Last time on Star Trek Prodigy
When we last left our intrepid crew, Gwyn had engaged the Proto-Star Drive to leave her father and his right-hand man Drednok in the celestial dust. This was prompted by her father’s willingness to sacrifice Gwyn and select the Protostar over his daughter. Fortunately for her, Dal and the crew had come back for her. Now, whether she was sure or not, Gwyn was now committed to this path, and this crew. And after the engine disengaged, they found that they had traveled over 4000 light years away. But now, with Protostar drive shutdown, they needed to decide what was next on the agenda.
Seeking the Federation
The crew had gotten together and told Dal that they would like to seek out the Federation for assistance. Dal was resistant to this course of action. He saw it as an avenue to surrendering their freedom again. There was no way they would not arrest them for “stealing” a Starfleet vessel. As far as he was concerned, they should just keep to the path they were on. Enjoying their freedom for as long as they can. However, Zero informed him that the crew’s decision was unanimous. At least except for Murf, who they could not find. Soon the search was on for their slimy blue friend.
Murf Hide and Seek
As they searched, Dal looked into sickbay where Gwyn was still recuperating from her broken leg. She took the time to thank Dal for bringing the ship back for her. He acknowledged that it was really Janeway who had suggested to him that they should not leave her behind. Hardly a ringing endorsement of their need for her presence. But we find out from Jankom later that it was indeed Dal who decided to go back for her. Kid obviously doesn’t know that chicks LIKE it when men rescue them. Regardless, Dal told her that a bunk was made up for her when she was feeling better, as the search for Murf continued.
The Holo-Deck
Come to find out, Murf had stumbled upon the ship’s holodeck where he had found the frozen landscape of Andoria IV. When Jankom had come across the room and opened the door, Murf took the opportunity to leave. Jankom and Dal entered wondering what they had stumbled upon. Dal called for Janeway for a quick overview. She explained that the holodeck contained numerous programs which would allow them to experience just about any adventure they wished. Skydiving on Ceti Alpha 5, A Vulcan Lirpa Battle Match, or any other entertainment they wished.
The Kobayashi Maru
As Dal looked over the menu, he asked about the Kobayashi Maru program. Janeway explained that it was a training exercise, created to test the very best Captains in Starfleet. Dal figured if he could beat this program, it would prove to his crew he was worthy, and they should listen to HIS direction. Which DIDN’T include looking to the Federation for assistance. Jankom was skeptical but if it allowed him to rag “Captain” Dal, sign him up. This where the fun starts.
Crew Assignments
He pulls up the program and a bridge similar to the Enterprise D appears. Dal is then given his choice of crew. Not being familiar with the history of Starfleet, he was unsure of who to use. All he knew is that J.T. Kirk guy wasn’t needed. This ship ALREADY had a Captain. So, he let the computer assign him a crew. And what a crew he was given. For communications, Lt. Nyota Uhura. Ship’s Surgeon was assigned to Lt. Commander Beverly Crusher. Ship’s Chief of Security was handled by Odo and for Science Officer, Commander Spock. Dal was given some of the best officers available. But it didn’t change the fact that he knew nothing about commanding a Starship. Especially one in combat conditions. He was out of his depth.
Mission Failure
This was proven when, after getting the situation report from the computer and Spock. For those familiar with the Kobayashi Maru scenario, it meant breaking established Federation guidelines to effect a rescue. After questioning if anyone of the crew actually KNEW any of the people on the Kobayashi Maru, Dal decided to leave them to their fate and depart. This was called out by Dr. Crusher, Uhura, and Odo. Now feeling the pressure to do SOMETHING, he reluctantly ordered the ship into the Neutral Zone to aid the failing ship. This was answered by Klingon ships decloaking and blowing the ship to bits. Training Scenario Failed. Not to mention that Dal’s scores for leading the mission were abysmal, especially where leadership was concerned. Well, that wouldn’t do. Especially, when Jankom promised to tell the whole crew about Dal’s failure. Dal would repeat the scenario.
Digestive Issues
While Dal was repeating his mistakes, Rok-Tahk was pleased that Murf had been found. But not so much when the little guy swallowed a whole crate full of photon grenades. She was pretty sure the contents of the crate would not agree with Murf’s digestive system. Not to mention the possible damage to the Protostar if Murf suffered from explosive indigestion. This kind of problem was beyond her paygrade. She would need some advice. Hopefully while concealing the identity of culprit. However, after discussing things with Zero and Gwynn, it seemed that she would have to let things take their course and hope.
