Star Trek Prodigy Season 2 EPISODE 6-10 Review
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- This may be Modern Star Trek's best season.
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I know this is such a stretch but when Wesley assembled the whole group of seven and then Janeway showed up just as the group went through the portal leaving just Janeway and Wesley behind, my immediate thought was "Well there goes 7 of 9"
Good point.
The relationship building this season was something next level for a kids show.
Best thing about Prodigy is it makes Picard seasons 1 and 2 feels like if they were actually important.
Yeah but there was some conflictions in the timeline. Season 1 of Picard, Picard has been retired for years. In Season 2 of prodigy they considered Picard to be a active Admiral. Also the Sinth attack happened when Picard was retired as well.
@@anthonygordon9483 He retired after the Synth attack on Mars because the Federation halted the Romulan evacuation. Season 1 is set several years after the synth attack.
@@LVRugger No, he retired after Romulus was destroyed. Which is why he had Romulan Refugees at his home. Romulan were so dislike that he retired after the Destruction of Romulas. Not the Synth attack. In Prodigy they mentioned both events. Janeway tried to reach him but they said he was helping Romulans escape the destruction of their planet. And they still considered him a Admiral when the Synth attack happened
@@anthonygordon9483you should watch season 1 of Picard again. He literally meets people on Vashti that he evacuated, but are mad at him because he didn’t evacuate their family. He retired after Starfleet’s withdrawal following the synth attack, his conversation with Raffi in the flashback makes that clear. Also his retirement was a gambit to convince the brass to continue funding the evacuation, he didn’t expect them to call him on his bluff. That’s a major part of why he was so bitter in his retirement a decade later.
They turned Wesley into The Doctor and I'm here for it!
The writers are doing what Star Trek Online s doing, taking disparate parts of the continuity and tying them together in a way that enhanced the lore.
They are doing the work of the Prophets.
I finished watching the entire season, and all I can say is that I want season 3, and more seasons.
I'm so glad to see Wil Wheaton get to come back as Wesley Crusher. I've read many of his blog posts, listened to his audiobook, and consumed other media he's put out where he's talked at length about the fraught relationship he had with the character for so long, then came to embrace and love Wes, regretting his decision to leave Next Gen. It really feels like he's been given a second chance to truly step into the character and complete him. I can only imagine how much of a joy it is for him, and I genuinely hope it IS a joy for him. I hope he gets to do more with Wes. I hope he gets to be the official ambassador for Star Trek (like how Charles Martinet is the Mario Ambassador for Nintendo). He has taken such a long, circuitous path from Wes only to finally come back to this him, after being separated from him for so long where he could get some distance and really come to embrace him. I wish I could have been in the room when he was offered the role. I want to believe he either squealed with glee or broke down sobbing in joy and gratitude. He deserves to have a healthy, kind, joyous relationship with the character and the greater universe he once belonged to... and is an important part of once again. I'm excited to see where this goes.
Even though it’s a children series, they don’t dumb it down. It’s written smart so even adults like me can enjoy it. And someone finally wrote Wesley Crusher right.
They should write him out of an airlock.
I’m making sure everyone I know is watching this! It is so amazing!!! I jumped out of my seat when Wesley popped up on the screen. They are doing such a great job. Season 3 has to happen. 🖖❤️
Love the Zero episode, the concept of a society made up of non-corporeal beings that found a way to grow organic bodies is so interesting, and I really like how there's not really an antagonist in it, just a hard choice for Zero to make.
Also, it might have just been the voices, but the people on that planet really reminded me of The Talos Principle 2 with the way they talked and some of the larger ideas.
Perhaps my favorite thing about that particular episode was how the other beings were not evil or malicous or super-secretive about the whole thing. They were understanding and supportive of Zero's decision, happy they met them, and wished them well on their future.
@myriadmediamusings I love that the only reason they didn't tell Zero that nobody chooses to leave because they would slowly lose their bodies if they do was because they wanted them to get to fully experience being *alive* before they made a choice about whether or not to give it up.
The most sinister thing they do is actually just them trying to make sure the decision is fully understood, and there's no judgment when Zero doesn't stay, just hope that the choice works out for them.
