The latest episode of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” has taken the franchise into uncharted territory with its first-ever full-fledged musical episode. Titled “Subspace Rhapsody,” this unique installment in Season 2, Episode 9, brings song and dance into the world of Starfleet, offering fans an unexpected and delightful twist.
Since its debut in 2022, “Strange New Worlds” has explored a variety of creative storytelling styles, from body-swapping comedy to fairy tale-inspired adventures. It even featured a crossover with the animated series “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” So, it should come as no surprise that executive producers Henry Alonso Myers and Akiva Goldsman decided to push the boundaries once again, crafting an episode unlike anything seen before in the history of “Star Trek.”
A Sci-Fi Premise with a Musical Twist
The episode begins with the crew of the Enterprise investigating a naturally occurring subspace fold—one of those classic, imaginative scientific phenomena that “Star Trek” is known for. When Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) proposes using music to scan the anomaly, the experiment inadvertently triggers a rift in space-time, causing the entire crew to break into song. Suddenly, they find themselves in a bizarre alternate reality where their deepest emotions are expressed through spontaneous musical numbers.
Nearly everyone gets a chance to showcase their vocal talents. Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), Lieutenant Spock (Ethan Peck), Lieutenant La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong), Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush), and even visiting Lieutenant James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) all perform solos, revealing their innermost thoughts in a way that only a musical could allow.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Music
Creating “Subspace Rhapsody” was no small feat. According to showrunners Myers and Goldsman, the episode was the result of over six months of meticulous planning and collaboration. The songs were carefully crafted to suit the vocal abilities of each actor, ensuring that the performances felt organic within the world of “Star Trek.”
The episode’s original music was composed by Kay Hanley and Tom Polce—both known for their work with the band Letters to Cleo and for contributing to the musical series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Working closely with writers Dana Horgan and Bill Wolkoff, the duo composed songs that seamlessly integrated with the story’s themes, capturing the emotions and relationships of the Enterprise crew in a fresh, dynamic way.
The Challenges and Unseen Moments
Not every musical performance made it into the final cut. Myers and Goldsman revealed that one song ultimately had to be removed from the episode, though they did not specify which one. Fans may also have noticed a subtle reference to Lieutenant Kirk’s complicated relationship with a woman named Carol—an allusion that longtime “Star Trek” viewers will recognize as a nod to Carol Marcus, a key figure in Kirk’s life in the original timeline.
Expanding the “Star Trek” Universe
“Subspace Rhapsody” represents another bold step for “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” proving that the franchise is willing to take risks and experiment with new storytelling methods. While musicals are a rarity in science fiction, this episode manages to blend the genre with the rich lore of “Star Trek” in a way that feels both surprising and fitting. The result is an entertaining, character-driven experience that adds yet another layer to the ever-expanding “Star Trek” universe.
As “Strange New Worlds” continues to push creative boundaries, one thing is clear: whether through gripping drama, comedy, or even song and dance, the Enterprise crew will always find new ways to engage and inspire audiences.