Did Star Wars truly deliver the best episode of TV in 2025, or is there a chance Star Trek can make a case? See the debate!
Bryan Fuller is well known as the original showrunner and co-creator of Star Trek: Discovery, along with such beloved cult shows as Pushing Daisies, Hannibal, and Dead Like Me. That gives him some insight into great TV and what makes an episode amazing. That came up when Fuller was talking to ScreenRant about his work and his love for both Star Wars and Star Trek. When the interviewer talked of enjoying 2016’s Rogue One movie, Fuller’s reply was intriguing:
"I do too," Fuller said, "but I love Andor even more. I think episode 8 of Andor season 2 is the most important episode of television this year, and probably for many years to come. Previously, I watched it so many times and cried at just the bravery of this woman, [Mon Mothma]. It's a crime that Genevieve O'Reilly was not acknowledged with awards."
For those who don’t know, Andor is a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, focusing on Diego Luna reprising his role as Cassian Andor. The series showcases how Cassian rises from a simple man to a Rebel soldier as the Empire grows in power. Intended to be a five-season series, creator Tony Gilroy realized that would be too complicated, and so the series ended after two seasons.
The show has earned massive acclaim for its drama, writing, showing the inner politics of both the Rebellion and the Empire, and some amazing acting. That came to the fore in episode 8, “Who Are You?" Fuller may be right that this could be a contender for the best TV episode of 2025. However, Star Trek may have one of its own.
This Strange New Worlds episode should be considered
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 was a pretty divisive one for fans. While the show did have great acting and some nice turns, the season seemed to go overboard in “gimmick” episodes like the holodeck murder mystery or the documentary-styled tale. Even the creators have acknowledged it wasn’t as good as it could have been.
However, the season did give us an absolute gem in episode 9, “Terrarium.” The story has Lt. Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) exploring a spatial anomaly that sends her crashing on a distant moon. While trying to survive, Ortegas discovers she’s not alone as a Gorn has also crashed there.
Given how she was traumatized by being held prisoner by the Gorn, Ortegas is naturally hostile. Yet the pair are forced to work together to survive and slowly form a friendship. Unfortunately, the final twist is a brutal, heartbreaking turn.
It’s a classic concept for a storyline, yet the episode manages to shine on its own. Navia gets her best acting turn of the entire series, showcasing Ortegas’ smarts and heart. How she goes from loathing this Gorn to becoming allies and friends is beautifully done, and Navia delivers it in the final scenes.
It’s easily one of the best episodes of the entire series and deserves more attention on “best of the year” lists. Yet, as great as it was, it’s hard to argue with Fuller’s claim that Andor’s eighth episode is among the best of 2025. It’s not SNW’s fault, as it had a great story, just not on the level of Andor. So, this is one time, Trek fans have to give the edge to Star Wars in terms of excellent TV.
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