This is akin to the timing of the release of the films of rival franchise "Star Wars." That one releases Chapters 4-6 essentially in the 80s, offers the prequel Chapters 1-3 in the 2000s, and introduces the new class in the 2010s Chapters 7-9.
The DVD and BD releases of "Worlds' offers a good chance to experience all of the fun and adventure of this marathon (rather than binge) worthy series ahead of S2 sometime in 2023. A 4K steelbook is coming out May 16, 2023.
The following must-see S1 trailer warrants its own post. We see how that wit and wisdom of Kirk predecessor Pike (Anson Mount) prompts "what if" thoughts regarding if "Trek" god Gene Roddenberry had not replaced Pike after the OS pilot. We also see how far FX has come and get a look at elements of "Discovery."
"Worlds" aptly providing a strong vibe of all three "Trek" generations is a big part of what makes it special. Giving Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Zers a show that they all can watch together in peace and harmony is no small task. The bigger picture this time is that this unification reflects the "Trek" spirit.
This vibe commences with the pilot. We rejoin Pike, ala Kirk in the OS and TNG hand-off film "Generations," having a idyllic rural existence in the wake of his "Discovery" trauma-and-drama. Ala "Generations" and (to a lesser extent) pilot episode of "Enterprise," a catastrophic event pulls Pike back in just when he thought he was out. The "Enterprise" vibe mostly comes from this series of unfortunate incidents requiring that the U.S.S. Enterprise fly to the rescue before needed repairs are completed.
This sets the stage for classic "Trek" plots from each generation. One "worlds" episode has OS regular nurse Christine Chapel temporarily modify the appearance of the away team so that they better blend in with the natives. We also get the fan favorites of a transporter malfunction, a look at an alternative future, and a cranky potential member of The Federation that enjoys the protection and support of Star Fleet that includes the Enterprise flagship.
The TNG influence is particularly felt in a couple of episodes. One outing has a Q-like transformation that essentially sends the mostly oblivious Enterprise crew into the woods as fairy-tale characters. Mount particularly steals the show by outrageously camping it out. Another episode has Cadet Uhura go on a very special away mission just ahead of her ending her internship on the ship.
Uhura additionally adds an awesome element of the HILARIOUS Paramount Plus animated series "Lower Decks." She is a focal point for the grunts on the ship. We also see her get hazed and nervously support different departments on away missions that inevitably go awry. The better news is that she fares much better than legions of fellow "red shirts."
The Kelvin films enter the picture in the form of a pivotal character from that trilogy. We also get a nice reminder of a diplomatic mission going comically awry for Kirk.
The "Worlds" behind-the-scene team provides more classic comedy in a body-switching "Freaky Friday" episode. The efforts of science officer Spock and his fiancee to better understand each other leads to a mind transfer just ahead of crucial missions for each of them.
The inarguably best "Worlds" episode is "Quality of Mercy." This season-finale features Paul Wesley as a young Kirk who comes to the aid of The Enterprise. He is the Goldilocks of Kirks in that he has the arrogance and brashness of both William Shatner and Chris Pine without hamming it up. He definitely would be the one to marry in the game of three. (Yes, Shatner would fare the worst.)
This episode also does an excellent job portraying the Romulan Neutral Zone element of "Trek." The usual debate regarding whether to cross the line in the sand and the extent to which provoking the Romulans makes sense is particularly well executed. This is not to mention arguably the best example of Kirk boldly executing a bluff that could badly blow up in his face.
The good folks at CBS Home Entertainment further honor the OS vibe of "Mercy" by including the similar OS episode "Balance of Terror" as an bonus. Other special features include behind-the-scenes looks, special features, and a gag reel,
The logical conclusion to all this is that the melange of all thing "Trek" and its broad appeal with something for everyone makes "World" a good choice to add to your physical-media library.
