“Under the Cloak of War” explores M’Benga’s past, giving the quieter cast member a chance to shine. The chief medical officer has traumatic flashbacks to the Klingon War while coming face to face with his greatest foe in the present.
The eighth installment addresses the horrors of war and explores some weighty questions on the topic. It’s an enticing insight into M’Benga’s character with a few last-minute twists as well. Here’s what happened in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 8:
- The Enterprise hosts peace ambassador Dak’Rah, a former Klingon General, who was known as the Butcher of J’Gal. Rah is admired as much as he is hated. Uhura and Pike see him as a changed man, whilst the others loath his presence.
- Erica thinks Rah is stealing the Enterprise’s secrets. Whilst Rah’s sudden arrival brings up haunting memories of the Klingon War for M’Benga and Christine.
- In flashbacks, Christine is posted on the Moon of J’Gal during the Klingon War. There she meets M’Benga. They tend to the wounded soldiers and witness the horrors of war firsthand.
- M’Benga is asked to help assassinate the Klingon’s leader Dak’Rah, who is rumored to be ordering the killing of civilians and children, anyone who is not a Klingon warrior. M’Benga refuses to battle though.
- When he finally sees infant casualties, he quickly changes his mind.
- In the present, Rah is given a tour of the ship. At a meal, he boasts about his achievements. The angry crew members struggle to keep quiet. This leads to Christine and Spock falling out.
- M’Benga asks Rah for the truth. Rah admits to killing his own men when he found out about their orders.
- Una shortens Rah’s trip due to the crew’s negativity towards their guest. Rah visits M’Benga to make amends. M’Benga persuades Rah to tell the truth. It was Rah who gave the orders after all.
- M’Benga confesses, he was the true Butcher of J’Gal, the one who killed all of Rah’s men. He tried to kill Rah, but the General escaped.
- M’Benga and Rah fight. Rah is stabbed and killed. Christine tells Pike that Rah attacked first. The knife used belonged to the Butcher, so Pike believes M’Benga is innocent.
- Pike has his doubts though. He questions M’Benga later. M’Benga won’t admit that he attacked first. But he is happy Rah is dead nonetheless.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 9 Release Date and Time
Episode 9 will be released on Paramount+ on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, at 6 a.m. PT. Episode 9 is titled “Subspace Rhapsody.”
Where to watch online
Viewers worldwide can catch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 9 with a subscription to Paramount+ on the date mentioned above.
Predictions
- “Subspace Rhapsody” will be the first-ever musical episode set in the Star Trek universe. Just like the crossover special this looks set to be another memorable TV event from the creative team.
- The new season has explored the demons that each individual crew member has faced over the years. It would be interesting if at least a few of these dark secrets are re-examined in the penultimate episode.
- The time-travel angle has brought up many issues as well. Spock and Christine look likely to break up, whilst Pike’s unfortunate end was strongly hinted at too. Does the Captain die? And will La’an ever rebuild her relationship with James?
