In an early Engadget review, the fourth season of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” takes massive creative swings ahead of its Thursday, July 23 premiere on Paramount+. The 10-episode run introduces a highly anticipated puppet crossover produced with the Jim Henson Studios. It also pushes intense levels of body horror in early episodes.
The gore specifically spikes in the second episode. This reflects the hard-edged influence of executive producer Alex Kurtzman. But the heavy stylistic experimentation comes with narrative friction.
The season leans noticeably on Paul Wesley’s portrayal of James T. Kirk. The review criticizes this focus, noting it heavily sidelines Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike on his own flagship series. The creative team is pushing an episodic, genre-hopping format. While visually ambitious, this rapid shifting restricts the deep character development typically expected in 10-episode streaming seasons.
Paramount confirmed this season operates as a transitional bridge. The series will conclude with a truncated fifth and final season. To prepare for that end point, the writers are maneuvering characters toward their established roles in The Original Series. Martin Quinn’s Scotty and Carol Kane’s Pelia receive expanded arcs.
And yet, the erratic pacing still delivers major hits. Episode 6 breaks the mold entirely. The review highlights it as a gutsy thriller that ranks among the best episodes in the franchise’s history.
“Tomorrow’s Enterprise” Closes the 60th Anniversary
This fourth season airs directly during the 60th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise, which originally debuted in September 1966. To capitalize on the historical weight, the season finale is titled “Tomorrow’s Enterprise.” That choice acts as a direct thematic homage to the beloved Next Generation episode “Yesterday’s Enterprise.”
The Verdict
Paramount is throwing everything at the wall for this penultimate run. The ambitious swings hit high peaks, especially in the Episode 6 thriller. But the overreliance on Kirk and rapid genre shifts leave the core crew fighting for screen time. It is a wildly entertaining, if structurally messy, ride.