The SNW actor also addresses filming the S4 finale.
Celia Rose Gooding has the honor of portraying one of the two most prominent Star Trek: The Original Series legacy characters to grace Strange New Worlds from day one back in 2022. Of the “core seven” who appeared regularly on TOS, only Mr. Spock and Nyota Uhura served on Captain Christopher Pike’s (Anson Mount) USS Enterprise from the very beginning: the SNW series premiere.
And now, Gooding, who plays Uhura, is reflecting on her time filming not only Strange New Worlds season 4, but its finale, too, which tested the talented actress like never before. Gooding said (per TrekMovie.com): “Season 4… it’s intense, and we pull no punches. It’s a lift for sure, but the season 4 finale, for me personally, was some of the hardest stuff I’ve done, and whenever that episode comes out, you’ll know exactly what I mean.”
Gooding spoke cryptically about season 4 during the panel, so that she wouldn’t give away any juicy spoilers. It’s clear, though, that the actress gave her all to the role of the beloved communications specialist, Uhura, in Strange New Worlds’ upcoming episodes. Gooding also said during the same sit-down:
“It was a real lift emotionally and physically. I did a lot of my own stunts in that episode, and also, it’s just… It’s very similar to the musical episode, where there’s a moment that I think really defines her understanding of her place in the Federation, but also her place in herself and her relationship to herself, and I think just doing that sort of deep shadow work that is necessary for emotional lifts like that, that was very intense as someone who did not, who was not in therapy at the time, and should have definitely been in therapy at the time.”
Personally, even though Gooding’s version of Uhura made her presence and importance felt right away in season 1’s second episode, “Children of the Comet,” my favorite moment of Uhura's from Strange New Worlds is still when she introduces Mr. Spock (Ethan Peck) to James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) in season 2's "Lost in Translation."
Kirk stands up and shakes hands with his future best friend and science officer, and then he asks Spock to join him and Uhura for a drink. I still get chills every time I rewatch this epic scene, and the ambiance of the moment is only heightened by the soft jazz music resonating.
If by some chance you're a TOS fan who hesitated to give Strange New Worlds a try, start here. Fast forward and watch the final scene of "Lost in Translation," and you'll understand just how important Star Trek's legacy characters are to the must-see streaming series.
For more Star Trek content, and to share your thoughts about Celia Rose Gooding’s portrayal of Nyota Uhura, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. And Strange New Worlds season 4 debuts Thursday, July 23, on Paramount+.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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