This too, shall pass. Fortunately, Murf’s elastic body composition appeared to weather the inevitable explosive reaction with none the worse for wear. Unless you count the huge burp at the end. Talk about having a cast iron stomach. Needless to say, Rok-Tahk is THRILLED that her little blue buddy is ok. In fact, he might be indestructible. Let us hope we don’t find out.
The Mystery of the Protostar
Meanwhile in sickbay, Zero is examining Gwyn’s previously broken leg. It was now healed. Seeing as that was now the case, she wondered why Gwyn remained in sickbay. Gywn told her she was sad. While Zero didn’t understand the emotional state, she did realize that there were many unanswered questions. Why did the Diviner want the Protostar? What was so important about the ship that he chose it over Gwyn? For that matter, what was the Protostar’s original mission and why was it buried at Tars Lamora? To answer these questions, they called upon Janeway. However, she seemed to be a bit vague as to the origins of the Protostar and its capabilities. For some reason, this information was removed from her database. It would be up to Gwyn and Zero to find the answers.
The Price of Disloyalty
Back on the Kobayashi Maru, the record of failure was reaching historic heights. No matter what Captain Dal attempted, the ship was destroyed. Eventually, even his holodeck crew was growing frustrated. That is saying a lot for holographic crew members. The low point might have been when he had allowed the Klingons to board the Enterprise while he and his crew hid behind a console. Not exactly setting examples of a heroic nature.
However, after setting new standards for failure, Captain Dal had realized one thing. ONE of his crew was not showing him the proper loyalty and respect. Not to mention he was delighting far too much in Dal’s string of failures. So, the Captain made a command decision and removed Jankom, his wayward engineer from the holodeck. Jankom protested. Who would tell him about all of his mistakes? Regardless, Dal sent him away and replaced him with another engineer. Please welcome, Commander Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer.
Deciphering the Mystery
After being so rudely excused from the Kobayashi Maru simulation, Jankom couldn’t wait to inform the rest of the crew about the comedy of errors being made in the holodeck. But Zero asked him to hold his story as Gwyn was trying to resolve what was keeping Janeway from accessing ship’s records. After closer examination, she found that the locked files were protected by a passcode in her own language, which didn’t make any sense. Her people, of which her father and her were the only ones left, had never encountered Starfleet. At least as far as she knew. However, after giving it some thought, she deciphered the passcode and got access to the information that was restricted. A lot of information.
Chaos Theory
Now that Captain Dal had a new engineer, he pursued his task anew. But not with anymore success. Eventually, he decided that perhaps the best way to proceed was with chaos. He cranked up the ships sound system, blasting out some wicked tunes. Which not only was deafening to HIS crew but also to the Klingons. He then asked Mr. Scott to push the ships engines beyond their limits and to prepare to eject the warp core. As the Klingon ships closed in, Captain Dal ordered the warp core ejected and then blasted it with his ship’s phasers. The resulting explosion took out the enemy vessels while leaving the Kobayashi Maru undamaged. But just when it appeared he had finally done it, ANOTHER Klingon Bird of Prey appeared. And without the warp engines, he was “dead in the water.”
Taking down the Klingons
If only he could leave the ship. Immediately, Spock and Dal were transported onto the bridge of the Klingon vessel. Dal laid down phaser fire as Spock took down the bridge crew with the famous “Vulcan Nerve Pinch.” (Although, the glimpse you initially see of Spock going into action looks like he is sneaking up on someone to tickle them). Once again, it appeared that Captain Dal was victorious. At least, until he put his feet up on the Klingon console and accidentally fired a torpedo, destroying the Enterprise. All that work. All that chaos, and he still failed. He didn’t understand.
Spock explained that part of the problem was that he needed to put the crew and his ship’s needs before his own. In addition, he needed to present a figure of strength to his crew. Captains do not have the luxury of self-doubt. Dal understood. He needed to listen to his crew more and talk less. With that, the simulation ended. Dal asked the ship’s computer if there was a way to beat the program. It explained that it was designed to be a no-win scenario. A way to test a Captain’s ability to handle that possibility. Dal acknowledged this…but he had been so close.
Not Janeway’s First Crew
As Dal rejoined the crew to explain his revelations, he found them examining the data that Gwyn had discovered. It would take them days to research it. But Rak-Tahk had noticed a picture of a Starfleet Officer and touched it. The resulting data stream flowed and projected a holo-like image of Captain Chakotay, Janeway’s former crewmate from the Voyager, as he sat on the bridge of the Protostar. Next to him was Janeway. She realized that Dal and company was NOT her first crew. Whatever that would mean.
