Star Trek: Prodigy - Ghost in the Machine (S1E17)
When the crew gets trapped in the holodeck by a mysterious malfunction, they aren't sure what's programmed or what's real.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 7.0 (9 votes) |
| Air Date | 2022-12-08 |
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix, Paramount+ |
Storyline
In this episode, the crew of the Protostar finds themselves trapped inside the ship's holodeck when a mysterious malfunction locks them in. What begins as a routine holodeck session quickly turns dangerous as the safety protocols fail and the crew struggles to distinguish between what is part of the holodeck program and what is real. The malfunction creates scenarios that blur the line between simulation and reality, forcing the young crew to question their perceptions and work together to find a way out.
As the team navigates the increasingly unstable holodeck environment, they must rely on their problem-solving skills and trust in one another to identify the source of the malfunction. The episode explores themes of perception versus reality and the importance of critical thinking when faced with confusing or deceptive situations. The crew's ability to communicate and collaborate becomes essential as they work to regain control of the holodeck and escape before the situation becomes even more perilous.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the importance of critical thinking and questioning what they perceive when something doesn't seem right. The crew must carefully analyze their surroundings and use logic to determine what is real and what is part of the malfunctioning program. This reinforces the value of not taking everything at face value and thinking through problems methodically, skills that are useful in everyday situations where children might encounter confusing or misleading information.
The episode also highlights the power of teamwork and communication when facing uncertain or dangerous circumstances. The young crew members must share observations, listen to each other's perspectives, and combine their individual strengths to solve the holodeck crisis. Children learn that working together and trusting their teammates can help them overcome challenges that would be impossible to handle alone.
Additionally, the story demonstrates resilience and adaptability when plans go wrong. The crew doesn't panic when the holodeck malfunctions; instead, they stay calm, assess the situation, and adapt their approach as new information emerges. This models emotional regulation and flexible problem-solving for young viewers.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the holodeck malfunction scary for younger viewers? | The episode creates tension through the mystery of what is real versus programmed, but Star Trek: Prodigy maintains its family-friendly tone throughout. The danger comes from problem-solving challenges rather than graphic violence or horror elements. Younger children who are sensitive to suspenseful situations might feel some anxiety during the crew's confusion, but the episode focuses on teamwork and clever thinking rather than frightening imagery. Parents can reassure children that the crew is working together to solve the problem. |
| What is a holodeck and how does it work in Star Trek? | The holodeck is a Star Trek technology that creates realistic three-dimensional environments and scenarios using holograms and force fields. It's used for training, recreation, and education. In this episode, the malfunction prevents the crew from exiting and makes it difficult to distinguish the holographic elements from reality. Parents can use this as an opportunity to discuss virtual reality technology in our world and the importance of understanding the difference between simulated experiences and real life. |
| Does the episode teach good lessons about technology safety? | Yes, the episode implicitly reinforces that technology requires proper safeguards and that malfunctions can happen even with advanced systems. The crew's experience demonstrates why safety protocols matter and why it's important to know how to respond when technology doesn't work as intended. This can lead to conversations with children about responsible technology use, the importance of backup plans, and staying calm when devices or programs don't function properly in everyday life. |
| How do the characters figure out what's real and what's not? | The crew uses observation, logical reasoning, and scientific thinking to identify inconsistencies in the holodeck program. They look for clues that reveal what is simulated versus actual, test their environment, and share information with each other to piece together the truth. This demonstrates practical problem-solving methods that children can apply when they encounter confusing situations, emphasizing the value of careful observation, asking questions, and working through problems step by step rather than jumping to conclusions. |
| Is this episode appropriate for children who get anxious about being trapped? | Children who experience claustrophobia or anxiety about being trapped might find some moments uncomfortable, as the premise involves the crew being unable to leave the holodeck. However, the episode maintains an adventurous rather than frightening tone, and the characters remain proactive and hopeful throughout. Parents know their children best and might choose to watch together, offering reassurance that the crew is capable and will find a solution. The resolution reinforces that problems can be solved through teamwork and persistence. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | A group of lawless teens, exiled on a mining colony outside Federation space, discover a derelict Starfleet ship. Dal must gather an unlikely crew for their newfound ship if they are going to escape Tars Lamora, but the Diviner and his daughter Gwyn have other plans. |
