Sep 22, 2022
Tread Perilously's Star Trek month continues with a first look at Star Trek: Prodigy via its first regular-length episode, "Starstruck."
When Dal and the others flee their captivity aboard a Federation starship, they are quickly introduced to the Training Hologram with the voice and appearance of Admiral Kathryn Janeway. The hologram surmises they must be cadets and attempts to teach them about the U.S.S. Protostar, their newly acquired vessel, but Dal insists he is the captain and knows best. Meanwhile, Gwyn ends up in the brig and Zero tries to find a bunkmate while Rok and Jankom Pog learn about the food replicator.
Justin and Erik compare the episode of Battlestar Galactica's "33" -- both in joking and serious ways. Erik's Kate Mulgrew impression gets a workout and a new purpose. Justin introduces a new dinosaur-themed sitcom. Both attempt to get into Prodigy's kid-focused mindset, but also end up talking about Gene Roddenberry. The problem of Dal as the lead character is also discussed. Other characters prove to be fast favorites, though. A Quantum Leap detour occurs. The possibilities of Prodigy prove inviting. Justin calls out a certain trope among villains. Brig scenes also turn out to be a trope and one flaw in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is introduced.