And the famed Klingon brings an equally deadly device with him.
It’s been nearly 60 years since this iconic Klingon first came face to face with Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in Star Trek: The Original Series. And now, in what is arguably Strange New Worlds season 4’s most compelling episode, Commander Kor returns in the show’s memorable black-and-white film noir story, “A Case of Chiaoscuro.”
The role made famous by famed character actor John Colicos six decades ago in The Original Series season 1 episode “Errand of Mercy” (1967) falls to Demore Barnes, who not only takes up Kor’s mantle but brings along the Klingon’s famed mind sifter.
However, this time around, Star Trek fans actually get to SEE Kor’s mind scanner in action as he uses the device on Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding). I was certainly excited to see Kor return, but the best part of “A Case of Chiaoscuro” happens when Uhura is able to defeat Kor’s deadly mind scanner. despite its reputation for leaving its victims like "vegetables."
For those who may be new to the fandom, while we only hear about the frightening weapon in “Errand of Mercy,” Spock is forced to undergo an interrogation under its persuasion off-screen, but the mind scanner couldn't penetrate the thoughts of the Enterprise's first officer.
Fortunately, Spock was also able to outwit the mind scanner thanks to his Vulcan nature, but he did warn Kirk not to underestimate the Klingon device — the captain never had to endure it, though. Therefore, it is so satisfying 60 years later to see Uhura have a chance to shine as she proves her mental strength in besting the terrifying interrogation.
What did you think about Kor’s return? How about Uhura defeating the mind scanner? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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