Warning: SPOILERS For Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3, Episode 5 – “Through The Lens Of Time”Star Trek: Strange New Worlds‘ controversial romance adds layers of depth that enhance the narrative far beyond Lieutenant Spock’s (Ethan Peck) earlier involvement with Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush). Chapel ended her relationship with Spock during Star Trek‘s inaugural musical episode, but the Vulcan ultimately came to terms with their breakup when Chapel introduced her new partner, Dr. Roger Korby (Cillian O’Sullivan).

Following a three-month time jump between the season 3 premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the second episode of season 2, titled “Wedding Bell Blues,” Spock found himself as the dance partner of Lieutenant La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong). Unsurprisingly, the shared experience of dancing sparked a romantic connection between Spock and La’an.

In the fourth episode of season 3, “A Space Adventure Hour,” La’an discovered her romantic feelings for Spock, feelings that were indeed mutual. However, La’an confided in Nurse Chapel that she and Spock are merely enjoying unspecified “fun times.” This marks a significant improvement over the tumultuous relationship Spock experienced with Chapel.

Understanding Why Spock & La’an Are a More Natural Couple Than Spock & Nurse Chapel

Exploring the Common Ground Between La’an & Spock

While some viewers might feel that the relationship between Spock and La’an appears sudden, a closer examination reveals that their connection is rooted in a shared understanding. Both Spock and La’an are pragmatic, highly efficient Starfleet officers, driven by duty and a sense of purpose. They also share similar emotional scars; Spock grapples with the duality of his Vulcan and human heritage, while La’an carries the burden of survivor’s guilt stemming from her past encounters with the Gorn.

Moreover, both Spock and La’an are eager to transcend their established roles. Spock is on a journey to embrace his human emotions, a journey he once navigated with Nurse Chapel, while La’an is in pursuit of broader experiences that extend beyond her strict duties. The parallels in their characters showcase a more profound compatibility than that which existed between Spock and Chapel. Additionally, the undeniable chemistry between actors Ethan Peck and Christina Chong elevates their interactions to another level.

In her own reflections, Nurse Chapel recognized that her unpredictable nature and uncertainty negatively impacted her relationship with Spock, ultimately leading her to find a more suitable match in Dr. Roger Korby. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds adeptly explored the complexities of Spock and Chapel’s relationship, but the remnants of their connection echo an unfulfilled love story from Star Trek: The Original Series, shedding light on why Spock and Christine’s relationship could not endure.

The Canon of Star Trek: TOS Indicates Spock & La’an’s Romance Is Doomed to Fade

How La’an Might Transform Spock’s Character Arc

Spock and La’an are intentionally keeping their relationship undefined, allowing things to develop organically, while Spock’s need for clarity in his relationship with Nurse Chapel hastened its demise. However, dedicated Star Trek fans are well aware that Spock and La’an’s romantic journey faces inevitable challenges, as La’an is notably absent in Star Trek: The Original Series.

It’s conceivable that by the time Captain James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) assumes command of the USS Enterprise, La’an may opt out of serving alongside two men she finds attractive. Alternatively, a tragic fate could await La’an, which might compel Spock to fully embrace Vulcan logic, providing an explanation for why neither Kirk nor Spock ever mention La’an in TOS.

La’an’s relationship with Spock could serve as a pivotal moment in Ethan Peck’s portrayal of Spock, potentially transitioning him into the more emotionally reserved Vulcan embodied by Leonard Nimoy. Although the love story between La’an and Spock may conclude before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series, it still has the potential to unfold throughout the remaining episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 and possibly extend into seasons 4 or 5. Like La’an and Spock, viewers are encouraged to cherish their “fun times” while they endure.