Thoughts
After a brief hiatus, Star Trek Prodigy returns with an episode that pays homage to some of Star Trek’s historic past. This plays a large part of the episode with just a small part that expounds on the current story line. However, the novelty and nostalgic vibes of the main arc can’t be ignored. Using the iconic Kobayashi Maru scenario, Dal is introduced to a number of historic figures from Star Trek’s past. From Nichelle Nichols Lt. Uhura, Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock and James Doohan’s Montgomery Scott. With Rene Auberjunois’ Odo and Gates McFadden’s Bevery Crusher also included. Each of these characters were supplied their dialogue from episodes of the past (except for Dr. Crusher, see below). Not always to great effect due to audio quality, but the warm fuzzies created by their inclusion more than made up for it.
However, it did serve to show Dal’s inherent flaws as well as his reluctance to accept defeat. Pretty much any gamer can relate to his need to come out victorious. It actually was quite similar to the recent Star Trek Lower Decks episode where Ensign Boimler refused to stop playing his Borg simulation until he scored as high as he could. Show me a Captain who isn’t competitive and more than likely, he isn’t a Captain you would want to follow. However, it did serve to teach Dal that he could benefit from listening to his crew more. So, it wasn’t without some positives.
So where did the dialogue come from in the Kobayashi Maru scenario? Did you recognize some of them? Think about it for a moment and review before going down and seeing where some of those classic bits came from. I broke them down by character. This was not all of them, but most. (Note: Gates McFadden recorded her lines for the show as Dr. Crusher, being the first time as the character since 2002.)
Spock
“…entry into which by either side, would constitute an act of war” Season 1, Episode 15 of TOS: Balance of Terror
“…I believe he has lost the capacity for rational decision” Season 3, Episode 2 of TOS: The Enterprise Incident
“My Congratulations, Captain…” Season 2, Episode 1 of TOS: The Changling.
“…am I correct in my assumption that you’ve been disturbed by what you consider to be a failure on your part?” Season 2, Episode 13 of TOS: Obsession
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…” Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
“And what is it that makes one man an exceptional leader?” Season 1, Episode 5 of TOS: The Enemy Within
“No disrespect intended, but you must realize you can’t admit the full truth to the crew. You’re the captain of this ship. You haven’t the right to be vulnerable in the eyes of the crew. You can’t afford the luxury of being anything less than perfect. If you do, they lose faith, and you lose command.” Season 1, Episode 5 of TOS: The Enemy Within
“In your own way, you are as stubborn as another Captain of the Enterprise I once knew” Season 5, Episode 8 of TNG: Unification, Part 2
“Live Long and Prosper” first seen in Season 2, Episode 1 of TOS: Amok Time
Uhura
“I don’t care if it’s allowed or not, I won’t do it!” Season 2, Episode 16 of TOS: The Gamesters of Triskellion
“Yes, he’s infuriating, sir. How can you stand it?” Season 3, Episode 16 of TOS: The Mark of Gideon
Odo
“You can order me all you want. As of now, I’m resigning my commission” Season 3, Episode 14 of DS9: Heart of Stone
“that’s not good enough…” Season 4, Episode 1 of DS9: The Way of the Warrior
“…it might very well start a war” Season 5, Episode 26 of DS9: A Call to Arms
“…excuse me?” Season 7, Episode 21 of DS9: When it Rains
“…what does it matter? Season 2, Episode 16 of DS9: Shadowplay
“No! I’m not going to let this happen again! Not again!” Season 5, Episode 8 of DS9: Things Past
Scotty
“Thank you, sir, and call me Scotty” Season 6, Episode 4 of TNG: Relics
“The plasma intercoolers gone. The engines are overheating” Season 6, Episode 4 of TNG: Relics
Fun and Nostalgia Outweigh the Minor Hiccups
This episode was a lot of fun, regardless of the minimal dialogue sound issues. But as I know with my own experiences with such a project, it is a challenging task to intersperse older dialogue clips into a new media. Considering the obstacles involved, they did a pretty damn good job. Based on the wonderful trip through memory lane, and a brilliant intro to new fans of Star Trek history, I give Kobayashi a 4 out of 5. Star Trek Prodigy can be seen on Paramount+.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
