lirazel | (no subject)

So I'm still enjoying Strange New Worlds, but I am very confused about a couple of the choices the writers are making:

+ The deaths. There was zero reason to kill of Hemmer this early and almost zero to write off M'Benga's daughter already. Do the writers not understand that deaths of characters matter after we've gotten to know them well? I have adored all of Hemmer's screentime, but I feel like we barely got to know him. If they'd pushed this death to the end of next season, after we get to know him really well, then it would be hugely emotional. As it is, I'm just annoyed that we barely got to know this guy and we're already being robbed of him.

And M'Benga's daughter's storyline was too rushed, too. Babs Olusanmokun did a hell of a job selling it (though I wish he didn't always sound like he's lost his voice), but there wasn't room to let it breathe. There are just so many characters on this show--all of whom I really enjoy!--that there simply was not not time in 10 episodes to let this plotline age enough to reach its maximum potential. If you're going to have this many characters, and the seasons are going to be this short, you really need to move these big payoffs to the second season at least.

Also super confused about the Spock/Chapel stuff. I love Spock! I love Chapel! But why are we going here??? It just seems like a weird choice when Spock's already got a love interest in T'Pring and we know he's going to meet the love of his life next season.

My dudes! Why are you creating these flaws in what is otherwise a really solid, enjoyable new show???

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I think the writers are going for a mix of character development and one-episode storylines, and that sometimes clashes a lot! To be fair, the original series also had these episodes which dealt with stuff very quickly and never again, so in that sense, it fits.

But it's definitely not fun to lose these characters I already like so much! Like you said, it matters, even if they use it for a plot point. For example, in Hemmer's case, we're supposed to understand that he is the reason why Uhura won't leave Starfleet. Her parents' death is why she runs off and joins, but Hemmer is why she stays, right? It's meaningful, sure, but it sucks! :(

Also super confused about the Spock/Chapel stuff.

I'm not into their storyline at all, but I prefer it to what they did in TOS, where she was basically only there to have a crush on Spock. That got old super fast and feels really dated--so while I would have rather not have it in SNW at all, I guess it's a good way to adapt that dynamic!

To be fair, the original series also had these episodes which dealt with stuff very quickly and never again, so in that sense, it fits.

True. But I don't think audiences are willing to accept it now the way they were back in the '60s.

For example, in Hemmer's case, we're supposed to understand that he is the reason why Uhura won't leave Starfleet. Her parents' death is why she runs off and joins, but Hemmer is why she stays, right? It's meaningful, sure, but it sucks! :(

I'm fine with this idea in concept, but there wasn't enough lead-up! It kind of reminds me of the second AOS movie where they do the Khan stuff and have the Spirk scene and it just...falls flat in a way it didn't in the TOS movies. Because in the TOS movies, we've had years with these characters, and we know that they've had even more years together. We believe wholeheartedly in the Kirk/Spock relationship (however anyone wants to read it). In AOS, none of that establishing work is done, and it felt cheap and manipulative.

The Hemmer death doesn't feel cheap or manipulative, but it does feel unearned in a similar way.

but I prefer it to what they did in TOS, where she was basically only there to have a crush on Spock. That got old super fast and feels really dated--so while I would have rather not have it in SNW at all, I guess it's a good way to adapt that dynamic!

I am firmly team "this didn't need to be in SNW at all and also I don't understand how this character who I like a lot is supposed to turn into TOS!Chapel it makes no sense why didn't they just create a new character with a different name?"

The Hemmer death doesn't feel cheap or manipulative, but it does feel unearned in a similar way.

I absolutely agree. I also felt that they didn't handle disability in a good way. I've really liked SNW so far, but that left a bad taste in my mouth.

Yes, absolutely.