'Strange New Worlds' Episode Criticized for Over-Reliance on Illusions
The latest episode of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' titled “The Griffin Incident,” has drawn criticism for its reliance on horror elements and illusions that ultimately lack suspense due to the franchise's established canon. Critics argue that the episode's attempts to shock viewers with graphic scenes are undercut by the knowledge that major characters cannot be permanently harmed.
According to a review by Space.com, the episode ventures into R-rated horror territory with scenes such as T’Pring cutting off Spock’s ears and La’an stabbing Captain Kirk. These elements evoke a style more akin to 'Event Horizon' than traditional 'Star Trek' suspense.
Further analysis from Trekking with Dennis highlights the episode's visceral brutality, noting Sam’s death as one of the most gory in 'Star Trek' history, and Pike's illusionary self-mutilation as particularly gruesome. Despite the shocking visuals, the use of physical props over CGI was praised.
FandomPulse commentary points out that the episode's structure relies heavily on fake-outs, such as the crew jettisoning an escape pod believed to contain Spock, only for it to explode. The audience, aware of the canon, never truly believes in the threat of permanent death for characters like Spock.
The AV Club recap adds that the episode's hallucinated visions of the Enterprise crew are recognized as tricks, further diminishing the emotional weight of the narrative. A reference to the fate of Kirk’s son in 'Star Trek III: The Search for Spock' is noted, but the impact is lessened by the audience's awareness of the canon.