The crew of the Protostar delivers another cliffhanger this week. We’ve got some more “thrillin’ heroics,” new uniforms, and one more piece of the Diviner’s puzzle. Suit up, grip those “Hold Onto Your Butts” Grab Handles, and let’s chat about Star Trek: Prodigy episode 1×09, “A Moral Star, Part 1.”
You Get Some Character Growth! You Get Some Character Growth! Everyone Gets Some Character Growth!
One of the most satisfying things about “A Moral Star, Part 1,” is seeing just how much growth our crew has had in just 9 episodes. Dal admits he needs help! Gwyn doesn’t want to be a loner anymore. After all, they are in “cat boots.” Rok-Tahk shows off her self-confidence. We still don’t know a ton about Jankom Pog. Of all our crew, he seems to be the least broken or negatively affected by his experience on Tars Lamora. We’ll have to see if something comes forth later in the season about his experience. I love his interaction with Rok-Tahk:
ROK-TAHK: “I never wanted to see this place again. Too many bad memories.”
JANKOM: “Then let’s make some better ones, kid.”
I love that redemptive element of this story. Our crew has been through enough. Let’s move forward together. Here’s hoping we get more harmonious teamwork for the rest of the season.
“Nothing is more Starfleet than that.”
Speaking of teamwork, I think all those new “team uniforms” look great! This is also fun because it’s one more style of Starfleet uniform for fans to cosplay. I love that Hologram Janeway changed her uniform to match the team. Speaking of Janeway, she has a memorable speech in this week’s episode too.
“I just want to say, I know you never thought you were Starfleet material. But today you’re risking everything on a seemingly impossible mission to save others. To bring hope to a hopeless cause. Nothing is more Starfleet than that.”
Man, that line really warmed my heart on a cold day. I love it when art that I love can move me like that. With writing like this, I think it’s even more important that Prodigy is a “children’s” show. Kids need that kind of inspiration, just like adults. Those kids grow into adults with hope in their hearts.
Final Thoughts
The plan our crew devises, having Murf eat the drive core, disguising him as Zero, and then that sweet rugby game of “Pass the Murf/Zero” while they’re getting out of the way is great! I also love that we get the solidified Captain’s catchphrase for Dal, “Go fast!” Definitely appropriate for a young captain still learning the ropes. Finally, my favorite thing in this episode? Janeway taught these children all to drink coffee! As someone who has drunk coffee since age 8, I found that especially fun. Also, this means that Rok-Tahk finally tried something that isn’t nutrigoop.
I’m concerned about what The Diviner will do now that he has the Protostar and knows that our crew pulled one over on him. Gwyn’s on the ship with no communicator. How will our crew rescue the slaves (especially that tiny Catian), Gwyn, and get the Protostar back? I’ll be using my “Hold Onto Your Butts” Grab Handles until next week.
What did you think of “A Moral Star, Part 1”? We’ve got one more episode before Prodigy goes on hiatus again until later this year. In case you missed it, check out my rundown of all the latest Star Trek release dates and series renewals, including updates on Star Trek: Prodigy.
Tell me your thoughts on “A Moral Star, Part 1” and your hopes for the next episode by leaving a comment so we can talk Trek.
The next episode of Star Trek: Prodigy will premiere on February 3, 2022, on Paramount+.