@@cfsfilms5091 The only thing that confused me about this was all the other 'initiates' (for lack of a better word) seemed to know about this life-threatening run that they were about to take part in. Why were they all informed about it but Zero wasn't? It would have made more sense if none of them knew that a giant flying manta ray was about to try and eat them.
@@Bastion90 But what makes you think the initiates knew? Maybe only those who alreaday had gone through it were aware.
Love the new Zero, and I think there's something to develop between them (not sure of their gender) and M'Jel. There's a chemistry there!
The other big connection to modern Trek was also in the first episode - Janeway mentions that most of Starfleet's efforts are focused on the relief effort for the Romulans' supernova crisis, which means that Voyager escaped the vicinity of Mars anywhere between weeks and hours ahead of the android crisis that led to tanking Picard's career as seen in Picard season 1.
Going by the stardates it was a couple of months, but yeah oof.
Honestly I really like the review of five episodes at once. It makes this a great audio when I’m getting ready to face the day.
Jessie: prasing another star trek show
Tendi: ominously watching from the shadows...
The season continued to be great as it progressed, culimating in episode 9 & 10 where my jaw dropped at so many things. WESLEY CRUSHER was their mysterious benefactor? His Doctor Who like mannerisms and base of operations? Outright mentioning the mushroom network from DIS and the Kelvin Timeline? Time eater monsters that definitely pushed the show over the edge with its casualty rate? Gary freaking Seven's apartment?
Was also great that Maj'el completed her promotion to main character by being part of the puzzle. Cant help but be super invested in her ship with Zero, who more than deserves it after their episode on the coporeal body planet.
Kelvin timeline got renamed "Narada incursion universe" by Wesley 😅
The episode titles you have are the French translations. The correct episode titles can be read at the end of the opening title sequence to each episode.
The body degrading once it leaves the planet could also be an allegory for aging
I think that’s exactly what they were going for. It reminds me of when Data first learns of his mortality and that he might die in Times Arrow and how he was relieved because he didn’t know if he would just outlive everyone he ever meets and loves.
100% ageing and disability, with the cane and the gradually-expanding wrinkles
Prodigy is a master class in using legacy characters in ways that don't feel like fan service!
I can already hear Steve's groan after Rok-tahk's reaction to Wes.
Actually, Steve liked Wesley's appearance. it was in his review.
Was it the real Steve or a hologram duplicate with a reversed personality?
@@Bastion90I'm not surprised (not watching his review until I'm done with the season). He's fine with call-backs and fanservice, as long as they're _in service_ of the story and not the other way around.
To that end, Rok's fangirling gave new _Trek_ viewers all the info they needed to understand who Wes was.
@@gregorybaker5558 Oo do you think Steve and Jessie have done the old switcheroo? :P
@@GSBarlev Yep, that was his reasoning, and I agree in this case. The Prodigy writers really know how to bring back/reference previous shows in the right way. They are excellent writers and storytellers.
KITTY!!
OMG congrats on your engagement!
This season made me move this show up on my ranking of all the shows. Two spots. It was sooo good.
It's nice to see impressive tv script writing, executed well. I really hope this season is successful enough to win a third season.
This series as a whole is easily some of the best star trek we've had in decades. Absolutely love it and all it's Voyager connections ☕❤
I just finished watching the season, it was just what I needed after a bit of a rough time. I loved seeing Wesley again and seeing him act as the Doctor Who type of the trek universe was so cool. Loved the connection to assignment Earth and season 2 of Picard. Seeing the characters grow was great, especially exploring a relationship between a Vulcan and a non-corporeal. While it's a shame that Robbie Beltran has become so problematic, he still gave a great performance especially after he was so disengaged in the last few seasons of Voyager. Although all things considered I would have preferred Captain Harry Kim in that role. I really hope Prodigy gets another season and that we'll get to see these characters in live action someday.
I hypothesise that part of the reason Prodigy is so good is that it's technically for children. Writers who write for children have it in mind not to underestimate their audience, apparently moreso than writers writing for adults. These guys evidently trust their audience to not need talking down to. Every now and then I find myself thinking "that seems a bit simplistic- oh, right, this IS a kids' show." and then I carry on being stunned by how good it is.
