Ethical dilemmas big and small are the glue of another solid Trek episode. Causing us to ask questions of our own morality and principles when faced with questions of health, security, survival, and the fate of our children. Trek once again back to its very best.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV Series)
Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach (2022)
User Reviews
Review this title56 Reviews
Omelas
rdoliver5010 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is basically the same philosophical story as The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. LeGuin, 1973. Her story is about a utopian society that depends on the suffering of a single child, kept in the dark and with no human contact. Very well done.
It seems like a lot of people are unfamiliar with Omelas
lencar2510 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This has been pointed out by other reviewers but this episode is basically a high-definition, multi-million dollar render of a philosophical parable written by Ursula K. Le Guin called "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas."
Even while knowing that story and the arguments that follow regarding utilitarian ethics (how to minimize negatives and maximize positives for the most people possible), the story of this episode was still unfolded in a surprising and interesting way.
The episode is not written perfectly and it is easy to want more background about the Majalis' planet/colony/people as well as a potentially more believable arc of thought from Elder Gamal.
And although one could be left wanting more detail, I would argue that the way the story leaves you breadcrumbs of information (us learning as the crewmembers learn) plays out this philosophical thought experiment exceptionally well.
The huge value of this episode is in the questions we are left with after-the-fact. Who are you rooting for? Why are you rooting for them? Would you walk away from Omelas?
"Can you honestly say that no child suffers for the benefit of your Federation? That no child lives in poverty or squalor, while those who enjoy abundance look away?"
Even while knowing that story and the arguments that follow regarding utilitarian ethics (how to minimize negatives and maximize positives for the most people possible), the story of this episode was still unfolded in a surprising and interesting way.
The episode is not written perfectly and it is easy to want more background about the Majalis' planet/colony/people as well as a potentially more believable arc of thought from Elder Gamal.
And although one could be left wanting more detail, I would argue that the way the story leaves you breadcrumbs of information (us learning as the crewmembers learn) plays out this philosophical thought experiment exceptionally well.
The huge value of this episode is in the questions we are left with after-the-fact. Who are you rooting for? Why are you rooting for them? Would you walk away from Omelas?
"Can you honestly say that no child suffers for the benefit of your Federation? That no child lives in poverty or squalor, while those who enjoy abundance look away?"
Throwback
slak96u10 June 2022
TOS clone episode, the closest Star Trek has come to an original series episode in a long, long time. Best episode thus far, and by a lot.
It only took 5 hours but we finally got an episode that focused on Pike, classic Captain romance episode. The Dr. M'Benga storyline was intriguing, Babs Olusanmokun has been a surprising standout for me, he's been under used along with the rest of the male cast. Production values continue to impress, they haven't faltered through the season at all.
Nice little twist towards the end, a great ethics and morality exercise, it certainly ramped up the stakes and drama. Just really well done, I hope we get more like this one.
It only took 5 hours but we finally got an episode that focused on Pike, classic Captain romance episode. The Dr. M'Benga storyline was intriguing, Babs Olusanmokun has been a surprising standout for me, he's been under used along with the rest of the male cast. Production values continue to impress, they haven't faltered through the season at all.
Nice little twist towards the end, a great ethics and morality exercise, it certainly ramped up the stakes and drama. Just really well done, I hope we get more like this one.
An unused Gene Roddenberry TOS script
whalemonstre18 June 2022
This episode felt like classic TOS, which isn't surprising if it is indeed based on an unused TOS script by Gene Roddenberry. That would also mean it was written in the 1960s, pre-dating the 1973 short story some reviewers here are accusing it of ripping off.
this is Star Trek!
VeggieBurger112 June 2022
My husband and I are old (literally) trekkies.. we actually watched the original series at the time it ran .. We both found this episode reflected all the star trek values and story telling the original series was all about..
Thank you and keep up the good work..
Thank you and keep up the good work..
Incredible
XTheXXTruthX9 June 2022
It's the best episode of SNW yet and therefore the best episode of Star Trek in around 13 years, whenever Enterprise stopped airing.
This is also the first time it has properly felt like I've watched a new episode of Trek in that time.
