Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox” gives us a code to solve, a Murf to translate, and a treatise on the efficacy of hope. It’s a lot to unpack in a 25-minute episode, so let’s dive into Cetacean Ops and my review of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox.”
For the Kids
The Doctor has all the best lines in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox.” “I know I have a headache and I technically don’t have a head!” and “Please state the nature of the mentorship emergency,” made me giggle. His “Anti-Anxiety for Academy Hopefuls or AAAH!” organization had me howling. In particular, because Robert Picardo has a great singing voice, so hearing him sing the acronym is delightful. But let’s say you only read the acronym in the subtitles. “AAAH!” could also read as a scream of terror! The double-entendre is what sent me over the edge. Also, Love in the Time of Holograms? I can’t. Bob Picardo is an absolute gift and I am delighted that he gets to reprise The Doctor in Star Trek: Prodigy, giving a whole new generation of Trek kids their favorite Doctor.
I found myself sympathizing with Rok-Tahk in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox.” She just wants to keep her head down, get into Starfleet Academy, and stay out of trouble. Or as she says, “We might as well be wearing ‘I love the brig’ signs,” if they step another toe out of line. I was the kid who never wanted to get in trouble if it could be helped. And yet, Rok relents when she realizes what is at stake is bigger than Starfleet Academy or even the brig. Sometimes, it’s good to get in trouble for the right reasons. Saving your friend’s life is the right reason.
For the Adults
There are some great Easter eggs in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox,” and not just for Star Trek! First up, I believe this is the first time we’ve gotten a mention of Star Trek: Lower Decks in another Star Trek show! Also, the full context of, “I’ve not heard of a crew this dysfunctional since the Cerritos!” had me cackling.
Additionally, I think it’s fascinating that Murf has different forms based on whether he’s on land or in the water. Mer-Murf is startlingly beautiful and graceful! Plus, he can speak with Gillian the Whale, in yet another nod to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Everyone really does love “The One with the Whales.”
Finally, the other Easter egg I caught in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox,” isn’t a Star Trek reference at all. Tysess says, “Strange things are afoot,” in the context of time travel. I think it is highly unlikely that this isn’t a Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure reference. Strange things are afoot at the Circle K and on Voyager. If anyone in the Star Trek: Prodigy writers’ room reads this and can confirm, I would greatly appreciate it and would like to give you a high-five.
Final Thoughts
Despite all the humor and silliness in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox,” there’s a lot of heart here too. There’s the acknowledgment that everyone fails, but what do we do with failure? Can we, as Dal says, redeem ourselves? Maybe. Maybe not. But as The Doctor says, “Hope is never a foolish thing.” It’s important to try to correct our mistakes when we can, but it’s not always possible. But to at least attempt in the hope of something better is what matters. That’s a good word for everyone in the room.
Finally, we learn an important bit of information—the spiral is a map! Now that we know where to go, we’ve got to get going. Grip your “Hold Onto Your Butts” grab handles. We’ve got to go fast into the next episode!
What did you think of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×05 “Observer’s Paradox?” Leave me a comment, and let’s talk Trek.
All episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 are streaming now on Netflix.
THIS SEASONS REVIEWS
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×01 Review: “Into the Breach, Part 1”
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×02 Review: “Into the Breach, Part 2”
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×03 Review: “Who Saves the Saviors”
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×04 Review: “Temporal Mechanics 101”
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×05 Review: “Observer’s Paradox”
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×06 Review: “Imposter Syndrome”
- ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×07 Review: “The Fast and the Curious”
- Star Trek: Prodigy’ 2×08 Review: “Is There in Beauty No Truth?”
