The fourth season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premieres this week on Paramount+, just a year after the season three finale. The first six episodes were sent for review ahead of the show's return, coinciding with the 60th anniversary celebrations of Star Trek at San Diego Comic Con. Season three ended with the controversial death of Pike’s (Anson Mount) girlfriend, Captain Batel (Melanie Scrofano). Season four symbolizes a return to form in some ways. However, some ongoing issues at the core of the series still persist.

Each episode progresses like a mini film lasting an hour, and while there are notable character moments in the early episodes, the show continues to treat its characters more like objects than people. Every week, the Strange New Worlds characters emotionally reset, and their previous experiences have little impact on their current behavior. This situation serves the episode's plot rather than the development of the story. Although season four seems to have found what it wants to be, this awareness has come at the cost of depth and development for the USS Enterprise crew.

One of the most entertaining and engaging aspects of Strange New Worlds is its ability to shift between different genres in each episode. As Akiva Goldsman told Collider, "our worlds are genres," and this is quite true in season four. The first six episodes start with classic Star Trek stories, while the middle four episodes transition between genres like horror, buddy comedy, film noir, and puppetry. These striking transitions offer viewers something new and visually enjoyable each week.

However, the relationships between characters still feel somewhat superficial. The season does not explicitly include a queer character, and without the relationship between Pike and Batel, season four is almost devoid of romantic love. The show struggles to delve deeply into character development, which prevents viewers from forming an emotional connection with the characters. While season four is worth watching for Star Trek fans, those seeking a deeper experience will have to rely on their imagination.