Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returned with its second episode of the season, "The Griffin Incident," which leans heavily into horror elements, placing Captain Kirk, Spock, and La'an aboard a derelict starship. The episode eschews typical Star Trek fare for a "haunted house" narrative, complete with unsettling imagery and moments of significant gore, reminiscent of early Star Trek: Discovery. This deviation from the norm explores the characters' inner turmoil through disturbing illusions triggered by their subconscious fears and anxieties.
A Haunted Starship
The crew's investigation into a mysterious signal leads them to the USS Griffin, a ship long thought lost. Upon boarding, they discover a starship seemingly intact but devoid of crew, with malfunctioning systems and an unsettling atmosphere. The presence of a spectral figure adds to the mystery, prompting a characteristically logical exchange between Spock and Kirk regarding the nature of their predicament.
Psychological Terrors
The episode's strength lies in its exploration of character dynamics as the trio confronts personalized horrors. Spock grapples with his Vulcan and human identities, while Kirk is confronted with illusions related to his estranged family, particularly his wife Carol Marcus and their son David. La'an's struggles revolve around her genetically engineered origins and the potential for her ancestor's violent tendencies to resurface.
Spock's hallucinations include an illusory version of his former wife, T'Pring, who offers a twisted form of closure and forces him to confront his anxieties about love and commitment, ultimately reinforcing that his humanity is his greatest strength. Meanwhile, the narrative builds upon Kirk's troubled paternal history, hinting at the tragic future of his relationship with David, a fate foreshadowed by the episode's events and La'an's own somber predictions.
La'an's storyline advances the season's arc concerning her genetic enhancements. The influence of the USS Griffin's former security chief, Rose Harper, exacerbates La'an's internal conflict, pushing her towards a violent state that nearly leads to disastrous consequences for her crewmates. The episode concludes with La'an seemingly seeing Harper again, leaving the true nature of the events aboard the Griffin ambiguous and La'an's struggle ongoing.
The episode also touches on various intriguing background elements, including references to "Division 12," Starfleet's apparent ghostbusters, and the distinctive transporter sounds that echo "The Cage" era. The inclusion of Carol Marcus receiving approval for a new project also subtly sets up future plot points.