Redshirt readers, we’re back for another episode review of Stargazers: A Star Trek Story, where we delve into episode 7.
In the previous chapter, Leon Foxwell showed off his cooking skills and went on a brief shopping adventure with Churi, Kenga, and Alfie, giving the series’ writer, Jarrett Melendez, the opportunity to show the day-to-day operation of Deep Space 9.
It was very much like an interlude. So, with that in mind, the following pages examine how Melendez and his team use storytelling, artwork, and character development to further the tale of Leon and his friends.
1. Storytelling
As Stargazers episode 7 opens, it’s a week later. Leon and his peers are back in the classroom with their teacher, Lyssa, discussing The Archduke of the Bracelets, and how it might be viewed as an allegory for Starfleet. Other than Alfie’s facial expressions, this discount Lord of the Rings book is my favorite part of the series so far.
Churi compares the antagonist in the book to the Borg, saying, “They assimilate all beings. And what is being assimilated but . . . well . . . the annihilation of your own self?” That’s an excellent point, and it makes me want to write entire essays about sci-fi antagonists vs. fantasy ones.
Melendez wraps several allegories up inside this imaginary tale, which shifts the storytelling aspect of Stargazers compared to the previous episodes, and we get into Syrrik’s head in addition to Leon’s. When the discussion of the book turns to the topic of the students’ futures, quite a few of them, including Leon, reveal that they are undecided about what comes next in their respective lives.
Syrrik becomes visibly upset and runs out of the classroom. It seems that his ideas of what joining Starfleet means differ from those of his peers, and it’s turned his world on its ear. I’m curious to see how this affects Syrrik in future episodes.
2. Artwork
In live-action series and even in animated series like Star Trek: Lower Decks, the movements and facial expressions give viewers more insight into the characters and even become instantaneously tied to them forever.
For instance, who can forget the Riker Maneuver? Cyrel W. and the other Kisai Entertainment artists of Stargazers must approach this differently due to the medium, and they do a fine job in this episode.
When Leon chases Syrrik down the hallway after the latter dashes out of the classroom, there’s a wonderful moment when a touch to Syrrik’s shoulder makes him blush outrageously! The detail in the colors of the blush gives him away completely and confirms what was teased in the story’s synopsis: this is a rivals-to-lovers tale.
The artists leave a few Easter eggs in this chapter, such as a certain bar-owning Ferengi and the familiar gaming tables inside his establishment. It expands Leon’s world without making the appearance too obvious. An interaction might have felt forced, but the quiet glimpse is a fine way to remind us that Leon and his friends live on Deep Space 9.
3. Character development
One thing the writers of Deep Space Nine did well was build a world with compelling characters who exist in a confined space. While Benjamin Sisko and other characters left the station more often once the Defiant was introduced, much of the world-building and character growth took place there. Melendez accomplishes this feeling of expansion in episode 7 by increasing the story’s pacing.
For instance, while we knew that Syrrik’s ultimate goal is to become a Starfleet officer, the way he reacts when he learns more than half his class is undecided about their future says a great deal about him.
Syrrik’s anxiety and confusion, along with how nonchalant Leon appears about being undecided, push him to an emotional edge. His uncertainty deepens when Leon grabs his shoulder and he dashes away once again. It’s clear that inside, Syrrik isn’t nearly as together as he claims to be!
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