Star Trek: Prodigy - Last Flight of the Protostar (2) (S2E12)

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.
| Runtime (min) | 23 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 7.0 (7 votes) |
| Air Date | 2024-07-01 |
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix, Paramount+ |
Storyline
Chakotay and the young cadets face their most daring challenge yet as they attempt to relaunch the USS Protostar under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. The plan requires ingenuity and courage, as the ship must first navigate treacherous waters before it can take to the stars. The team works together to overcome technical obstacles and environmental hazards, with each cadet contributing their unique skills to the mission's success.
The episode builds tension as the crew races against time to get the Protostar operational again. Chakotay's leadership is tested as he guides the inexperienced cadets through dangerous maneuvers that will determine whether they can restore the ship to flight capability. The stakes are high, and the team must trust one another completely if they hope to succeed in their bold endeavor to return the Protostar to space.
What kids learn
This episode demonstrates the power of collaborative problem-solving under pressure. Children see how each team member's specialized knowledge becomes crucial to achieving a shared goal, reinforcing that diverse skills and perspectives strengthen a group. The cadets must listen to one another, adapt their plans when obstacles arise, and trust their teammates even when the situation seems impossible.
Chakotay models mentorship by empowering the young crew to contribute meaningfully rather than simply following orders. Kids observe how experienced leaders can guide without micromanaging, allowing others to grow through hands-on participation in challenging tasks. This balance between guidance and autonomy shows children that real learning happens when trusted adults create space for them to take calculated risks.
The episode also explores perseverance when facing seemingly insurmountable technical and environmental challenges. Children learn that complex problems often require creative, multi-step solutions and that setbacks are part of any ambitious undertaking. The crew's determination to see their plan through, despite the peril involved, illustrates the importance of commitment to a mission larger than oneself.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the peril in this episode too intense for younger Star Trek fans? | The episode contains suspenseful moments as the crew attempts a dangerous relaunch under difficult conditions, but Star Trek: Prodigy consistently frames peril within the context of teamwork and problem-solving rather than graphic violence. The tension comes from technical challenges and environmental hazards rather than combat. Parents know their children best, but the show generally maintains its family-friendly approach even during high-stakes scenarios, making it accessible for elementary-aged viewers who enjoy adventure stories. |
| What makes this plan so bold and risky for the characters? | The crew must relaunch the Protostar under conditions that require the ship to first sail through hazardous waters before achieving flight, an unconventional approach that tests both the vessel's capabilities and the team's coordination. The plan demands precise timing, technical expertise, and trust among crew members with varying experience levels. The risk lies in attempting something the ship wasn't designed for, with Chakotay and the cadets betting everything on their ability to adapt and improvise under extreme pressure. |
| How does Chakotay's leadership differ from other adult characters in kids' shows? | Chakotay demonstrates a mentorship style that empowers the cadets to contribute actively rather than simply protecting them or issuing commands. He trusts their abilities while providing guidance, creating opportunities for them to apply their training in real situations. This approach shows children that effective leaders recognize potential in others and create space for growth, even during critical missions. His calm demeanor under pressure also models emotional regulation and thoughtful decision-making for young viewers. |
| What does the sailing-before-flying concept teach about unconventional problem-solving? | The requirement that the Protostar must sail before it can fly illustrates that solutions don't always follow expected paths. Children learn that creative thinking sometimes means using tools and vehicles in ways they weren't originally intended, adapting to circumstances rather than waiting for ideal conditions. This reinforces flexibility and resourcefulness, showing that constraints can inspire innovation. The episode demonstrates that achieving a goal may require intermediate steps that seem unusual but prove essential to ultimate success. |
| Are there any frightening moments parents should prepare younger children for? | The episode builds suspense through the inherent danger of the relaunch attempt and the environmental challenges the crew faces, which may create tension for sensitive viewers. However, the show maintains its focus on teamwork and ingenuity rather than dwelling on fear or catastrophe. Parents might reassure younger children by emphasizing that the characters are working together to solve problems. Watching together allows parents to gauge reactions and provide context, helping children process exciting moments within the episode's ultimately hopeful framework. |
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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