Also. Wesley. WESLEY TIMELORD CRUSHER. Do you think Wil got to choose which ugly sweater his character would wear? Because that was hands down the ugliest of the lot.
I wish there had been a moment where he saw Ma'Jel's Nova Squadron pin, I bet that would have brought up some complicated emotions in him.
Honestly the PIC S2 and PIC S3 end cameos were the wrong way around. Q broke Kore out of that house, Jack was Wesley's brother.
Using Wesley Crusher as a mentor figure for a much of precocious teenage cadets? A Fantastic choice and Will Wheaton's performance fitted in here far better than it did in Picard season 2. The fact that he is now basically 'The Doctor' was great as well.
I actually thought, that giving him a spot here, and such an important spot was way better than giving him that short appearance in ST picard.
here, he had actual things to say and do.
spoilers from here on
it slightly broke continuity for me, by him meeting and talking to beverly at the end of season 2, while beverly told picard later, that she had no contact at all to wesley.
@@robertheinrich2994 Well, that was about twenty years in the future. which is plenty of time for Wes to not check in again.
@@HDimagination but in picard, I thought the conversation was about wesley having disappeared right in front of all of them.
but of course, there could be one simple solution: wesley asked his mother to keep her mouth shut. but he also saw his brother, who was a toddler, so might just not have remembered.
I think this version of Wheaton as Wesley is very doctor who because of the outfit and the rambles, also HIS ROOM IS LITERALLY A TARDIS CONSOLE. Also can we appreciate how good wesleys model is in this, I think it’s one of the best models of a legacy character
I wanna see Tendi in Prodigy style animation....
two or three 1hr episodes of "The Tendi Tales" her adventures in the Orion Syndicate
mmmmmm, I can dream lol
Funny. I prefer _LDS'_ animation style, and I would die of delight if my gals Rok and Gillian made an appearance on the Cerritos.
@@GSBarlev That is funny lol.
I didn't state my animation style preference. (It's none of the Treks LOL)
@@GSBarlev tho Rok would be cute AF
I actually thought the Orion science officer in the turbolift on Voyager-A was her, similar voice but I forgot to check the credits. But she definitely had a more-yellow hue of green than Tendi, more like that guy she met on DS9.
Thanks, Jessie. Something I never thought I'd be typing: I'm so happy to see Wesley Crusher. This season is AMAZING.
The time eraser beasts reminded me of a mix between Langoleers (similar function) and "Matrix" Machines (similar form).
there is a simple situation, why star trek needs such a show like this: they travelled to gary sevens apartment. this was great. I guess, that they wanted to do something like that in picard S2, but that would require rebuilding that set from the ground up, and you will always get fans that will pick apart on slight errors.
but with an animated series, they can work around it. the explanation "it's that way because it's animated" is sufficient.
So many people sleep on LD and PRO on the grounds that its a cartoon, as if that format were inferior. They underestimate it at their own peril because of how animation can allow for so many possibilities that are difficult for live action.
@@myriadmediamusings I would love to know what stories the writers have come up with during the existence of star trek, where filming, special effects etc just said: "well, nice story, but we just can't do that with out technical limitations".
That nova squad redemption arch was something i never thought i needed
I'm loving it, but I also love the characters of Wesley Crusher and Chakotay (and obviously Janeway). It's pure chaos, and I'm enraptured. Loving every new character and every old character.
I have to agree with you on the assessment of the show. Growing up with the original show, this is Star Trek at its best. My favorite of modern Star Trek shows. I'm in my late 50s and think it's awesome and bring on season 3
Thanks for making these Prodigy review videos. I look forward to them.
RUclipsrs, such as you, added greatly to my Trek enjoyment!
18:21 I didn’t think Dahl was feeling like he wasn’t deserving of being a captain, in the image from the future. It’s more like he was recognizing that someone else would make a better one for that time. I like how that conflict was resolved for Dahl later on.
