Star Trek: Prodigy - Starstruck (S1E3)
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.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 7.0 (12 votes) |
| Air Date | 2021-11-04 |
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix, Paramount+ |
Storyline
The young crew of the Protostar faces their first major crisis when the ship's autopilot locks them on a collision course with a deadly cosmic phenomenon—a collapsing protostar. With no formal Starfleet training and barely any understanding of their stolen vessel, Dal, Gwyn, Jankom, Rok-Tahk, and Zero must learn to work together under pressure. Their holographic advisor, a training program modeled after Admiral Kathryn Janeway, attempts to guide them through proper Starfleet protocols, but the inexperienced crew struggles to follow her instructions while panic sets in.
As the countdown to impact ticks away, the team discovers that survival depends on more than just following orders—they need to trust one another and combine their unique skills. Dal's impulsive leadership clashes with Janeway's methodical approach, while the other crew members grapple with their own fears and doubts. The episode tests whether this ragtag group of misfits can overcome their differences and function as a real crew, or whether their first mission will be their last.
What parents say
Parents have praised Star Trek: Prodigy for making the Trek universe accessible to younger viewers without sacrificing the franchise's core values. Many appreciate that the show introduces children to problem-solving, teamwork, and ethical decision-making within a science fiction framework that feels both exciting and age-appropriate. The animated format and younger protagonists help kids connect with the material in ways that live-action Trek series sometimes don't.
Some parents note that the show's pacing and action sequences keep children engaged while sneaking in lessons about cooperation and perseverance. Parents familiar with the franchise have mentioned enjoying the nostalgia of seeing Janeway return, even in holographic form, and appreciate that the show respects Trek lore while building something new. A few parents have commented that the series works well for family viewing, offering enough depth for adult fans while remaining accessible to children as young as seven or eight.
Parents have also mentioned that the show's diverse cast of alien characters helps normalize differences and encourages acceptance, which aligns with Star Trek's long tradition of promoting inclusivity and understanding across cultures.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children that working together under pressure requires listening to others and valuing different perspectives. The crew's initial panic and tendency to talk over one another demonstrates how chaos erupts when everyone acts independently. Kids see that effective teamwork means pausing to hear what others have to say, even when time is running out and fear is high.
The episode also illustrates that leadership isn't about having all the answers or always being right. Dal's struggle to balance his instincts with Janeway's guidance shows young viewers that good leaders know when to ask for help and when to trust their team. Children learn that admitting uncertainty isn't weakness—it's a necessary step toward finding real solutions.
Additionally, the crisis aboard the Protostar demonstrates the importance of staying calm and thinking clearly when facing danger. Rather than giving up or freezing in fear, the crew learns to break down the overwhelming problem into smaller, manageable tasks. This teaches kids a valuable approach to handling stressful situations in their own lives, whether facing a difficult test, a sports challenge, or a conflict with friends.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the collision crisis too scary for younger children? | The episode does build tension as the ship hurtles toward the collapsing protostar, with countdown timers and urgent alarms creating suspense. However, the show maintains a tone appropriate for its target audience, balancing danger with moments of humor and hope. The animation style keeps the threat feeling adventurous rather than genuinely terrifying, and the crew's determination provides reassurance. Most children seven and older handle the suspense well, especially when watching with a parent who can provide context. |
| Does the crew follow Janeway's advice or ignore her? | The crew struggles to balance Janeway's Starfleet protocols with their own instincts and limited experience. Dal in particular chafes against her structured approach, wanting to solve problems his own way. This tension is central to the episode and provides a realistic portrayal of how difficult it can be to accept guidance when you're used to surviving on your own. By the end, the crew begins to understand that Janeway's knowledge has value, even if they don't always follow her instructions perfectly. |
| What causes the collision course in the first place? | The Protostar's autopilot engages and locks the ship on a dangerous trajectory toward the protostar. The crew's unfamiliarity with the ship's systems means they don't immediately understand how to override the autopilot or change course. This situation emphasizes how unprepared they are to operate such an advanced vessel and sets up the learning curve they'll face throughout the season. The crisis stems directly from their lack of training and knowledge about the technology they've commandeered. |
| Do any crew members stand out as particularly helpful during the crisis? | Each crew member contributes something unique to solving the problem, which reinforces the episode's teamwork theme. Rok-Tahk's technical knowledge, Zero's scientific understanding, Jankom's engineering skills, and Gwyn's tactical thinking all play roles in the solution. The episode deliberately avoids making any single character the hero, instead showing that their survival depends on combining their different strengths. This ensemble approach helps children see that everyone has something valuable to offer. |
| Does this episode connect to the larger story arc of the season? | Yes, this episode is crucial for establishing how the crew learns to function together and begins to trust Janeway's guidance. The crisis forces them to confront their limitations and recognize that they need training and structure to survive. It also deepens their commitment to the ship and to one another, setting the foundation for their journey toward becoming a real crew. The lessons learned here about teamwork and trust carry forward throughout the season. |
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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