How Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has already teased the crew's survival against the gorn

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, a Star Trek: Discovery spin-off, starring Anson Mount and Ethan Peck, premiered in May 2022. Created by the trio Akiva Goldsman, Jenny Lumet, and Alex Kurtzman, this show delves into the life of Captain Christopher Pike and his crew in the Starship Enterprise, almost half a decade before the events of the Star Trek: The Original series.

After the successful debut season, the show was renewed for a second installment, that released in June 2023. Season 2 ended on a cliffhanger, especially with the Gorn (scary reptilian alien species) attacking a human colony and leaving the crew members, including Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh, and others stranded on the planet with the Gorn. Additionally, Captain Pike faced difficulty to decide on whether to obey the Starfleet orders or rescue his fellow crew members. Viewers who are eager to know what happens next have to wait for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3, which is all set to release on Thursday, July 17, 2025, on Paramount+.

Ahead of the Season 3 premiere, let's look back at Season 2 Episode 1, titled The Broken Circle that teased how the crew can survive and win against the Gorn.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds- Dr. M'Benga's Protocol 12 could be Starfleet's secret weapon against the Gorn

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds hasn't been subtle about laying the groundwork for the upcoming confrontations with the scary alien species called the Gorn. Among them, one of the most important hints was teased back in Season 2's premiere episode, The Broken Circle. It showcased Dr. Joseph M'Benga's dark past and his use of a performance-enhancing serum called Protocol 12. The serum is used to boost strength, stamina, and resilience – traits that could be pivotal while facing off against one of the dangerous species of the Star Trek world.

In the episode, the viewers come to know that Protocol 12 was developed during the Federation's war against the Klingons, and it is more than just a tactical tool. It's a glimpse into M'Benga's former life, one that he worked hard to leave behind. Known as the Ghost, M'Benga was a special force operative whose effectiveness in hand-to-hand combat was brilliant – it wasn't just brute strength, but was his strategic mind, ability to stay calm, and, of course, the effects of Protocol 12. He wasn't just surviving the battlefield, he truly dominated it.

However, there's always an emotional and psychological toll that comes with slipping back into a violent mindset, something M'Benga grapples with throughout the series. In his quiet moments, he'a healer, a man of science who prefers saving lives instead of taking one.

Thus, if the Gorn force the Enterprise crew into a life and death scenario, as Season 2's finale suggests, M'benga might have no choice but to reawaken his Ghost avatar. Additionally, he might even share the serum with others, including Ortegas, Sam Kirk, or La'an, to make their team stand strong against the attacks of the Gorn.

Also read: How to watch Star Trek TV Shows in order? Explained

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Edited by IRMA