Let’s face it—being a Star Trek fan means being passionate. Sometimes delightfully optimistic, sometimes brutally honest, but always invested. And with Season 3 of Strange New Worlds underway, fans have taken to Reddit threads, fan blogs, and comment sections across the galaxy to voice their thoughts—both the glowing and the grumbly.
So, what’s clicking with viewers this season? And what’s not? Here’s a breakdown of the loved and loathed moments of Strange New Worlds Season 3—at least so far.
What Fans Are Loving
1. Spock’s Continued Emotional Arc
Let’s start with the obvious: Ethan Peck’s Spock has become one of the show’s emotional anchors. While early Trekkies might’ve balked at a more expressive Spock, most fans now love the direction his arc is taking.
From tender musical moments to increasingly layered personal decisions, this season lets Spock be… well, a little more human. And fans are here for it.
“I was unsure about Spock being emotional, but now it just feels right. Peck is killing it.” —@TrekFan1987 on Twitter/X
2. The Return to Episodic Adventure
Another win? The show’s refreshing commitment to episodic storytelling, while still weaving in longer arcs. In a world where sci-fi often leans into season-long mysteries, Strange New Worlds gives fans that old-school Trek flavor: new planet, new mission, fresh moral dilemma each week.
It keeps the pace lively—and allows different characters to shine without everything hinging on a single Big Bad.
3. Una Chin-Riley Stepping into the Spotlight
After a quieter role in earlier seasons, Rebecca Romijn’s Commander Una finally gets time to breathe this season—and fans have noticed.
Her leadership style, calm competence, and understated emotional depth have resonated in a big way. She’s not the flashiest character on the bridge, but she’s quickly becoming a fan-favorite.
“She’s the real heart of the bridge crew this season.” —Reddit user @scienceofficer23
4. Nostalgic, But Not Stuck in the Past
From set design to costume details, there’s no denying that Strange New Worlds knows how to pay homage to The Original Series without being stuck in it. The vibe is retro-futuristic, the energy is fresh, and somehow, it all just works.
Whether it’s Spock’s lute, transporter sounds, or cheeky tributes to classic episodes, fans are enjoying the balancing act.
5. The Humor That Actually Lands
Trek isn’t always known for laugh-out-loud moments, but Strange New Worlds has found its groove. With characters like Ortegas bringing dry wit and episodes leaning into creative weirdness (yes, we’re still talking about that historical roleplay simulation), this season isn’t afraid to have fun.
The result? A show that doesn’t take itself too seriously—until it absolutely needs to.
What Fans Are Criticizing (Politely… Most of the Time)
1. Some Episodes Feel “Too Safe”
While many appreciate the return to episodic format, a chunk of fans feel that some storylines lack edge. A few episodes have wrapped up with clean endings and light consequences, which isn’t always satisfying for viewers who like their sci-fi with more bite.
“It’s great fun, but sometimes I wish they’d let things get messy. Star Trek can do dark when it wants to.” —@spacecadet_kai on Tumblr
2. Pike’s Reduced Screen Time
Here’s a big one: Where is Captain Pike this season?
While Anson Mount’s portrayal remains strong, some viewers have noticed he’s not getting as much focus as previous seasons. With the spotlight shifting more to ensemble stories, fans are missing the captain’s emotional gravitas—and his signature, slow-cooked leadership style.
“More Pike, less background Pike, please.” —multiple fans across Twitter and Reddit
3. Chapel’s Arc: Love It or Hate It
There’s a divide when it comes to Christine Chapel this season. On one hand, fans appreciate her emotional depth and expanded role. On the other hand, some feel that her storyline—especially tied to her feelings for Spock—overshadows her independence as a character.
It’s not so much about disliking Chapel herself—fans like her—it’s about hoping the writers give her more solo momentum beyond romance.
4. Inconsistent Use of Ortegas
She’s hilarious. She’s bold. She’s one of the most relatable members of the crew. So why isn’t Erica Ortegas getting more screen time?
This is a consistent fan critique across platforms. Despite her popularity, she still feels underused compared to other characters, often limited to bridge banter and the occasional away mission quip.
“She deserves her own full episode. We barely know her beyond her snark.” —@commanderdecks on Instagram
5. CGI Moments That Miss the Mark
This one’s a small nitpick—but in a show that mostly looks gorgeous, a few CGI-heavy sequences this season have drawn criticism for feeling… a little off. Whether it’s rushed space battles or a particularly rubbery alien species, fans are hoping the effects team doesn’t cut corners going forward.
So… Is Season 3 a Win?
Despite the occasional criticisms, the overall consensus among Strange New Worlds fans is overwhelmingly positive. Season 3 has deepened its characters, delivered classic-style Trek storytelling, and continued to carve out its identity in a franchise full of heavy hitters.
Is it perfect? Not quite. But is it joyful, thoughtful, and authentically Star Trek? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts: Trek’s in Good Hands
No show can please every fan, especially not in a franchise as big and beloved as Star Trek. But Strange New Worlds continues to impress with its storytelling choices, its cast chemistry, and its clear love for the legacy it’s building on.
If the first half of Season 3 is anything to go by, the rest of the journey promises even more character-driven drama, clever sci-fi twists, and maybe—just maybe—some long-awaited screen time for the underappreciated crew members.
Until then, we’ll keep watching, debating, and loving this strange new world of Trek all over again.