Prodigy is really held back by being the animated kids show
So far, this season is the best thing in Star Trek since DS9, but few will give it a chance for being kids oriented
Not seen 10 but oh my god the Doctor Who vibes it is giving off in ep 9 is off the charts awesome! I'm beginning to think Dal's "timey wimey" in the trailer was no accident! You've got paradox scavangers (Hello Father's Day from 9), you've got Wesley going full on Doctor, him and Gwen as Doc and companion, the dialogue, the opening of space to grab stuff out of a cubby hole. And, ignoring ALL of that, we get Janeway ripping Jellico a new one. I am grinning like an absolute loon right now. 😁
As to the Netflix binge model… I think it might benefit from dropping into chunks. If Prodigy was four weekly 5-episode releases, it’s enough to feel binge, but natural breaks to build buzz and give the fans time and space to discuss things while on the same page, rather than tiptoeing around spoilers.
Episode titles according to what you see at the end of the opening credits, and vefified by IMDB:
Episide 6- Imposter Syntdrome,
Episode 7- The Fast and the Curious
Episode 8- Is there in Beauty no Truth?
Episodes 9-10- The Devourer of All Things Parts 1 and 2
All of which are *much* better titles than the ones listed by Netflix
@@jaimebabb9968 well yeah, Netflix's titles are "Episode 1", Episode 2", "Episode 3"...
The Loom is reminiscent of the critters from Father's Day, but also the crack in time. But also, Wesley taking Gwun's hans and them running down hallways was very Doctor Who
They also feel like the aliens that manipulated time from Edge of Tomorrow
I loved how the holo-double conceit resolved-I couldn't imagine Rok fighting herself, and it's a testament to the writers that _neither could they!_
I think there's a lens to view Zero's corporeal journey as a trans metaphor/allegory. They're not comfortable or themselves in the body or form they were born with and seek methods to change that so they can exist and interact with the world in the way that feels most true or authentic to them. It's certainly flawed in the way much allegory is but I think it's another way to see the story. (I have also only seen to ep 10, so no idea if I or Jessie are right or if we're both wrong)
Late to watching this season, but I’m so happy Tyssess got at least some spotlight in that away mission, as a lover of Andorians I’ve been loving his character from when he first appeared and I’m glad he got to do SOMETHING cool. Also he appears to be doubling as Security Chief given that he answered when Janeway called them, which is cool and makes sense for an Andorian like we saw in ENT.
I’ve watched through S2E16 and am impressed with the writing and the pace. The stories aren’t dumbed down at all. It doesn’t feel like a kids show at all. It occurred to me that they have original solutions to the problems facing the characters. At times, the other Trek shows have referenced solutions previous series (Kirk did “this”. Picard did “that”.). The animation continues to be gorgeous. It might be a blessing in disguise that Prodigy is on Netflix. Netflix has better video and audio quality than P+.
Have just finished watching Episode 12 and about half way through I'm saying to myself "this is some of the best Star Trek ever". It's just fabulous. I love the writing and characters and of course the graphics are truly exceptional. Thanks so much for a great review, as per usual. Such a shame you don't have enough time to go into more detail and I agree it would be better if we couldn't binge watch. It's very difficult not to though as it's so great. Cheers. Love you Jessie.
Prodigy is the best Star Trek of the modern era (streaming). Excellent storytelling, vocal acting, visually appealing and most of all, the writing and directing is done WELL.
They're nailing it and so are you in terms of why it's so good. Never expected this to be right up there with my favorite, best Trek, plus pushing ahead and above in its own ways. I so wish that we could save Lower Decks. Imagine a crossover episode between this and that!
Thanks Jessie. I watched all 20 episodes in two days. Fantastic. I really enjoyed it. The writers have done an amazing job. I really like how they extended some of the ideas and concepts from other series and some of the science and science fiction concepts. I loved all of the pickups of other characters and things from other series. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it all yet by getting too specific.
Prodigy in my opinion is the best example of making a star trek that can appeal to a larger audience and be inclusive without losing the story or feel of star trek. Prodigy is also one of the few shows that doesn’t shy away from easter eggs and going into the lore of the other trek shows. Zero having a love interest gives me odo and kira vibes. And im all for it. I think the term “trash bag Klingons” is accurate and should be put in the show. I could see someone calling them that
Congratulations on your engagement!!!
