Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror” gives us the very first look at some of the Voyager crew in the Mirror Universe. And it’s not just the Mirror Universe, but we also get to see a few other possible realities. There’s a lot to unpack here so shave into a goatee for my review of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror.”
For the Kids
The Mirror Universe trope might be a little overdone at this point in the Star Trek universe, but if you’re a kid watching Star Trek for the first time, Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror” is a great introduction to the concept. Everyone in the Mirror Universe is edgy, evil, and overly sexual. But even the latter is only hinted at in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror.”
Perhaps Dal says it best when Chakotay applies some of Jankom’s grease for a makeshift goatee—“And now you’re evil.” That’s the Mirror Universe in a nutshell, or at least that’s the joke in the fandom. And now, of course, we have EVIL MURF BEARD. Not totally necessary, but totally hilarious. I love that we drive this point home that everything and everyone in the Mirror Universe is evil with even the whales being evil! It’s over the top and silly, but totally fun. Also props to Bonnie Gordon, who is usually the voice of the ship’s computer for also voicing Gillian the Whale in both the Prime and Mirror Universes.
Finally, can we talk about how Mirror Janeway has Borg implants a la Seven of Nine? That was a big surprise for me in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror.” It also shows me what could have been if Star Trek: Voyager had ever had a proper Mirror Universe episode. It’s slightly terrifying and epic.
For the Adults
There are loads of nice callbacks for longtime Trek fans in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror.” We have the “Outrageous” Okona reprising his role from last season. We also have Captain Tuvix and the Enderprizians?! Talaxian-Vulcan fusion cuisine sounds both fascinating and horrifying. We also have some great parallels with Star Trek: Voyager 7×11 “Shattered” which Chakotay actually draws attention to in dialogue. There is also the implication that Janeway and Chakotay have a more-than-friendship relationship. That beard stroke is way hotter than I expected for a children’s show but is also the kind of tease that Janeway/Chakotay shippers have been anticipating for ages.
I got a lot more than I bargained for in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror,” and I’m definitely not complaining.
Final Thoughts
Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror” is a fantastic addition to the roster of Mirror Universe episodes in the Star Trek canon. It has a great homage to Star Trek: Voyager 7×11 “Shattered” as well, melding both the idea of parallel universes and the Mirror Universe.
Finally, Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror” gives us the reunion we’ve been waiting for for a season and a half. That laughter at Chakotay’s “beard” and the incredibly intimate hug between Janeway and Chakotay is what shippers dream of. There’s just one thing left, and I will be extra childish and say it.
NOW KISS.
What did you think of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×14 “Cracked Mirror”? Leave me a comment, and let’s talk Trek.
All episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 are streaming now on Netflix.