SNW has shown some signs of promise but for me this is the episode that it all came together and the cast/crew really clicked in my head (although again, the potential has been there). The guest actors were all great, including the kids.
Genuinely brilliant with a great mystery and tense A plot.
We get some Pike centric story, a bit more development on Ulhura and Doctor M'Benga's storyline which is picked up from a previous episode is heartbreaking, and the sense of living with hope is overwhelming, without the manipulation and tears of Discovery.
I was glued to this episode from about 5 mins in until the very end and my stomach had butterflies as it all unfolded.
This has made me very happy and I can't wait to see what we get next week.
Thank you, for finally getting it right.
This is also the first time it has properly felt like I've watched a new episode of Trek in that time.
SNW has shown some signs of promise but for me this is the episode that it all came together and the cast/crew really clicked in my head (although again, the potential has been there). The guest actors were all great, including the kids.
Genuinely brilliant with a great mystery and tense A plot.
We get some Pike centric story, a bit more development on Ulhura and Doctor M'Benga's storyline which is picked up from a previous episode is heartbreaking, and the sense of living with hope is overwhelming, without the manipulation and tears of Discovery.
I was glued to this episode from about 5 mins in until the very end and my stomach had butterflies as it all unfolded.
This has made me very happy and I can't wait to see what we get next week.
Thank you, for finally getting it right.
The best Trek episode in decades
ferrenberg10 June 2022
Stunning. Every single thing that made Star Trek great is here: an alien race, battle action, silly interactions between officers, personal conflicts, a brief romance and deep moral questions.
As far as "NuTrek" goes, this is the most TOS episode to date. Simply outstanding.
As far as "NuTrek" goes, this is the most TOS episode to date. Simply outstanding.
Omelas reference every moment
eersoy-13-91596930 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The story is basically the same as The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by the great late Ursula K. Leguin. A child suffers for the sake of all the society's well-being and prosperity. And they have to replace the system with new young ones on regular basis. They love him, warship him and drain him to the end. Story is well presented and the last speech also shows the hypocrisy of the conscious critics of Captain who was so sure his beliefs and faith is pure and superior over the planet's habitants whom desperately sought an alternative alas failed.
Producers fallowed the story faithfully and did a great job on giving a new look.
Producers fallowed the story faithfully and did a great job on giving a new look.
Another "Star Trek" Win
fightingmink-297-2668029 June 2022
It's rare that I rate anything a "10." It means it's perfect. This is why I watch so many Star Trek shows after TNG, in hopes to get that perfect show. None came up until now. The episodes keeps getting better and better.
Ripping off Ursula LaGuin
debrasacheck11 June 2022
Let me be subjective, I suffered trough Star Trek Discovery
nedim-1375311 June 2022
No but seriously, this is too good. All episodes have its own soul, and thats what Star Trek is all about. The way first season is written is almost perfect. After watching Discovery I really thought we aint getting good star trek tv show in decades, but here we are with this wonderfull piece of television. 10/10 for me.
A bit too simplistic and shallow
vsek11 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While there is good potential for drama the script doesn't dig deep enough to make a really good episode out of it. It's like the 60's cheese is creeping in and problems only get addressed superficially.
Pike is very passive in this episode. He doesn't take charge or confronts Alora for letting a child suffer.
The scene where the traitor gets found out is laughably bad. This already nervous guy kills another guard with a staff phaser weapon and pathetically runs away. Nobody shoots him from behind but engages him in close combat for some reason. When he gets cornered, the leader of this planet steps so close to him that he is able to take her hostage. How stupid can you be? That really took the joy out of this scene completely. Why would you write people so stupidly?
Doctor M'Benga also is passive. The ramifications of the illegal and reckless storing of his child in Enterprise's transporter buffer doesn't get discussed in this episode - and neither does he take a very active role in getting help. Make up your mind, writers: either he is desperate, willing to do anything or not! Wouldn't his child also be safer on earth?
It makes me wonder again for whom this episode was produced. It's shallow and not very challenging. The dissident movement on the planet doesn't get screen time so their plight is not part of the episode and neither is the rest of the planet. The same goes for the child and father - why don't they request asylum on board of the Enterprise? That might have brought a real problem in.
