Strange New Worlds Adds Holodeck, Puppet Episodes

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 introduces its first holodeck-themed episode, 'A Space Adventure Hour,' directed by Jonathan Frakes, despite established canon placing holodeck technology in a later era. The episode features Christina Chong's La'an trapped in a murder mystery simulation, which creates in-universe justification for the early appearance and subsequent disappearance of holodecks from Starfleet ships. The story pays homage to Star Trek's legacy, parodying The Original Series and referencing Deep Space Nine, while blending meta-humor, romance, and genre parody. Paul Wesley's portrayal of Kirk stands out for its self-aware homage to William Shatner. Fan responses have been mixed, with some praising the experimentation and others critiquing the nostalgic approach. The series continues its innovative streak, teasing a puppet-centric episode crafted by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop for Season 4.