Strange New Worlds Is Already Repeating Its Own Twists (But That's Good)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds pulls the same villain twist twice in a row, but in true Enterprise style, turns this flaw into an unlikely strength. Strange New Worlds episode 6 («Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach») introduced Lindy Booth as Alora, a minister from Majalis seeking aid from Captain Pike's Enterprise after an attack by nefarious criminals. Alora is treated as an honored guest and even glimpses Pike's Captain's log, but Strange New Worlds shockingly(ish) reveals her as the episode's secret antagonist. Alora and the other Majalans are sacrificing children to uphold their society, and though Pike can do little but watch in horror, he departs disgusted.
Episode 7 («The Serene Squall») once again brings an esteemed guest aboard the Enterprise — this time a humanitarian called Dr. Aspen, played by Jesse James Keitel. Similar to Alora, Aspen's charitable efforts are being hindered by small-time criminals, and Pike's Enterprise soon comes under attack from their new friend's tormentors. Just as Alora gravitated toward Pike in episode 6, there's a connection brewing between Spock and Aspen, whose personalities resonate in a way T'Pring could only dream of. In the biggest parallel between episodes 6 & 7, however, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds reveals Dr. Aspen is actually a villain hiding in plain sight, and the episode's secret antagonist.
Related: Strange New Worlds Gives Pike A Huge Moment That Sisko Never Had
Identical betrayals can be found throughout Star Trek eras... but rarely in adjacent episodes. By outing Captain Angel as a secret villain after they developed a blossoming bond with a main crew member, Strange New Worlds can't help but inspire déjà vu after Alora walked the very same path only one episode
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