This episode looks like the budget has been cut for VFX shots. It's missing the scale of previous entries.
Let's hope for more engaging and intelligent scripts for the rest of the season. Show - don't tell! And to the producers: please show some actual debate and don't just sketch the idea for us - I can do that!
Pike is very passive in this episode. He doesn't take charge or confronts Alora for letting a child suffer.
The scene where the traitor gets found out is laughably bad. This already nervous guy kills another guard with a staff phaser weapon and pathetically runs away. Nobody shoots him from behind but engages him in close combat for some reason. When he gets cornered, the leader of this planet steps so close to him that he is able to take her hostage. How stupid can you be? That really took the joy out of this scene completely. Why would you write people so stupidly?
Doctor M'Benga also is passive. The ramifications of the illegal and reckless storing of his child in Enterprise's transporter buffer doesn't get discussed in this episode - and neither does he take a very active role in getting help. Make up your mind, writers: either he is desperate, willing to do anything or not! Wouldn't his child also be safer on earth?
It makes me wonder again for whom this episode was produced. It's shallow and not very challenging. The dissident movement on the planet doesn't get screen time so their plight is not part of the episode and neither is the rest of the planet. The same goes for the child and father - why don't they request asylum on board of the Enterprise? That might have brought a real problem in.
This episode looks like the budget has been cut for VFX shots. It's missing the scale of previous entries.
Let's hope for more engaging and intelligent scripts for the rest of the season. Show - don't tell! And to the producers: please show some actual debate and don't just sketch the idea for us - I can do that!
Shame on the writers
bfdxqnrm21 June 2023
I actually thought this was an excellent episode. And had Ursula K LeGuin been credited in any way, I would have applauded it, and given it at least an 8 out of 10. But the underlying story is CLEARLY inspired by her short story "Those Who Walk Away from Omelas."
That story is very well known amongst devotees of classic science fiction, and there was honestly no possible way a large number of Star Trek devotees would not also be familiar with it. The "fleshing out" of the episode and making it StarTrek were, indeed, masterfully done. But why on earth would they not have at least given Ms. LeGuin a nod for the underlying theme?
Shame on the writers for taking credit for what is clearly not an original idea. Even Ms. LeGuin gave mention to other authors who inspired her very original story. I don't think I can enjoy the series as much given this rip-off. Who knows what they'll duplicate and call their own next?
That story is very well known amongst devotees of classic science fiction, and there was honestly no possible way a large number of Star Trek devotees would not also be familiar with it. The "fleshing out" of the episode and making it StarTrek were, indeed, masterfully done. But why on earth would they not have at least given Ms. LeGuin a nod for the underlying theme?
Shame on the writers for taking credit for what is clearly not an original idea. Even Ms. LeGuin gave mention to other authors who inspired her very original story. I don't think I can enjoy the series as much given this rip-off. Who knows what they'll duplicate and call their own next?
Shame on you
qcp-6998811 June 2022
I have been a Star Trek fan ever since I watched TOS when they first aired in the 60's. I have been an Ursula Le Guin fan since I started reading her books in the 70's. So I should be thrilled to see Strange New Worlds adapt one of Le Guin's most well-known stories, still used as a thought exercise in philosophy and ethics classes:
The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas
But Le Guin is not credited at all, and not mentioned anywhere by the producers or writers. Quite simply, they stole her story without any credit.
This was not the first Star Trek episode inspired by that story. The arc of Season 3 of Discovery was based on this story. But there, Michelle Paradise and Alex Kurtzman publicly acknowledged the inspiration, and even named one of the ships after Le Guin. I have not seen any such acknowledgment here.
Le Guin, by contrast, gave credit for her own inspiration for the story - Dostoyevsky's "Brothers Karamazov," and William James' "The Moral Philosopher and the Moral Life" Shame on you! I hope her estate sues Paramount for this.
This was not the first Star Trek episode inspired by that story. The arc of Season 3 of Discovery was based on this story. But there, Michelle Paradise and Alex Kurtzman publicly acknowledged the inspiration, and even named one of the ships after Le Guin. I have not seen any such acknowledgment here.