| 1 | 3 | Even with the guidance of their hologram advisor Janeway, the crew of The Protostar is tested when their ship is on a dangerous cosmic collision course. |
| 1 | 4 | The crew has their first away mission on an undiscovered planet that manifests their deepest desires, only to realize the planet has desires of its own. |
| 1 | 5 | Marooned on a deadly planet, the crew must work together with their captive Gwyn to stay alive…except the planet isn’t the only thing in pursuit. |
| 1 | 6 | As Gwyn struggles to find her role aboard the U.S.S. Protostar, Dal tests his leadership skills in the newly discovered holodeck. |
| 1 | 7 | When a mentor from Dal’s past persuades him to use their Federation cover for personal gain, they quickly discover Starfleet has protocols for a reason. |
| 1 | 8 | When the U.S.S. Protostar is fractured in time by an anomaly, Hologram Janeway must synchronize the disjointed crew and save their ship before it destructs. |
| 1 | 9 | The crew forgo their dreams of Starfleet to return to Tars Lamora in a no-win scenario. |
| 1 | 10 | When the plan goes awry, the crew must improvise. Meanwhile, Gwyn discovers a dark truth that will forever jeopardize their quest toward salvation. |
| 1 | 11 | At the edge of Federation space, the crew applies for asylum at a comm relay outpost, only for their starship to reveal its shocking true purpose. |
| 1 | 12 | When the crew encounters a dormant Borg Cube, Zero risks everything to save their ship. |
| 1 | 13 | The crew answers a distress call to find a colony trapped in Starfleet's past. |
| 1 | 14 | When the crew attempts to secure transport to the Federation, they unwittingly cross paths with the Vice Admiral who is hunting them. |
| 1 | 15 | Trapped in the Neutral Zone, the crew encounters a rogue geneticist who sheds light on Dal’s past. |
| 1 | 16 | A Starfleet Admiral digs into the past of the Protostar crew. Meanwhile, the Diviner recalls his life's mission. |
| 1 | 17 | When the crew gets trapped in the holodeck by a mysterious malfunction, they aren't sure what's programmed or what's real. |
| 1 | 18 | Desperate to warn Starfleet of their dilemma, a daring experiment goes awry as Dal inadvertently swaps minds with a Starfleet Vice Admiral. |
| 1 | 19 | Surrounded by the Federation armada, the crew attempts to stop their ship from destroying all of Starfleet. |
| 1 | 20 | As the Federation hangs in the balance, the crew must make the ultimate sacrifice to save Starfleet's future. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Dal and his friends board Janeway's starship to investigate the wormhole created by the Protostar. Tired of his training, Dal longs for some action. |
| 2 | 2 | Gwyn runs into a familiar foe on the planet Solum. Janeway reveals the true stakes of their mission to Dal and his friends. |
| 2 | 3 | Traveling through the time rift, Dal and the crew search for Chakotay on Solum. With the support of her father, Gwyn challenges Asencia. |
| 2 | 4 | Although separated by decades, the Infinity and the Voyager crews band together to save Gwyn's life. A mysterious messenger reaches out to Gwyn. |
| 2 | 5 | Reunited on the Voyager and under strict supervision, the gang must decode a secret message their mysterious benefactor left with Murf. |
| 2 | 6 | Hoping to hijack the Infinity before its scheduled destruction, Dal and the crew create hologram doubles to cover for their absence. |
| 2 | 7 | After using a Borg conduit to travel through time faster, Dal and his friends find themselves at the mercy of a demanding Kazon. |
| 2 | 8 | The crew detours to a colony of non-corporeal entities, who offer Zero an opportunity to obtain a physical body. Janeway discovers Dal's real intentions. |
| 2 | 9 | Finally arriving at the coordinates, the Infinity crew discovers a hidden planet – and the long-awaited identity of their mysterious messenger. |
| 2 | 10 | On the run from their time-erasing pursuers, the Infinity crew and their new ally search for an escape. The Voyager embarks on a rescue mission. |
| 2 | 11 | Thanks to Wesley Crusher's timely intervention, the cadets find the Protostar — but the ship's marooned guardian isn't eager for their assistance. |
| 2 | 12 | Chakotay and the cadets devise a bold but perilous plan to relaunch the Protostar. Before the ship can fly, however, it will first have to sail. |
| 2 | 13 | While harvesting bosonite on a barren world, the crew encounters aggressive, genetically-modified tribbles — and the Klingon scientist who created them. |
| 2 | 14 | The Protostar's reunion with Voyager has unexpected side effects, bouncing the crew between alternate realities — including the Mirror Universe. |
| 2 | 15 | Just as the Protostar and Voyager crews bring their mission to a close, a former enemy suddenly resurfaces with surprising new powers. |
| 2 | 16 | Overwhelmed by Asencia's mysteriously advanced weaponry, the Protostar and Voyager crews take a series of calculated risks that endanger the cadets. |
| 2 | 17 | As war looms between the Federation and Solum, Gwyn proposes to lead the cadets on an undercover mission to gather intelligence and rescue Ilthuran. |
| 2 | 18 | Admiral Janeway devises a clever plan to liberate her crew from Asencia's prison, where they're trapped with an angry captive from the Loom. |
| 2 | 19 | A desperate Asencia launches an all-out attack on the Federation that will destroy subspace, while Wesley and the cadets try to correct the timeline. |
| 2 | 20 | The cadets fight Asencia in a battle for control of Solum and the future — but a sudden invasion by a destructive species complicates their end-game. |
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