Wesley was a great call back, but we also get some star trek tos call back to the episode assignment earth 🌎 this is a fantastic star trek show, hopefully we'll get at least one more season
I like how it combines two of Roddenberry’s least-scientific episode ideas. It’s wild how Prodigy draws on TOS way more than TNG or even DS9&VOY did.
This really has been a great season of Trek. I worry that it might be a little too lore heavy for newer viewers, but still a fantastic watch for me.
And I suspect that we now have an answer on who Time Guy is - Wesley?
Yeah. It was a blink-and-you-miss-it thing, but I legit think we actually got a Future Guy answer.
Or at least, someone who used the same communication tech as Wesley.
Wes' tech is way more advanced than Future Guy's-they make a point in _ENT_ that Daniels is from a later era than him, which is why Future Guy can only transmit his appearance.
But I did appreciate the line about the Temporal Wars (even if the causality of it all makes my head hurt).
Loving S2!
Congrats, Jessie and partner! 💞
6:10 now this is pod racing
Hey! I caught up! I'll rank Prodigy season 2 above Discovery season 5, and I did enjoy that one as well. Prodigy is so good it amazes me Parimount canceled the series. And my goodness, continuing Wesley's story from TNG! Amazing. What a ride this is.
1. In this episode of Prodigy, "There's some X Factor I didn't account for," says Wes. Well, the Law of Switching Words Around In a Phrase and Having It Automatically Sound Ultra Deep and Insightful dictates that there can be only one answer: If there was a missing X-Factor in Prodigy, there was a missing Prodigy in X-Factor.
That Prodigy can only be the knowledge-absorbing mutant named Prodigy, who was indeed recently in X-Factor. I can't help but notice that the textual X Factor was Gwyn. Gwyn, who knows a LOT of languages. Gwyn, who has a lot of KNOWLEDGE. Gwyn, who is a young genius. Gwyn, the... Prodigy. Gwyn is the Star Trek Prime Universe variant of Prodigy. It's self-evident. It's settled. You think Ma'Jel knows what Zero is thinking? Pfft. Gwyn absorbs the knowledge of everybody in close proximity. And psi-blockers don't work, b'cuz it's passive telepathy.
2. Not only does Rok resemble Ben Grimm - they both have four-fingered hands.
3. I really hope they're teeing up a correction to the Ancient White Aliens thing, and other work toward repairing the ouch done by Con-digenous Insultant Jackie Marks.
Of the modern shows, Prodigy is my third favourite, barely behind SNW and LD, which kind of flip for first place, episode to episode. I did mainline the entire series yesterday, but do lament that I couldn't get a per episode review from you, Steve, Trek Culture, et al. Really looking forward to your thoughts on ... uh... Well, no spoilers. But 100% appreciate the writing in Prodigy, where they've got such a deft touch, the references come accross as genuine world building.
I couldn't help but feel there were a few Dr Who refrences.
19:42 boy howdy, are they ever! I want season 3 so bad!
I agree with the binge model issues. I think it is fine when a show is new but once it has been established, people look forward to it and want to talk about it, but not everyone has the time to binge an entire season, or even half a season. My own preference would be to release two episodes each week, enough to satiate but not get overwhelmed and can be talked about without rushing to binge and avoid spoilers.
This season is great, I really hope we get some sort of continuation. A third season, a movie or two, I’ll take whatever we can get. :)
Wil has been saying for years at conventions that he saw Wesley as a Time Lord, so it was very satisfying to see that fully realized here. I'm sure Wil had a lot of input on the character
0:50 but you and your partner already have sweet-sweet engagement. 😆
IRL I know no other prodigy fans. But I knew you'd get it.
Awesome thats its back
I devoured the season in 1 day.
It's my favorite season of Star Trek. It goes so hard.
Lol same, I fully intended to take my time with the show. First planned with one a day, then as my viewing progressed it quickly changed from two a day, five a day, 10 a day, and then eventually just all 20 in one go.