Le Guin, by contrast, gave credit for her own inspiration for the story - Dostoyevsky's "Brothers Karamazov," and William James' "The Moral Philosopher and the Moral Life" Shame on you! I hope her estate sues Paramount for this.
True Star Trek at its best
jimmyw-815739 June 2022
They finally did a Star Trek episode
lujason-4582210 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Engaging story well executed with an unexpected ethical dilemma. Haven't seen this in a Star Trek episode for years now. It's not as top tier as the best TNG or DS9 episode, mainly I think Pike isn't made as emotionally conflicted. In the Pale Moonlight for example, sisko directly commits/are affects by the act involving dilemma. Here, Pike is mainly just an observer.
However the fact that they are going this direction tells you that the writers/show runners are finally doing real Star Trek instead of whatever garbage STD and STP was. So a 10/10 from here. Plz do more.
However the fact that they are going this direction tells you that the writers/show runners are finally doing real Star Trek instead of whatever garbage STD and STP was. So a 10/10 from here. Plz do more.
Wow, an actual episode of Star Trek
rendaelyn9 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well, it only took 4 abysmal seasons of STD and 2 forgetable seasons of Picard, followed by 5 average to slightly above average episodes of SNW, but we finally got an actual episode of Star Trek. "Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach" is the episode that many like me have been looking and hoping for for quite some time. It presents a horrific ethical dilemma in a way that doesn't choose sides, only asking the audience to decide for themselves. Pike and Alora passionately present there case, and we are left with no definitive answer, only our own thoughts and view of morality to guide us. Bravo, SNW, you finally did it. Now please don't rest on your laurels. After all, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn periodically, and your track record isn't that compelling. I merely ask that you look into what happened when this episode entered the cosmos and keep doing it.
Best episode so far
zxsaint10 June 2022
Reviewer's Log. Stardate 100037.39
Thank you to all responsible for these new and true Star Trek episodes.
You listened to the real fans. We are here to support you.
Star Trek: SNW, the motion picture, is in your destiny.
Thank you to all responsible for these new and true Star Trek episodes.
You listened to the real fans. We are here to support you.
Star Trek: SNW, the motion picture, is in your destiny.
The writers are almost getting what makes for good Star Trek
vukpavlovic-4849330 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm really rooting they figure it out soon. This episode has the ingredients that would make for a great mystery, moral dilemma, and sc-fi combo. However, each aspect misses the mark, but we're close at least.
This should have been a Doctor story. The woman should be his old flame instead of Pike's. He should drive the mystery reveal. He should be in the landing party. Where he would sacrifice everything to save his child, this society is scrificing a child. Pike isn't really affected by this, the Doctor would at least have a great emotional opportunity. And the child's father is so stoic, seems like a wasted opportunity.
It's also weird that the alien woman is given the last word on morality justifying child sacrifice because that's how their tech works. Pike stays silent when he could point out they haven't tried everything--they haven't reached out to the Federation for help. The search for a solution should start immediately before another child scrifice is needed. Where's the hope for something better?
This should have been a Doctor story. The woman should be his old flame instead of Pike's. He should drive the mystery reveal. He should be in the landing party. Where he would sacrifice everything to save his child, this society is scrificing a child. Pike isn't really affected by this, the Doctor would at least have a great emotional opportunity. And the child's father is so stoic, seems like a wasted opportunity.
It's also weird that the alien woman is given the last word on morality justifying child sacrifice because that's how their tech works. Pike stays silent when he could point out they haven't tried everything--they haven't reached out to the Federation for help. The search for a solution should start immediately before another child scrifice is needed. Where's the hope for something better?
This is a great and a veritable Star Trek episode
batmanforever-9324911 June 2022
...but i hope the next captain in a Star Trek series will be the kind of man which would lie every politician or leader in the face, smiling and saying he, or she, will be supporting their decisions ,but in the background will do only the right thing,just for the sake of originality.
