Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 6 Review: The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 6, “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail,” puts Kirk in the captain’s chair as he works together with some TOS crew members. Of course, this isn’t the Kirk we know from Star Trek: The Original Series, but one who hasn’t had the conn in a time of crisis until now. Paul Wesley steps up to the plate as this outing’s acting MVP, proving he could easily carry a series as Kirk (cough, cough). 

The Dog Who Caught the Car

“The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” effectively builds on the burgeoning bond between Wesley’s Kirk and Ethan Peck’s Spock. Kirk learns to trust Spock as his future first officer, and the two even exchange a few witty remarks. Their chemistry feels as natural as it is compelling. 

Wesley always approaches Kirk from a grounded, honest place. He’s never over the top in his portrayal. Here, he’s equal parts vulnerable, nuanced, and darkly funny. This episode feels like a true tether between his iteration of the franchise-famous captain and William Shatner’s Kirk. We can see how he organically becomes the Kirk of TOS. There’s a real, profoundly relatable humanity to him. 

Additionally, “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” explores the dynamic between Kirk and Scotty, which we hadn’t seen much of yet until this point. Wesley and Martin Quinn play off each other well, especially as Kirk and Scotty’s different personalities and approaches to conflict clash. Much of the episode’s comedy comes from their interactions (and Pelia, of course). Really, it’s great seeing Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Chapel, and Scotty interact. It hits you right in the nostalgia feels. 

Action and Tension

There’s an intriguing dichotomy between the goings-on aboard both vessels. While both are part of the same narrative, the Enterprise boasts more physical action. As for the Farragut, the creatives deftly produce and build a gradual tension, primarily through dialogue and the actors’ performances. In a way, it feels like classic Star Trek. This also gives Wesley a chance to chew the scenery. 

This episode’s gut-punch of a plot twist injects the story with a hefty dose of pathos. It also weighs heavily on Kirk. That scene with Pike and Kirk at the end about empathy in a leadership position is utterly wonderful. It’s a meditation on the choices we make as leaders and how we must live with them regardless of the outcome. 

With Great Power…

There’s power in our decisions, and when you’re in a role in which lives are on line, well, you know what they say: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” Kirk grapples with the massive death toll on the scavenger ship — 7,000 humans. It’s hard to humanize our adversaries, even the ones who are human. Pike believes in having empathy for Starfleet’s foes, and he imparts this belief to Kirk. Empathy goes a long way. 

In addition, that plot twist highlights how our environment significantly shapes who we are. The scavengers became the product of their environment; their ancestors suffered, and that generational trauma was passed down to them. That’s where the aforementioned empathy comes into play. We never know what could’ve catalyzed someone’s journey down a dark path if we’re meeting them in that state.

“The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” is easily Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3’s best episode thus far, and it’s rather Kirk-heavy. Thankfully, Paul Wesley is more than up to the task. Beyond that, it’s a wholly entertaining, thrilling, thought-provoking outing that provides escapism in spades. 

Stray Observations: 

• This is a Pelia stan account. Seriously, Carol Kane is an absolute gift of a performer. Every line is gold. I’d watch the hell out of a Pelia spin-off (perhaps where we see her be a roadie for the Dead). 
• On another Pelia-related note, she remarks that an old friend once said, “Let there be light.” Is this confirmation that Pelia was buddies with God? Does he exist in this universe?
• Admittedly, watching Kirk sit in the chair (well, rather, a captain’s chair) gave me goosebumps. I’m warming up to the idea of a Year One series. 
• Fun fact: John Logie Baird appears in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary special, “The Giggle.” Another long-running sci-fi property. 
• Who knew a landline phone from the ’80s would help save the day? Sometimes, analog is the way to go. 
• I’d love a pet sehlat, please, and thank you. 
• Redshirts always die, am I right?

---

What did you think of this episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

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

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!