Star Trek: Prodigy - Cracked Mirror (S2E14)
The Protostar's reunion with Voyager has unexpected side effects, bouncing the crew between alternate realities — including the Mirror Universe.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 8.0 (8 votes) |
| Air Date | 2024-07-01 |
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix, Paramount+ |
Storyline
In "Cracked Mirror," the Protostar crew finally reunites with the USS Voyager, but the encounter triggers unforeseen consequences. The meeting between the two ships creates a destabilizing effect that begins bouncing the young crew through alternate realities. Each reality shift presents a different version of familiar faces and circumstances, forcing the crew to navigate increasingly strange and dangerous parallel universes.
Among these alternate dimensions is the notorious Mirror Universe, a dark reflection of the Federation where familiar characters exist as ruthless, morally inverted versions of themselves. The crew must work together to understand what caused these reality jumps and find a way to stabilize their position before they become permanently lost across the multiverse. The episode explores the consequences of their journey and tests their ability to distinguish friend from foe when everyone they know might be a twisted alternate version.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the importance of adaptability and critical thinking when facing unexpected situations. As the crew bounces between realities, they must quickly assess each new environment, question their assumptions, and make decisions with incomplete information. Young viewers learn that flexibility and the ability to adjust plans when circumstances change are essential life skills.
The Mirror Universe sequences offer lessons about moral choices and character. By seeing evil versions of familiar heroes, children can explore the idea that people are defined by their choices rather than their circumstances. The episode demonstrates that doing the right thing is an active choice, and that the same person could become very different depending on the values they embrace.
The storyline also reinforces the value of teamwork and trust during crisis situations. When reality itself becomes unreliable, the crew must depend on their bonds with one another and their shared mission to stay grounded. Children learn that strong relationships and clear communication become even more important when facing confusion and uncertainty.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Mirror Universe and will it confuse my child? | The Mirror Universe is an alternate reality where familiar characters have evil counterparts. While the concept might seem complex, the episode presents it visually through costume and behavior changes that make the differences clear. Most children who have watched the series will understand that these are "bad versions" of characters they know, similar to evil twins in other stories. The crew's reactions help guide young viewers through the concept. |
| Is the violence or darkness in the Mirror Universe too intense? | The Mirror Universe is traditionally darker in tone within Star Trek, featuring more morally compromised characters. However, Prodigy maintains its family-friendly approach even when visiting this alternate reality. Any intensity comes from dramatic tension and character behavior rather than graphic content. The episode stays consistent with the show's established tone while exploring this classic Star Trek concept in an age-appropriate way. |
| Will the reality-jumping confuse younger viewers? | The episode uses visual and narrative cues to help viewers track which reality the crew is experiencing. Each alternate universe has distinct characteristics that make it recognizable. While younger children might need occasional clarification about which version of events they're watching, the crew's own confusion and efforts to figure things out provide a framework that helps viewers follow along. Watching together allows parents to answer questions as they arise. |
| Does this episode require knowledge of previous Star Trek series? | While the Mirror Universe is a concept from classic Star Trek, the episode introduces it in a way that works for newcomers. Children familiar only with Prodigy will understand the basic premise of encountering evil alternate versions without needing background knowledge. However, parents who know Star Trek lore can enhance the experience by explaining references if their children express curiosity about this recurring element of the franchise. |
| What's the main takeaway for kids from this episode? | Children learn that our choices define who we are, not our circumstances. Seeing alternate versions of characters demonstrates that the same person can turn out very differently based on the decisions they make. The episode also teaches problem-solving under pressure and the importance of staying true to your values even when everything around you changes. These lessons about character and adaptability are woven naturally into an exciting science fiction adventure. |
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. |
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.