"Strange New Worlds" Showrunners Unpack Season 3 Finale, Pike's Fate, and "Doctor Who" Crossover Tease

'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 3 Finale: Showrunners and Anson Mount on Pike's Journey, Doctor Who Easter Egg

The third season of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' concluded with the episode "New Life and New Civilizations," prompting discussions with executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers, as well as star Anson Mount, regarding the episode's implications for the show's future. The finale explored themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the ongoing exploration of good and evil in the universe.

Pike's "Inner Light" Experience and Its Lasting Impact

The finale drew parallels to "The Inner Light" from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' depicting an alternate future for Captain Pike. Goldsman emphasized that, unlike traditional episodic television, emotional events will have lasting consequences for the characters. While Pike remains an optimist, his experiences, particularly the loss of Batel, will inform his future decisions as captain.

While Pike's fate remains unchanged, the showrunners emphasized that enriching his experiences and giving him a great love – only to snatch it away – gives a different view of moments to come.

Batel's Fate and Pike's Romantic Life

The showrunners confirmed that Batel's arc was planned from the beginning of the season. They aimed to avoid Pike being married before his accident and to address the Vina storyline. Goldsman explained that the goal was to enrich Pike's experience and create a complex emotional landscape for him.

Regarding Batel's glowing eyes, Goldsman clarified that it was not intentionally connected to Gary Mitchell but was a visual effect that the team found appealing. It appears the visual effects team included something extra.

The Vezda: A New Kind of Evil

The Vezda were introduced as a new, original threat, unrelated to existing canon like the Pah Wraiths. Myers explained that after several seasons with the Gorn as antagonists, they wanted to introduce a surprising and different form of evil. The intention is to explore the concept of evil in a new way, distinct from the Gorn.

Goldsman further elaborated that Star Trek often involves encountering an "other," initially seen as evil, and then finding points of empathy. The goal is to keep the theme of evil alive in the Star Trek universe.

Doctor Who Reference and Pelia's Backstory

The episode included a reference to Doctor Who, with Pelia mentioning the Doctor. The showrunners confirmed that Pelia's long life experiences include knowing the Doctor. While there are no immediate plans for a dedicated Pelia episode, the character remains a strong presence throughout the season.

Anson Mount on Pike's Season 3 Finale Journey and Saying Goodbye to Melanie Scrofano

Anson Mount discussed the emotional challenges of portraying Pike in the finale, particularly the experience of living a full life with Batel before facing the reality of her sacrifice. He praised Melanie Scrofano's professionalism and expressed sadness at saying goodbye to her as a scene partner.

Mount also stated his belief that the Enterprise, not Pike, is the true lead of the show, and that each episode offers a different character's perspective.

He revealed that playing Captain Pike has provided him the means to support his family and enabled him to explore his comedic side. While he's been playing Captain Pike since 2018, he feels the time is nearing for him to pursue other roles.

Sneak Peek Clip

A sneak peek clip from the finale reveals a lighthearted scene with the Enterprise crew discussing Pike's behavior during Batel's absence. The scene also features Scotty's arrival at the captain's table.

Season Finale Premise

The official synopsis of the finale reveals that Pike faces a difficult decision to stop an ancient, evil alien force from spreading.