Currently doing a rewatch with two a day, but that many are confessing to doing the entire season in one go is a good sign of its quality.
I am absolutely in agreement that these episodes should have been weekly. Paramount really messed up. Wesley is not going to get the discussion he deserves because people are going through the season at different speeds
I watched them all as soon as they dropped and now I want more lol
This season is SOOO good!! I loved season 1 but I agree with Jessie that season 2 is actually better which I think is how all shows should develop. Each season is better than the previoius one. They have done such a great job and I am so happy Netflix decided to grab it because knowing what I know now, I would have been very sad had #2 not happened. I hope we have a season 3 but I am also happy with how it ended because it really does lead into Season 1 of Picard so they did a great job with that. As Steve Shives said, the ending however sets up a Season 3 really well if they decide to go down that road.
This season is so great! Cameos to tie up dropped threads that become more than cameos is everything.
Outer Wilds river music!
Great show!!!
Re Majel: I find it quite funny that you didn't catch the reference in your first video, because I've watched the whole season I didn't catch it either, not _until_ I heard you mention her name in the first video
I did ship Z & Maj.
I think my favorite thing about animated trek is how all the character models look in terms of how Janeway is now. The now of my nit picks for Star Trek is when the have to age a character up with makeup, they make them look like they’ve aged 30 years instead of just 10 or 15. Like a full head of gray hair and just wrinkles everywhere and she’s supposed so be like only in her early or mid 50s.
I dunno what to say in this comment since I'm watching all your reviews one after another. Um... Good review! I guesss I could say that Episode 6 was my least favorite of this season from what I remember, which is funny cause it was my least favorite episode of season 1 as well.
I don't think the fact that you're reviewing five episodes at a time is what's causing the videos to tank, I think it's because many of us are slower to catch up with watching the show, and then have to remember to come back and find the reviews from you, from TrekCulture, from Vera (although I don't think she has done any yet, has she?), from Steve Shives (can't watch his until I've got all the way through, so still 10 episodes to go!), and so on.
The best Star Trek yet?
Fucking right it is!!!
Having watched up to E14, I will avoid spoilers.
Will just say Wahoo!!!!
P.S. I just adore Roh-tahk.
EDIT: Kazon=Trash bag Klingons? OOOOOOH LOL so right!
14:25 You're a Whovian? "I'm very happy, and not at all surprised" (See "Tipping the Velvet")
This show is great!
I haven't been watching it for a couple reasons, first and foremost is that I haven't had Netflix in probably a year, maybe longer. Also, I just didn't like season 1 as much as some people: I found Dal rather annoying for a large amount of the show; Jankom occasionally grated, too; best girl Rok-Tahk was underutilized outside of the best episode, Time Amok; and frankly, I didn't find most episodes well written or even too entertaining, just passing that "good enough to spend 20ish minutes week to week" bar. All that said, I appreciate the enthusiasm and love for the show, which is why I like to watch these videos.
The binge model is simply not respectful of a viewer’s time. This season dropped right in the middle of early access for FFXIV: Dawntrail, and I couldn’t even _start_ watching until the weekend after, and I’m still only halfway through. 😒 Trying to dodge spoilers has not been entirely successful so far, either.
Engagement for the engagement god!
17:58 algorithm comment.
Wesley Crusher, Doctor Who?
Did they rename episodes?
Wait there's ANOTHER ANIMATED STAR TREK SERIES??
#SaveLowerDecks
#savestartrekprodigy
PARAMOUNT+ SOLD TO SKYDANCE MEDIA... STOCKS ARE SOARING
Dr. Jill Stein does seem to have a better stance on trans rights.
With all the timey-whimey of other Star Trek shows, why did the loom not appear?!!!
My headcanon is that it was pre-Temporal Wars and the Travelers/other groups were keeping the Loom at bay; and that time was almost always set right in the end anyways. But as Wesley says, the Temporal Wars killed a lot of the Travelers so the Loom is more powerful.
I'll admit it. I'm judging you based on your appearance. Specifically, where are the uniforms??
Macro-viruses
Congratulations! I'm engaging with your engaging content about your engagement!
