Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome” gives us some great hijinks, a bit of holo-humor, and our only way to rescue Chakotay. Check to make sure you’re not a hologram doppelganger and let’s dive into my review of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome.”
For the Kids
Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome” is heavy on the holo-humor, and it wouldn’t be as funny if the holos were, to use Dal’s words, “Less glitch-tastic.” There’s not just humor with their holographic doppelgangers, but also with Dr. Noum’s tropical holodeck scenario. Extra bubbles in the hot tub, please. For a grumpy sort of straight-laced guy, Dr. Noum sure likes his fancy holodeck scenarios.
The ongoing challenge of translating Murf continues to be a source of merriment in the show. When Gwyn says, “That gurgle either meant ‘Yes,” or “‘Talaxian Burrito,’” all I could think about is a burrito stuffed with leola root. Good luck to anyone partaking in a Talaxian burrito. You may need it.
For the Adults
The en media res opening in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome” is a nice way to add a bit of drama to an otherwise largely comedic episode. We learn pretty quickly that it’s the doppelgangers after Dal and not his friends. However, the choice to show shadows, rather than the actual event is an excellent dramatic effect. It’s like something out of a horror movie, and really, if you think about it, while played for comedic effect, this is basically a much lighter, kids’ version of Us. So you have a doppelganger who wants to take over your life and is willing to take you out to do so? Yep, definitely Us.
The Janeway/Chakotay shippers are getting more crumbs in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome” as well. Janeway sure is sighing a lot, and gosh, she sure is sad. Listen to her wax philosophical about him too. “Chakotay always loved a blue sun.” It’s still teetering on the line between, “I just lost my best friend,” and “I just lost the man I love.” What matters here is how you interpret the Janeway/Chakotay relationship. It’s still will they/won’t they at this point. Tell me how you’re interpreting the relationship.
Final Thoughts
While Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome” is largely silly and comedic, it does have a great theme to tie both the comedic and the serious together. The best line in the episode comes from Admiral Janeway. “Faith is never futile,” she says. While there’s humor with the doppelgangers, our young crew creates them because they believe they can save Chakotay, set the timeline right, and save Gwyn. They have faith that they can do it. Janeway, while sad about her turn in Chakotay’s rescue mission coming to an end, has faith that Starfleet can still find Chakotay, even though she’s about the fire their best shot into a blue sun. This persistent faith keeps all parties going, even in the face of impossible odds. The perseverance of faith is an important reminder to both kids and adults in the room.
Finally, the holograms are back in place…but not their personalities. It seems like each character swapped with their opposite. I fully expect hilarity to ensue in the next episode.
What did you think of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×06 “Imposter Syndrome?” 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?”
