Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3, Episode 8
"Four-and-a-Half Vulcans"
Writer: Dana Horgan, Henry Alonso Myers
Director: Jordan Canning
Cast: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, Rebecca Romijn
In this age of "New Trek," Strange New Worlds has always been adventurous. However, in this week's episode, the aptly titled "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans," the show takes its biggest leap yet — straight into the realm of pure, unapologetic comedy. No, I'm not talking about something that's just going to be funny for Star Trek fans. It's a genuinely hilarious episode, one filled with rapid-fire jokes and absurd situations that feel far more sitcom than sci-fi. And, you know what? It totally works.
It's no secret that comedy has long been part of the Star Trek DNA. From "The Trouble With Tribbles" in 1967 to ludicrous Next Gen classics like "A Fistful of Datas" and "The Naked Now," the franchise has often found ways to inject humor into an episode without losing the point of the plot. What sets this episode apart, however, is that the story exists as a means to make you laugh, rather than just shoehorning some chuckles around a more traditional tale. Think of it almost like an episode of Friends — "The One Where The Crew Becomes Vulcan." The energy is unrelenting, and the jokes hit their mark with a blissful immediacy that's both fresh and loads of fun to watch.
A big reason why this episode works so well is due to the return of director Jordan Canning. As of this writing, she has now helmed four Vulcan-heavy episodes of Strange New Worlds, including "Spock Amok," "Charades," and the excellently impish "Wedding Bell Blues." It's clear she has a real knack for comedic timing. Every pause, every logical declaration, every perfectly deadpan glance lands, turning absurd setups into laugh-out-loud gold while still keeping the character's grounded. The episode's rhythm is so precise you barely have time to think about how silly the premise is — which is exactly what makes it all so great in the first place.
As for the comedy, it's a real blast. Anson Mount not only gets even wilder hair this week, he leans into the goofiness with a level of gusto that's endlessly entertaining. And that opening monologue? It's pure genius. Oh — and then there's Doug the Vulcan. Yep, you read that right. Doug. The fact that this guy exists is funny all on its own, and guest star Patton Oswalt (who has flexed his acting muscles in everything from The King of Queens to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Goldbergs) elevates him to a whole new level of comedic excellence. I especially enjoyed his post-credit riff with Spock. It felt free-styled and does a really great job of capping off the episode's playful, free-spirited energy.
While "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans" may be funnier than your average final frontier fare, there's still a lot of emotion packed in. Ethan Peck is a real standout this week, delivering one of his strongest Spock performances to date, one that's equal parts awkward, funny, and deeply loyal. Whether he's helping La'an navigate an alcohol-induced spiral or pretending to be Una's husband so as to douse Doug's affections, Spock's care for his crew is evident. It's a really great reminder of how seamlessly humor and heart exist in this world, mirroring our own experience as a species.
While it won't be for everyone, this bright, upbeat style of Star Trek storytelling has always been meaningful to me. More than a few years ago now, during my parents' rather shocking and messy divorce, episodes like this — hopeful, silly, and brimming with warmth — were a lifeline. The idea that a crew could stick together, support one another, and still have fun while facing impossible odds was comforting in a way little else was. Watching "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans," I was reminded of what gave Star Trek that magic: it's ability to make you laugh, make you think, and make you feel as though you belong in its optimistic universe, even on the hardest of days.
At its core, this episode once again proves how willing Strange New Worlds is to experiment. For those used to a slightly more solemn Trek, this week's story may feel like a wild detour from the norm. But, if you're willing to just take a seat and watch the franchise play, explore, and embrace some silliness while still keeping its soul, "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans" is an absolute standout. It's a clever, ridiculous reminder of why Star Trek's bright, fun universe matters both on and off the screen, and why a little laughter really can go a long way.
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