Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Premiere Takes The Enterprise Back To The Age Of Dinosaurs — Grade It!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returned for its fourth season this week with an episode that sent the Enterprise back to the age of dinosaurs. Captain Pike began the season attempting to avoid a promotion while dealing with the aftermath of his previous losses. The crew faced a Category 10 interstellar squall that pulled them 65 million years into the past. While Una, La'an, and Ortegas searched for fuel on Earth, they encountered a Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric threats.

Back in orbit, the Enterprise crew contended with Commander Kassell, a captain from a war-torn timeline who viewed all alien life as a threat. Kassell seized the ship's antimatter fuel, leading to a tense standoff where the Enterprise crew had to prevent a catastrophe while also ensuring their own survival. The conflict reached a climax when the destruction of a hostile alien planet provided the energy required for the Enterprise to jump back to its own time.

This event resulted in an asteroid collision with Earth that marked the end of the dinosaurs. M'Benga observed that this outcome was necessary for the existence of humanity. With the mission complete, Pike made a significant decision regarding his future by declining a promotion and recommending Una for the role instead. Una is now officially a commander as the crew moves forward from their encounter with history.