By Chad Shreeves
Where to stream it? Paramount+
Directed by: Dan Liu
Written by: Onitra Johnson & David Reed
Starring: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Rebecca Romijn, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding
There’s quite a bit to love about this week’s action (with a bit of horror) infused episode of Strange New Worlds. With a focus on Uhura and some stellar moments, it’s definitely a week to miss.
“Lost in Translation” opens with the Enterprise crew being sent to repair a docked mining frigate that suddenly went offline. When Uhura begins hearing strange noises that only she can hear and begins suffering intense nightmares, she must search the Enterprise, and herself, for the answers before a calamity strikes the ship.
What is really great about this episode is that while it is a big, action packed episode that really keeps up the pace throughout its hour, it’s still an emotional thrill ride as well. As Uhura struggles with the loss of Hemmer in season 1, we see that emotion and the trauma from those events in real time and how they affect the nightmare sequences is worked out so well.
It’s another episode where, while the focus is on Uhura, almost every member of the ensemble is still given something to do and they’re all used effectively, including returning guest stars Pelia and James Kirk. They all are given their own interactions and nothing really feels like a side story, it’s all in service to the narrative of the episode which is a great addition.
Once again, “Lost in Translation” features some of the best production design of any modern sci-fi show. Practical sets, huge expansive areas and when they do use CGI (what show set mostly in space won’t), it’s used well and never feels too off-putting. It really helps the show actually feel alive.
There are a few moments of the episode that seem to drag on a bit. When the episode works, it really works. But some of the dialogue does feel a little off and it throws off many of the scenes where it’s just characters talking. Also, the resolution of this episode is very…convenient to say the least. It just didn’t feel natural at all and kind of just moved on from it. Lastly, there is one moment in the final minutes that ends up being a little too forced and just there for the fan service.
But for the most part, this is an episode that really shows both some thrilling moments while still telling a very emotional, character driven storyline. It’s not perfect, but it’s another win for Strange New Worlds and another chapter in an excellent, excellent season so far.
Final Score:
