Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4, Episode 2
"The Griffin Incident"
Writer: Robbie Thompson
Director: Axelle Carolyn
Cast: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, Rebecca Romijn
"Schisms." "The Thaw." "Come, Let's Away." Star Trek is no slouch when it comes to spinning a scary yarn. However, none can hold a candle to "The Griffin Incident," a fresh foray into the realm of the rattled that also happens to be Strange New Worlds' latest episode. Trust me—you'll want to leave the lights on with this one.
En route from a retreat, Spock (Ethan Peck), La'an (Christina Chong), and a returning James Kirk (Paul Wesley) happen upon the wreck of the USS Griffin, a starship that disappeared nine years ago under mysterious circumstances. Curious to uncover the truth, the trio beam aboard the derelict vessel to find walls pocked by phaser fire, a life support system about to (conveniently) expire in an hour, and an atmosphere laced with negatively charged ions.
After breaking down the doors to sick bay, La'an and Kirk continue their search through the ominous corridors, giving the pair a chance to catch up. Meanwhile, Spock accesses the main computer and discovers that Griffin security chief Rose Harper (Sorika Wolf) was responsible for systematically dispatching her crewmates after reports of increasingly erratic behavior among the group went unanswered by her superiors.
Deciding it's best to leave the Griffin’s fate in the hands of Division 12 (which I’ll bet dollars to donuts is run by some Starfleet equivalent of Mulder and Scully), the trio prepares to depart. Cue the hallucinations.
Spock comes face to face with his ex-fiancée T'Pring (Gia Sandhu), who blames herself for their failed engagement and claims she's eager to start over—not only by rekindling their relationship, but also helping Spock to become a better Starfleet officer by cutting away his Vulcan "impurities." At the same time, La'an encounters Harper, along with several members of the Griffin's crew, who prey on the growing insecurities about her lineage. Meanwhile, Kirk, attempting to restore communications and life support after their shuttle is damaged, is plagued by the cries of his infant son.
Fortunately, a rescue team consisting of Pike (Anson Mount), Ortegas (Melissa Navia), Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), and Sam Kirk (Dan Jeannotte) eventually arrives, claiming to have received a distress call from Spock. However, it doesn't take long to discover they're nothing more than additional hallucinations, conjured up to continue exploiting the trio's fears and anxieties. This deception culminates in a brutal confrontation when La'an gives in to her impulses and attacks a terrified Kirk.
Ultimately beamed back aboard the Enterprise—and not a moment too soon, if you ask this writer—the group is treated for their injuries, though left to grapple with the emotional scars of their ordeal. While physically healed, there's little doubt the events aboard the Griffin will continue to affect them as the season moves forward.
While not my favorite type of Star Trek episode, "The Griffin Incident" is a prime example of just how effortlessly this sci-fi stalwart can jump between genres. The minimalist score, ominous atmosphere, and steady stream of twists are certain to keep even longtime fans perched on the edge of their seats. Despite its relentless tension, though, the episode never skimps on character development. Whether it's Spock confronting the truth behind his falling out with T'Pring, La'an fighting to remain true to herself, or Kirk quietly coming to grips with the responsibilities of fatherhood as he inches ever closer to becoming the man destined to captain the Enterprise, Strange New Worlds continues to deliver on all fronts, resulting in a well-rounded, entertaining series that I'll be sad to see conclude in the months ahead.
In the end, "The Griffin Incident" is more than just 60 minutes of psychological anguish. It's a poignant reminder that, to paraphrase Captain Pike, space—the last truly great final frontier—is limitless not only in its beauty, but also in its ability to jump scare you right out of your pants!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need some cookies.
IYKYK.