I hated Zero pining for corporealism. It's a hallmark of Star Trek that every other species wants to be human/ assimilated into Federation culture. Exceptionalism at their core. It'd be much more interesting to pay homage to the concept of IDIC and have Zero exploring what it means to be Medusan, and relishing on their uniqueness.
Another "I wanto to be more human so I can be with that girl" story arc isn't sitting too well with me.
And I also am not in love with everybody doing whatever they want to, going behind the backs of their superiors. For example, I'd be much happier if Janeway had convinced Jellico to rescue the kids, to read them the riot act for going AWOL on her. It'd get them at the very same point, but without the "I'm Cooler than my boss" vibe. What's wrong with cooperating?
It looks like I'm hating theseries - I'm not, I'm loving it and trying to get my friends to watch it.
But it has some problems that are endemic to Star Trek, and that I, for one, would like the franchise to grow past.
I knew it. I turned to the spouse and said, I bet Jessie Gender loved it. I bet we're gonna see her running back and forth and screaming, and she's got a plushie of that big-eyed marketable creature, and a new tattoo, and I'm gonna feel SO invalid." And that's okay. I'm glad people liked it. I know Trek is uneven and I'd like to see another season anyway. But as long as the algorithm is being a jerk, I'll leave a long, nuanced comment, I guess. For what it's worth.
As a high-masking, nonbinary autistic, I imprinted on Zero like a baby duck, to the point where I want that for my name now, and the writers lost me with that corporeal planet. I'm down with the right to self-determination and a transition in any way that makes a person feel happy and whole. But in the context of Star Trek... I'm so tired of Data's arc. Data did it, and the Doctor did it, and Seven kinda did it and, okay, but all those folks were come combination of human and machine and fighting to be seen as people. Zero already is a person. Like, legally, emotionally, physically, in all ways. Zero is part of a species with a different way of being. Medusans are out there exploring strange new worlds, but they're not in the Federation, and if that's the level of accommodation they're getting, I can see why. Kollos had to exist in a suitcase in TOS. Z's got arms and legs, at least, but they had to DIY it. The only thing the Federation seems to have is those goggles that kinda work for some species.
I could see Z trying out being corporeal and having fun. The way it was handled made me reject it. First, they get damaged and stuck in suitcase mode. The crew does have the goggles, they wear them later, but the only thing they can do for Z is try and stick on some arms and legs? And fail? Z can't, like, take the suit off and move around a little? If they can, we don't see it. And that situation where our friend needs more accommodations is resolved in about five minutes over two episodes. Well, how about a corporeal form? In a decision that takes about five seconds and *lacks informed consent.* Bleh. No. And they expect Z will hang out forever and abandon their found family because *every noncorporeal being who has tried being corporeal loves it and wants to do it forever* even if that means staying on one planet and giving up exploring? Wow, being more human is the way to go. Like it was for Data, and the Doctor, and Seven, even though they were all perfectly human at all times, just different. Infinite diversity, but not too much.
The spouse and I started to yell at the screen back when nobody could figure out how to communicate with Murph. Murph has everything he needs to use an adaptive device. He understands representative language, he made a spiral with clothes! But we can't give him a tablet, or a keyboard, or a Magnadoodle? He can't sign? If he can't use the universal translator, we're going to keep talking at him like he's a pet? "Babbling" is how the subtitles render his language. "Speaking gibberish." That put me on my guard and Zero's arc KO'd me. I don't like these assumptions. I don't like this future. Mild obvious spoiler below...
Z's back in a suit by the end, with touch sensors, and they say "This feels like me" meaning their corporeal form. As a person, that's fine. As a fictional character whose very existence exposits a theme... I want a new theme. I think we're ready for a new theme. I hope they get another season to grow and change.
If this show DIDN'T have star trek cameos... It WOULDN'T be what y'all make it to be, lol
After hearing good things about Prodigy I checked it out - and what I got was an opportunity to use "cringe" in the vernacular for the first time. It's like the cut scenes from a bad video game aimed at kids (and made by adults who obviously have no respect for them) have been stitched together.