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Unveiling the Vulcan Secrets of Star Trek’s Dr. M’Benga in Strange New Worlds!

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In essence, the TV series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds establishes Babs Olusanmokun’s Dr. Joseph M’Benga as a Vulcan medical expert, which aligns with Booker Bradshaw’s portrayal of Dr. M’Benga in Star Trek: The Original Series. Production for the fourth season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is ongoing, while season 3 is set to premiere on July 17 on Paramount+. As a contemporary prequel to The Original Series, Strange New Worlds leverages its position in the Star Trek timeline to reinterpret events and characters from The Original Series.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the intriguing character development of Dr. Joseph M’Benga from the Strange New Worlds series. Interestingly enough, his role in Star Trek: The Original Series was rather limited, appearing only in two episodes. In the second season episode “A Private Little War,” Dr. M’Benga was entrusted with Spock’s (Leonard Nimoy) medical care when Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) embarked on an away mission.

Given his understanding of Vulcan physiology, M’Benga discovered that the most effective treatment for Spock, who was in a healing trance due to a gunshot wound, was surprisingly not conventional medicine but rather, gently rousing him from his trance state. This unconventional approach allowed for Spock’s proper treatment and recovery.

Dr. M’Benga made another brief appearance in the third season of TOS, in the episode “That Which Remains,” though his role was significantly smaller than before.

Strange New Worlds Set Up Dr. M’Benga’s Vulcan Expertise In Star Trek: The Original Series

Dr. M’Benga Being A Vulcan Expert Is Hinted At In Strange New Worlds

In the prequel series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Joseph M’Benga’s expertise in Vulcan medicine is established, as it takes place prior to Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS). Due to his limited appearances in TOS, M’Benga’s Vulcan medical skills are a significant aspect of his character. However, Strange New Worlds intelligently expands upon the scant information provided in TOS – primarily from the episode “A Private Little War” – and delves into Dr. M’Benga’s background.

Clues to M’Benga’s skills as a Vulcan expert are found throughout the series Strange New Worlds. In the first season, episode 5, titled “Spock Amok”, it is M’Benga who is sought out to reverse an unwanted mind-swap between Spock (Ethan Peck) and T’Pring (Gia Sandhu). Although he never had the chance to master a “katric transference” during his time on Vulcan, M’Benga now employs a paste made from ground urchins that mimics the electromagnetic properties of Vulcan skin, making him feel as if he is truly in his element.

In the second episode of season 2 in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, titled “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” M’Benga and Lieutenant Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) closely observe a dialogue between Spock and Vice Admiral Pasalk (Graeme Somerville), which takes place across the USS Enterprise’s bar. While Ortegas perceives their interaction as friendly among Vulcans, M’Benga — with his years of experience studying Vulcan behavior — confidently declares that Spock and Pasalk harbor mutual disdain towards each other.

How Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Made Dr. M’Benga A Better Character

Strange New Worlds’ Dr. Joseph M’Benga Is More Than Just His Vulcan Knowledge

There can be no denying that the series Strange New Worlds significantly developed Dr. M’Benga as a character. In the original Star Trek series (TOS), M’Benga had a relatively small role, but it was crucial to have a Black doctor and specialist on 1960s television. It was groundbreaking at the time for Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock to show respect towards M’Benga not only as a physician but also as Spock’s personal doctor. In TOS, M’Benga’s character was primarily defined by his expertise. However, Strange New Worlds enriches his characterization by revealing details about his family, backstory, and a genuine friendship with Nurse Christine Chapel, portrayed by Jess Bush.

Key Strange New Worlds Episodes In M’Benga’s Arc
“The Elysian Kingdom” Strange New Worlds season 1, episode 8
“The Broken Circle” Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 1
“Under the Cloak of War” Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 8

In the first two seasons of Strange New Worlds, Dr. M’Benga’s character arc delves into whether questionable ethical decisions can be justified if they ultimately serve the greater good. During season 1, M’Benga conceals his ailing daughter, Rukiya (Sage Arrindell), in the transporter buffer as he searches for a cure. In the second season, M’Benga deals with his complex history as a veteran of the Klingon-Federation War, where his use of Protocol 12 drug gave him an edge against Klingons, leading to confrontations with Dak’Rah (Robert Wisdom), known as the Butcher of J’Gal.

In the series Strange New Worlds, the Vulcan knowledge of M’Benga is not heavily emphasized, but it’s still an essential aspect of his character. Now, instead of being a defining characteristic, it forms just one piece of who Joseph M’Benga is. This includes his Kenyan heritage, affection for his daughter, military background, bond with Chapel, and hobby of fishing. It’s expected that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 will delve deeper into the character of Dr. M’Benga. One of the upcoming 10 episodes is likely to focus on members of the USS Enterprise crew transforming into Vulcans, providing more chances for M’Benga to demonstrate his skills in this area.

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2025-05-26 01:48

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