Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Review: Ghosts of Illyria (Season 1 Episode 3)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 1 Episode 3, “Ghosts of Illyria,” is another solid entry in a Star Trek series in the early episodes of getting off the ground. 

In the Star Trek universe, it’s always a brilliant idea to separate the Captain and possibly one other crew member from the rest of the ship. Chaos often ensues in the best possible way.

This episode obliges and sends the Silver Fox Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and the sultry-voiced Spock (Ethan Peck) to be trapped on a planet on their own… sort of. 

It’s been established that these two are already incredibly dynamic together and have built-in chemistry that’s enthralling to watch.

Surprisingly, however, this dynamic duo isn’t necessarily the most compelling relationship featured. That’s a good thing because the risk becomes relying on these two established characters to carry the entire series. 

Having Pike and Spock separated from the rest of the crew allows Una to take the reigns of leadership, and Rebecca Romijn absolutely shines.

Seriously, with so many solid performances, Romijn’s is a stand-out. Watching this character wrestle so viscerally with her very identity and whether or not to be honest about it just adds an appreciation for how dynamic Romijn’s performance is.

If there was any doubt that this is a compelling character, it’s dispelled definitively. She’s clearly so well-suited for leadership, especially when she comes to terms with her identity and past and stops hiding.

This episode also asks uncomfortable yet necessary questions. If Una hadn’t saved the lives of the crew, would Pike have been so eager to defend her to Star Fleet?

In a futuristic society as advanced as the Star Trek universe, it’s interesting to consider the fact that prejudices remain. Although they may evolve over time, why are they still a part of the human experience?

There’s also room to question Star Fleet itself and how it has codified these prejudices as an institution. This is always such an integral part of Star Trek, allowing space to critique the very foundations while allowing the universe to be what it is. 

Star Trek has never shied away from asking tough questions. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues this legacy and really said they’re going to make us think.

Relatedly, the idea to put Una opposite La’an (Christina Chong) is ingenious. It’s truly this duo’s chance to shine. 

One benefit of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is that new fans can essentially join in and enjoy, although there are many references to various other Star Trek entities. 

La’an’s story is a pretty perfect blend of these old and new fandoms. Her character is a descendant of the infamous Star Trek villain Khan, and this episode gets into it.

In an episode that takes a closer look at identity, accepting yourself, and being honest with those around you, La’an is another perfect character to speak about her past and how she relates to her ancestors.

It’s important to see this character wrestle with such a heavy and horrendous legacy. The trauma in this character’s past is evident, and it’s clear she’s at a crossroads between accepting and processing versus continuing to hide and conceal.

While nothing is resolved definitively, hopefully, this will come up again as the series moves forward. 

The relationship between Una and La’an is the female friendship Trekkies deserve. Their dynamic is endearing, and there’s clearly mutual respect here. They have a history, and they must confront it to move forward. 

We need more female friendships on our screens, and these two are practically perfect together. The banter, the differing viewpoints, and the resolutions all combine to make a near-perfect package.

Theirs is a friendship that will hopefully continue to evolve in a meaningful way. Their imperfections are the perfect way to bring them together in a way we can all root for. 

The actual storyline itself, a virus spread by light, is a terrifying one in our current world. It’s so topical, if a bit too soon in a way. This episode brilliantly captures the claustrophobia of a lockdown, even if it is lifesaving.

M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) is also keeping secrets, apparently. The fact that we now know he’s fighting to save his daughter just makes his character more endearing than he already was. 

The episode comes full circle, then, with Una agreeing to help him after his secret is revealed. It’s a poignant parallel that speaks to this series’ ability to be its own unique entity in the midst of the Star Trek universe.

Finally, another thread woven through this episode is the absolute terror that accompanies the feeling of helplessness. This, too, is classic Star Trek.

What do you do when you can do nothing? It’s an infuriating experience and a reminder of human limits that exist even among the stars. 

The fact that the episode was able to tell a complete, self-contained story with larger themes within a single episode is absolutely a call-back to the earliest days of Star Trek.

This episode is ultimately further proof that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is up to the task of carrying on the Star Trek legacy. 

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds airs Thursdays on Paramount+.

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