search for items and more Banandium Gems, so you definitely get your money's worth on this one. There's also a great musical component to the game, as Donkey Kong and Pauline sing songs, which makes for a lovely and characterful experience. As this is a new Switch 2 game, it does look lovely and runs very smoothly considering all the deformable terrain at work here. Controls are also very fluid, and the camera handles all the crazy bespoke tunnelling you do pretty well. Overall, Donkey Kong Bananza does what Super Mario Odyssey did before it: offer one of the best platforming games available on a new system. The fact that the bulk of the game is about wanton joyous destruction is also another big bonus. So, if you want to tunnel to the center of the planet and destroy most of it along the way, Donkey Kong Bananza is your kind of platformer. Donkey Kong Bananza Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 Developer: Nintendo EPD Publisher: Nintendo Released: 17th July 2025 Price: $69.99 Score: 9/10 Disclosure: Nintendo sent me a copy of this game for the purposes of this review. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
Washington Post
22-07-2025
- Science
- Washington Post
Try these hidden ‘NOPE' buttons to stop AI content
Let's say that you're worried about artificial intelligence turning us into mushy-brained monsters, draining resources from the planet, slurping all your data and human knowledge, preying on vulnerable minds, wiping out jobs, choking your favorite websites, lying to you or not being useful.
