Star Trek: 13 best Strange New Worlds episodes ranked from worst to best
1. "A Quality of Mercy" (season 1, episode 10)
"A Quality of Mercy," the finale of the first season of this amazing series, ranks as my top episode for several compelling reasons. It's a perfect combination of nostalgia and innovation, acting as a bridge between the original Star Trek series and this new and exciting incarnation. This episode is a treasure trove for fans, offering a what-if scenario that cleverly weaves itself with the established Star Trek canon. It showcases Captain Pike dealing with the knowledge of his grim and unfortunate future, a storyline that tugs at the heartstrings and has plenty of emotional depth. The episode not only dives deep into Pike's character, making us empathize with his dilemma, but it also cleverly uses time travel - a quintessential Star Trek element - to create a narrative that's both thought-provoking and intense.
"A Quality of Mercy" excels in showing the ramifications of choices and the butterfly effect in the vast lore of the Star Trek universe. It stands out with its high-stakes storytelling, where the tension is beyond tangible and the emotional payoff is immense and worth it. This episode is a testament to the series' strength in character development, bringing a new level of complexity to beloved characters while staying true to their essence. The special appearances of familiar faces from the well-known Star Trek universe add an extra layer of excitement, making this episode a thrilling ride from start to finish. It's a perfect mix of action, emotion, and classic Star Trek ethos, making it not just the best episode of the season but a standout in the entire Star Trek franchise.
As we patiently sit here and wait for news regarding Strange New Worlds' third season, another rewatch of its first two incredible seasons is in order. Whether you agree with this ranking or not, there's no denying Strange New Worlds is an epic addition to the Star Trek franchise.
All Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episodes are streaming on Paramount+.