Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Through the Lens of Time

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 5, “Through the Lens of Time,” balances the cerebral with a splash of horror in a very Trek-esque outing. If it broke your brain a bit (in the best way, of course), you’re not alone. Both A and B plots are quite strong, but there’s certainly more emotional heft to the latter with M’Benga and Gamble. 

Ancient Temples and Demons and Relationship Tension, Oh My!

Ensign Gamble finally gets to participate in an away mission. He’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed — the next generation (tee-hee) of Starfleet. Chris Myers conveys Gamble’s eagerness and infectious, vibrant energy so well that when Vezda overtakes the poor ensign, the shift is quite jarring.

Myers is the episodic MVP, and it’s refreshing to see a supporting character (much in the same vein as Batel) shine brighter than the rest. He seamlessly switches between Gamble’s bona fide sweetness and Vezda’s unadulterated malice with ease. It’s a juicy role for any actor, and Gamble squeezes every drop out of it. His chemistry with Babs Olusanmokun’s M’Benga, who always brings an air of gravitas to every scene he’s in, is the cherry on top. 

Gamble’s fight sequence with Batel in sickbay is epic. Melanie Scrofano has also had extra screentime this season, and she never disappoints. She brings a natural groundedness to Batel. Despite the elevated, futuristic universe she lives in, it really feels like Batel could exist now. 

Vezda’s release from Vadia Nine invites more questions regarding what Batel is now. She contains Gorn and Illyrian DNA, among other things, to keep her alive. Whatever’s inside her boasts a connection with Vezda. It’s old and angry. Here’s hoping Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues pulling the threads on that mystery this season. 

Gotta Have Trust (Especially in an Alien Prison)

Beyond that, “Through the Lens of Time” tackles a crucial theme: trust. The La’an/Spock/Chapel/Korby love square gets some time in the spotlight this week. Right out of the gate, we learn that La’an and Spock aren’t labeling their relationship. Not only that, but Chapel and La’an have it out in the open from the get-go. Thankfully, there’s no awkwardness between them, which is refreshing. 

However, there is some lingering tension, particularly between Chapel/Spock and Korby/Spock. The outing is a stark reminder that compartmentalization is vital in professional spaces. When lives are on the line, one must set aside any personal drama and trust their peers to see them through that hardship.

As Chapel remarks, “Trust is a two-way street.” Despite them butting heads, particularly Korby, who believes this temple/prison is the breakthrough of his scientific career, these characters learn to trust each other. 

The Door Is Open for More 

“Through the Lens of Time” is one of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds‘ most scientific episodes that challenges our perceptions of reality and what’s possible in quantum physics, marrying science with magic as our crew inadvertently unleashes an old demon into the universe. Could we see Gamble again as Vezda? My money is on “yes.” There’s more story to tell there, and I’m ready for it. 

Stray Observations: 

• You know, if Wynonna — ahem, Batel — had Peacemaker, she could send Vezda back to Hell — erm, the prison on Vadia Nine. 
• Pelia has seen some sh*t in her long, Lanthanite life. Sure, she was chewing the scenery for Beto’s camera, but I believe she’s genuinely terrified of whatever Vezda is. 
• She wanted to “exterminate” Gamble? Batel is a Dalek confirmed. 
• Listen, Chapel and Korby’s chemistry just doesn’t sizzle for me. It’s not on the same level as Chapel and Spock. I know Korby/Chapel is canon, but still. 
• La’an adopting Spock’s “fascinating” catchphrase is pretty damn cute. 
• The temple revelations make me feel like I took a potent edible and am waxing poetic about space (whether I’m actually spitting facts is irrelevant). 

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds drops new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+. 

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