Stargazers: a Star Trek Story continues to engage young adult readers and Trek superfans alike. By choosing to focus on the day-to-day goings-on at Deep Space 9, readers are not constantly forced to brace themselves for station-threatening plots.
The main character, Leon Foxwell, continues to explore his relationships with his friends, including his frenemy Syrrik, and Stargazers episode 9 finds Leon excited about the talent show he is organizing with his friends. However, a chance encounter could leave him stumbling emotionally.
With that in mind, let’s dive in and examine Stargazers' character development, artwork, and storytelling in the latest installment of the webcomic.
1. Character development
Episode 9 begins with Leon and Alfie walking the promenade as he explains to his beloved pet that they will have a great time at the upcoming talent show. At this point, readers are used to Leon talking to his dog. Talking to one’s dog is very relatable for anyone who has ever owned one, and it also displays the capacity for love and affection that Leon possesses.
Leon and Alfie’s stroll is cut short when he spots Syrrik in a crowded DS9. Syrrik, who picks up on Leon’s presence, attempts to scurry away, prompting Leon to give chase. In his attempt to return Syrrik’s PADD, Leon’s chase is quite indicative of both his big heart and the burgeoning connection between the two teens, who were childhood friends.
Syrrik’s internal dialogue indicates that his attempted escape is because he does not want to say something stupid to Leon once again. He is clearly attracted to Leon and even envies him in several ways. Leon catches Syrrik by grabbing his hand. He could have grabbed his arm, or his shoulder, but no, Leon went for the hand, leaving both characters blushing.
Leon and Syrrik’s conversation includes more talk about the latter's desire for duty and discipline – all words of Syrrik’s father. However, the conversation soon turns to the upcoming talent show and the anger Syrrik’s father is experiencing over the prospect of the event, which leaves both Syrrik and Leon nearly rolling in laughter.
Syrrik’s ability to laugh at his father’s ridiculousness and the jest Leon provides on the subject is telling. It suggests that Syrrik is comfortable with letting his guard down in front of Leon and is losing considerable faith in his father with each passing moment.
As the conversation turns towards Leon’s talent showcase, the two bond in an interesting manner over Syrrik’s lack of interest in home-cooked food. The two descend into yet another argument, but this time it felt different. This time it felt like the two frenemies shared palpable chemistry rather than simply fighting. The argument culminated in a date of sorts as Leon demanded he be allowed to make Syrrik a meal.
The entirety of the episode focuses on building chemistry between what has become our two stars of the show, futhering their character development. Leon may not know it yet, but he is smitten with Syrrik.
Syrrik, on the other hand, is clearly hiding feelings that are begging to come to the surface. The episode finally puts the development of both characters right in our face as readers, and everyone’s assumptions are beginning to take hold on the page.
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