Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey” gives us a rescue mission we won’t soon forget. We’ve got to pull off this rescue the old-fashioned way—no transporters. Strap in and have your phasers at the ready for my review of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey.”
For the Kids
I enjoy how our young crew helps Gwyn to process her feelings in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey.” Rok-Tahk reminds her that, “Even good things can come out of bad situations.” Indeed, she saved Wesley and her father, so even though they are trapped right now, getting to save them is a good thing. Gwyn still feels uncertain, but Zero reminds her, “Uncertainty is the predecessor to hope.” So many kids find themselves in awful situations through no fault of their own. Looking for the good, or as Mr. Rogers called it, “the helpers,” can help a kid to persevere through a bad situation and propel them to seek help. Both of these lines help to pull Gwyn out of her funk and propel her to hope. I’ve got more thoughts on Zero’s line, but I’ll save that for later.
There’s also a good bit of humor in using The Doctor as a decoy with Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey.” Upon rewatch, I catch the clues pointing to this bait-and-switch, but on first viewing of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey,” I was taken aback by, and had to laugh, at the reveal via The Doctor’s melodrama in his “death” scene. It’s a great decoy and makes for an effective way for Janeway and the team to succeed in their mission.
For the Adults
Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey” has some neat connections and extremely relatable content for the grown-up Star Trek fans in the room. First, there’s the extremely relatable quote from Wesley for those of us tied to a desk most of the day, even if we’re not using temporal rifts to travel. He says, “I’m so used to stepping through temporal rifts that I forgot what it’s like to use your quads.” I feel that after I get up after being at my desk for a long time.
The second bit of extremely relatable content in Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey” is when Janeway asks Chakotay, “Were we ever that young?” I feel that quote more with every passing day, especially watching my niece and nephew grow up and my friends’ teenage kids experience life with an optimism that I can’t always fathom. And yet, it’s an optimism that is desperately needed.
Trek Connections
There are also some interesting Star Trek connections for the adult viewers. The first connection is when Janeway starts to say or do something heroic, composer Nami Melumad plays with the Star Trek: Voyager theme. It’s a subtle touch, but it’s perfect for enhancing the dramatic moments of those scenes. It isn’t just copying and pasting the original Jerry Goldsmith theme.
The second connection is that the young crew facing off with the trapped Loom is akin to Star Trek: The Original Series 1×26 “The Devil in the Dark.” As Spock does in that episode, Zero’s telepathic abilities connect with the Loom. Zero realizes that they just want out, just like they do. The desire to seek to understand rather than trying to fight is a great lesson for all of us.
Final Thoughts
Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey” starts with Janeway contemplating early retirement and ending with her saying, “I’ve been reminded that boldness isn’t only for the young.” A trip out into the field has reinvigorated her spark. Janeway’s hope has been rekindled. I’m eager to see how the rest of the season plays out under her freshly inspired leadership.
One other thing to note is that even though he’s not on Solum, Ilthuran still managed to rally the rebellion against Ascensia. He stood up for peace and justice where he found himself planted. That serves as a reminder that all of us can indeed stand up for peace and justice, no matter where we find ourselves. That’s a keeper right there.
What did you think of Star Trek: Prodigy 2×18 “Touch of Grey”? Leave me a comment, and let’s talk Trek.
All episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 are streaming now on Netflix.
