A little background first. I love, no..., LOVE science fiction. I've been a huge Star Trek fan since the original series that I first saw in syndication when I was just a young man. I also have a theatrical background so have a huge appreciation for stage musicals. Star Trek has continued to evolve over the decades branching out into many different series. This particular series Strange New Worlds is probably one of the most light-hearted (with the exception of the animated series - which I just can't watch).
Now, the present: On August 2023. Paramount+ aired episode 9 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2. The episode titled SUBSPACE RHAPSODY known widely as the musical episode. Not something someone might typically think of when they hear the words Star Trek.
This has been one of the most rewarding episodes and really highlights how truly GREAT television can be. And consider the music was written and recorded in only 5 weeks during the production season. All the characters hold their own vocally. Really quite amazing.
Premise: The starship ENTERPRISE is trapped in a subspace anomaly that has multiple realities and they are trapped in a reality that is dominated by music and people break out in song (and dance) when strong emotions are felt. To follow the rule in musicals that says; when characters experience such strong emotions they can't express in mere words they will break out in song. What an amazing reality to be trapped in. And the only way they can escape is to get everyone to sing at the same time to shatter the anomaly and break free.
There is a lot of humor in the episode including in the final ensemble number (3rd video on this post) where the arch enemy, the Klingons come onscreen with a hiphop interlude. Truly hilarious.
Fortunately Paramount+ has posted the songs on YouTube and the soundtrack for the episode is available for streaming. I'm only going to post 3 of the songs here. But please if you are pleasantly surprised and want more go to YouTube and search for the episode title SUBSPACE RHAPSODY.
I would really like to see this show win a few awards as we get into award season in the coming months. Fingers crossed. This episode deserves awards for the music, writing, direction and design (in my opinion).
... on being and becoming ... 