Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 4, Episode 4, titled "A Case of Chiaroscuro," has drawn criticism for its perceived overemphasis on stylistic gimmicks, a trend that some reviewers feel has become tiresome. The episode, which plunges its characters into a black-and-white, film noir-inspired world on the planet Mat'aar XII, is described as a high-concept yet low-impact installment.
The narrative follows newly promoted Commander Una Chin-Riley, accompanied by Dr. M'Benga and Ensign Uhura, on a mission to retrieve a probe that has strayed into Klingon territory. Upon landing on Mat'aar XII, the away team finds themselves in an environment where infrared radiation necessitates dressing in period-appropriate attire, evoking classic cinematic styles. While acknowledging the episode's visual appeal and the initial charm of the concept, critics note that the execution feels derivative of film noir tropes without sufficient narrative depth.
Reviewers point out that the episode diligently checks off elements associated with film noir and wartime romance genres, including high-contrast cinematography, doppelgänger characters, a central cafe for intrigue, and corrupt authorities. However, the integration of these elements is seen as superficial, akin to a "Cinema Studies 101 midterm paper."
The central conflict for Commander Una, who is torn between aiding local resistance fighters against Klingon occupation and upholding her Starfleet oath, is highlighted as underdeveloped. Her personal connection to the situation, stemming from her Illyrian heritage where the Federation was once viewed as an occupier, is present but fails to resonate emotionally.
Dr. M'Benga, portrayed by Babs Olusanmokun, is once again singled out as a standout performer. Despite being primarily in an advisory role, his character's internal conflict between his calling as a healer and his aptitude for combat provides some of the episode's most compelling moments. His line, "My calling is medicine, healing people. It's the great mystery of my life that some of my strongest skills lie in opposition to that calling," is noted as a highlight.
The secondary plotline involves La'an, who suspects a traitor aboard the Enterprise. Her investigation, dismissed by others including Spock, culminates in a revelation that she lied to Captain Pike to conceal the truth. Pike's apparent awareness and trust in La'an suggest deeper narrative arcs to come, though the immediate impact of this subplot is deemed minor.
The episode also touches on broader Star Trek lore, referencing a potential "cold war" scenario with the Klingons and including a character named Kor, possibly linking to earlier iterations of the franchise. The appearance of the Cervantes shuttle, a Stamets-type vessel, also sparks speculation about connections to characters from Star Trek: Discovery.