Hit It: Best Quotes From STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS’ ‘The Broken Circle’

Melody McCune

Nurse Chapel and Doctor M'Benga stand on a ship while looking at each other in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 1, "The Broken Circle."

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is back for Season 2 and, dare I say, better than ever. Season 2 Episode 1, “The Broken Circle,” sets the tone for what’s sure to be a nonstop thrill ride of a season. From M’Benga and Chapel’s incredible fight sequence to Spock grappling with the command and struggling to suppress his feelings for Chapel, the season premiere is an exciting, wholly immersive experience. Plus, that ending. Could Admiral April’s hint at a potential war come to fruition? What about that Gorn attack ship he saw on the radar? 

Ethan Peck delivers a nuanced, versatile performance that runs the gamut of comedy and drama. His emotional work is so present and full of complexity. My heart broke for Spock when he thought Chapel was dead. Additionally, we met Pelia, who will undoubtedly make life on the Enterprise more interesting. (It already is, but still.)

Strange New Worlds paid homage to the late, great Nichelle Nichols with this beautiful tribute: “For Nichelle, who was the first through the door and showed us the stars. Hailing frequencies forever open…”

As we dive headfirst into the new season, here are my favorite quotes from “The Broken Circle.” Hit it!

RELATED: Check out our recap of the latest Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode, “The Broken Circle”

M’BENGA (to SPOCK): “You’ll just have to learn to live with them … like we all do.” 

To me, the poignance and profundity of this M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) quote lay in its simplicity. It hits you where it hurts, just as Spock’s (Peck) emotional floodgates burst open, and he must navigate his significantly intense feelings. Learning to live with our emotions, specifically the unpleasant ones, can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Thankfully, M’Benga helps Spock channel his emotions positively by using music as a therapeutic outlet. 

Uhura and Spock conceal themselves among the Klingons in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 1, "The Broken Circle."
Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura and Ethan Peck as Spock appearing in Season 2 Episode 1, “The Broken Circle,” of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

PIKE: “Take it easy, Mr. Spock. You’ll never even have to leave space dock.” 

SPOCK: “What is the human expression? ‘Famous last words’?” 

Oh, Pike (Anson Mount). If you only had the foresight to see what would befall your crew after you left. If he had returned right when Spock was negotiating with the Klingon commander or when the Enterprise was trying to save M’Benga and Chapel (Jess Bush), he would’ve bore the same expression as Troy in the Community episode, “Remedial Chaos Theory.” You know that moment. “Famous last words,” indeed, Mr. Spock. Indubitably. 

RELATED: TV Review: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Boldly Gets Bigger and Better

SPOCK: “Must I have a thing? Do you have a thing?” 

ORTEGAS: “Well, I’ve been workshopping ‘Vamos,’ but it’s supposed to be about you. What kind of commander are you and all that. So, no presh.” 

SPOCK: “I would like the ship to go … now.” 

ORTEGAS: “Aye, aye, captain.” 

Everyone has a thing. For example, Pike is fond of “Hit it.” Needless to say, Spock’s “thing” is hilariously on-brand for him. The camera zooming in before he says “now” only adds to the hilarity of the moment. Peck is a comedic natural who never goes over the top or plays it for laughs. Plus, any and all Ortegas (Melissa Navia) scenes are barrels of fun. 

Nurse Chapel and La'an sit next to each other among the Klingons in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 1, "The Broken Circle."
Jess Bush as Chapel and Christina Chong as La’an in Season 2 Episode 1, “The Broken Circle,” of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

M’BENGA: “I know it’s a terrible idea.” 

CHAPEL: “Yeah, it’s terrible. Let’s get to it, then.” 

If you need a quote that aptly epitomizes Christine Chapel as a character. She’s willing to go above and beyond to do what’s right, even in the face of death. Again, this isn’t a particularly eloquent quote, but I was moved by Chapel’s response to M’Benga admitting his idea is terrible and their high-stakes situation. Their courage, tenacity and those badass fight sequences (I loved the genre-bending action in this episode) felt like a lovely nod to medical personnel everywhere. Our doctors and nurses are the real heroes. 

RELATED: 10 Star Trek References on Futurama

PELIA: “You want to know the worst thing about living almost forever?” 

SPOCK: “The loss of those you love.” 

PELIA: “Oh, you sweet, un-Vulcan Vulcan. No. That’s the pain shared by all those who live with even a half-open heart. No. It’s boredom. And on that ship of yours, there seems to be a shortage of that. I like it. I might even try to stick around.” 

From here on out, Carol Kane should be in every sci-fi/fantasy project. Besides making everything she’s in exponentially better, Pelia is already such a fun supporting character. I love that her response isn’t what you’d typically expect from someone with near immortality. I’m excited to see more of her as the season progresses. Perhaps we’ll get more lighthearted scenes with Spock? 

RELATED: Catch up on the Enterprise fun with our Star Trek: Strange New Worlds recaps!

What are your favorite quotes from “The Broken Circle”? Sound off in the comments below!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streams new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+

https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/laan-noonien-singh-star-trek-strange-new-worlds-christina-chong/

Melody McCune
Follow me!

Leave a Comment