Interspecies nonsense.
akon200216 June 2022
So? Again, how can Uhura know how to translate a non federation language from Magalas . Without knowing the structure of the language or context of what was being spoken? Does the language have vowels? Is it pictograms? Is it symbols of things she couldn't possibly know? But she just translates a bunch of info cards no problems Without using the main computer or database to attract any attention to her doing it? A majority of languages Uhura knows are dialects of Earth languages. Which wouldn't help her at all. And... Pike's Johnny Bravo hairstyle?
Excellent throwback
ajkidsley11 August 2022
Weak ethical dilemma
crazy-shot18 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wonder what Spock would say, because in Chis' actions are obvious emotions over reason case.
If he would save thay kid, just to bring the destruction of the planet and death and suffering of billions other kids would he say "I did the right thing"?
This classic dilemma appeared on TV and books so many times that it's just irritating to see it again. Yes, wellbeing of billions definitely worth one child's life, especially if this child would probably suffer anyway without this sucrifice.
If he would save thay kid, just to bring the destruction of the planet and death and suffering of billions other kids would he say "I did the right thing"?
This classic dilemma appeared on TV and books so many times that it's just irritating to see it again. Yes, wellbeing of billions definitely worth one child's life, especially if this child would probably suffer anyway without this sucrifice.
Best episode yet, but still has issues
mluinstra10 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
So far, this has been the best episode of SNW. However, they are still doing many things that bug the hell out of me:
Such as, why does La'an Noonien-Singh have to be such a bit*h all the time? She is training Uhura in security and is constantly condescending and just plain nasty for no reason. She gives Uhura a task to complete and once she does this La'an says "So, you did the bare minimum I asked for?" Seriously, what is this chicks problem? Of course Uhura being the most amazing female ever, replies "actually, I found MORE than you asked for, A LOT more!" Boom (mic drop). In case anyone has missed the less than subtle hints from the previous episodes, Uhura is the most amazing chick in Starfleet, and possibly the universe.
Another thing. This is the second time that a large ship has come up to Enterprise without anyone noticing. The kid gets beamed away from Enterprise and Pike wants to know what happen. Turns out that a Combat Cruiser beamed the kid away. Did this ship just suddenly appear or what? Like I said, this is the second time this has happened. Honestly, do the scanners on Enterprise even work? Heck, you could look out a window and see this big ship, so what is going on here?
They drag out the mystery surrounding the kid way to long by having everyone be extremely vague about his situation for no reason. If the kid's father really wanted to save his kid's life, then why was he being intentionally vague as well? He wants to save his kid, but he's not going to tell you why. Good grief.
At least they kept the politics to a minimum on this episode which made it much better. It's the best episode thus far and I hope they keep this up. They need to tighten up on the writing and stop the in-your-face politics and they will have themselves a great show. Fingers crossed!
Such as, why does La'an Noonien-Singh have to be such a bit*h all the time? She is training Uhura in security and is constantly condescending and just plain nasty for no reason. She gives Uhura a task to complete and once she does this La'an says "So, you did the bare minimum I asked for?" Seriously, what is this chicks problem? Of course Uhura being the most amazing female ever, replies "actually, I found MORE than you asked for, A LOT more!" Boom (mic drop). In case anyone has missed the less than subtle hints from the previous episodes, Uhura is the most amazing chick in Starfleet, and possibly the universe.
Another thing. This is the second time that a large ship has come up to Enterprise without anyone noticing. The kid gets beamed away from Enterprise and Pike wants to know what happen. Turns out that a Combat Cruiser beamed the kid away. Did this ship just suddenly appear or what? Like I said, this is the second time this has happened. Honestly, do the scanners on Enterprise even work? Heck, you could look out a window and see this big ship, so what is going on here?
They drag out the mystery surrounding the kid way to long by having everyone be extremely vague about his situation for no reason. If the kid's father really wanted to save his kid's life, then why was he being intentionally vague as well? He wants to save his kid, but he's not going to tell you why. Good grief.
At least they kept the politics to a minimum on this episode which made it much better. It's the best episode thus far and I hope they keep this up. They need to tighten up on the writing and stop the in-your-face politics and they will have themselves a great show. Fingers crossed!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
