Star Trek: Prodigy is really bringing the feels with this mid-season finale. We’ve got some big reveals, the power of communication, and some rather unexpected things! Grip those, “Hold Onto Your Butts Grab Handles” and let’s discuss episode 1×10, “A Moral Star, Part 2.”
The Power of Communication
One of the things I love the most about this episode is that something as simple as being able to communicate completely changed the game for the slaves on Tars Lamora. The joy at simple communication the prisoners share is so sweet. Also, I love the idea that their manacles were reconfigured into a universal translator. An object of enslavement has been repurposed into a tool for hope. That’s one of the most Star Trek things I’ve ever seen and it definitely warmed my heart.
Bad First Contact or Cultural Superiority?
In the reveal of The Diviner’s true origins and purpose, he mentions that after his world, Solum, had first contact with The Federation that there was a split among the Vau N’Akat. The Diviner also mentions in this exposition that the Vau N’Akat were “convinced of their superiority,” thinking they were alone in the universe. The Federation’s first contact changed that, causing a societal split. From the context, it sounds like the split may have formed around whether the Vau N’Akat chose to join the federation or if they felt they were too superior to join up. This split sparked a civil war among Solum, ravaging the planet.
We don’t have the full story here yet, but this could prove to be a complex discussion. Also, we’ve got some time-traveling shenanigans here. I’m curious how that aspect of the story will work into the rest of the season. We shall see!
Final Thoughts
There were several times in this episode when I yelled at the screen. “No, Zero, no!” when they revealed their true form to The Diviner, causing him to go mad. “NO, GWYN, NO!” when she caught the reflection of Zero in their true form. Squealing in delight when that ridiculously adorable little Catian let Drednok have it and took off his head with her baby paw! And finally, yelling “OH YEAH” Kool-Aid Man-style when we find out that ADMIRAL JANEWAY is out there looking for her friend Chakotay and the Protostar. There’s so much to look forward to in the second half of the season! It’ll just be tough waiting for a release date! Also, can I just say that I frickin’ LOVE that Admiral Janeway is leading the search from the U. S. S. Dauntless? If there’s ever a word to describe Admiral Janeway, “dauntless,” is definitely it.
What did you think about “A Moral Star, Part 2”? Did you catch any other fun easter eggs? Do you think this is the last we’ll see of The Diviner? There’s so much to ponder until we get the rest of the season. Leave me a comment and let’s talk Trek.
The next episode of Star Trek: Prodigy will air later in 2022, on Paramount+.
