Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3’s Biggest Kirk Disappointment

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What bothered me most about season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds wasn’t the comedic portrayal of Vulcans, which upset some longtime Star Trek fans. In fact, I really liked season 3, including episode 8, “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans,” even though its lighthearted take on the Vulcans frustrated many dedicated fans.

Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds sparked more debate among fans than its earlier seasons, which were generally well-received. This season took more risks and tried new things with the Star Trek formula, focusing on lighter, genre-bending stories instead of the classic Star Trek style.

Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds took some unexpected turns, changing storylines and relationships established in season 2. The most disappointing change for me was the way the developing romance between Lieutenant La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) and Lt. Commander James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) was handled.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Not Introducing Carol Marcus Was Disappointing

As a huge Star Trek fan, I was really let down that Season 3 of Strange New Worlds didn’t bring in Carol Marcus. Even more surprising, they completely skipped over the fact that she’s pregnant with Kirk’s baby! Remember in the musical episode, “Subspace Rhapsody,” when Kirk confided in La’an that Carol was expecting? It felt like a major plot point they just… ignored. I was hoping to see that storyline develop, but it looks like we’ll have to wait for Season 4, if ever.

Aside from his appearance as a hologram in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3, episode 4, “A Space Adventure Hour,” Jim Kirk appeared in three episodes that season. One notable episode, “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail,” showed James becoming Captain Kirk. However, even in these episodes focused on Kirk, the character Carol Marcus wasn’t mentioned.

The third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds didn’t mention Carol Marcus, raising questions about the birth of her son, David. Because the season jumped forward to 2261 and covered several months, it’s possible Carol had David during that time, even though it wasn’t shown on screen.

The show Star Trek: Strange New Worlds missed a key emotional beat that I was expecting. This moment – showing James Kirk’s feelings as he makes the difficult decision to distance himself from his son – is a crucial backstory element, later referenced by Admiral Kirk (William Shatner) when he encounters his adult son, David Marcus (Merritt Butrick), in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Without Carol’s presence, this important connection wasn’t made.

Spock & La’an Took Away Kirk’s Potential Relationship Drama

Okay, so as a big Star Trek: Strange New Worlds fan, I was really excited to see the chemistry between La’an and Kirk develop further in season 3. Honestly, a lot of us were hoping for that! So, imagine my surprise – and honestly, confusion – when the show completely switched gears and started a romance between La’an and Spock, played by Ethan Peck. It just felt… unexpected, to say the least.

Spock and La’an seem like a good match because they have a lot in common. Spock’s logical nature fits well with La’an, even more so than with Kirk. Plus, the actors Ethan Peck and Christina Chong share a strong connection, just as much as Chong did with Paul Wesley.

The romantic relationship between Spock and La’an, combined with the absence of Carol Marcus in season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, unexpectedly ended the promising love triangle between Kirk, La’an, and Carol that season 2 hinted at.

Kirk truly became a capable starship Captain in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, marking a significant moment in his journey. While season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds might finally bring in the characters Carol and David Marcus, I was hoping to see them in season 3 and was a little disappointed they didn’t appear.

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2025-12-09 18:28