Strange New Worlds taps into some vintage Star Trek spirit to turn La’An into a pretty, pretty princess
The show conjures up a sequel to season one’s “The Elysian Kingdom.”
The episode "Once La'An A Time" from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds offers a nostalgic twist on the franchise's essence by giving the character La'An a fairy tale makeover. The series, in its search for a strong finale for season four, has emphasized La'An's internal struggles due to her unique augmented DNA. These have ranged from her superpowers to horror movie scenes and relationships with Spock.
The "Elysian Kingdom" episode, a reimagining of Season One's "The Elysian Kingdom," delves into La'An's dual nature - her grumpy exterior and whimsical inner child. While Christina Chong's performance is commendable, the narrative doesn't fully capitalize on the intriguing concept it presents. The episode is lively, but its humor is less novel compared to the comedic episodes of the season.
The production values of the episode are commendable, with top-notch costumes, dragon special effects, and a remarkable prosthetic werewolf. However, noticeable ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement) issues in early sequences and inconsistencies in later scenes suggest extensive post-production alterations. The episode is a fun ride, especially in its latter half, with strong performances by Mount, Peck, Chong, and Wesley.
It successfully blends humor and emotion, offering an enjoyable experience that captures the spirit of The Original Series.
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