New "Star Trek" episodes: Puppetry and horror on the Enterprise

The beloved science-fiction franchise "Star Trek" is boldly going where it hasn't before with its latest installment, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the series is set to launch its fourth season on Paramount+ on July 23. Fans can anticipate a double dose of adventure, as seasons 4 and 5 were filmed consecutively, ensuring a steady stream of content.

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We've always had a great variety of genres, but I think in season 4 and 5 we really go to the extremes – in a way that is exciting, gripping, and very challenging.

"Strange New Worlds" is known for its genre-bending narratives, and the upcoming seasons promise to push these boundaries even further. Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Nyota Uhura, highlighted the extreme diversity planned for seasons 4 and 5, describing them as "exciting, gripping, and very challenging." One particularly unique episode, "Level Five Transporter Accident," will see the crew transformed into puppets, featuring puppetry from the renowned Jim Henson's Creature Shop. This playful homage, directed by Jordan Canning, is a testament to the show's willingness to experiment.

However, the series will also delve into darker territory. Other episodes will feature encounters with dinosaurs, a Western-style adventure, and a chilling horror film set on a ghost ship. This latter episode is described as one of the darkest in "Star Trek" history, leaving a traumatic impact on the characters. Despite these genre shifts, the cast emphasizes that the show will remain distinctly "Star Trek."

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These episodes are the most fun to film. They challenge us every time, and that's exactly what makes them appealing. We're always surprised when we get a new script.

Rebecca Romijn, who plays Una Chin-Riley, also known as Number One, expressed her enthusiasm for these varied episodes, stating they are the most fun to film because they present new challenges. "It's always surprising when we get a new script," she said. The commitment to creative risk-taking, while maintaining the core "Star Trek" identity, suggests that "Strange New Worlds" will continue to captivate audiences for seasons to come.

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That we manage this balancing act and do both.