Star Trek: Prodigy - Ascension (1) (S2E15)
Just as the Protostar and Voyager crews bring their mission to a close, a former enemy suddenly resurfaces with surprising new powers.
| 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 this penultimate episode of Star Trek: Prodigy's second season, the young crew of the Protostar and the Voyager team appear to be wrapping up their latest mission when an unexpected threat emerges. A villain from the crew's past returns, now wielding mysterious and formidable new abilities that catch everyone off guard. The episode sets the stage for a climactic confrontation as the characters must quickly reassess their situation and prepare for a battle they didn't anticipate.
As the first part of a two-part finale, "Ascension" focuses on escalating tension and repositioning the characters for the season's conclusion. The reappearance of this former adversary forces the Protostar crew to draw on everything they've learned throughout their journey. The episode balances action with character moments as the team realizes their mission is far from over and that their greatest challenge may still lie ahead.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about adaptability and the importance of staying alert even when a task seems complete. The crew's experience demonstrates that challenges can arise unexpectedly, and success often requires the ability to pivot quickly and reassess a situation. Young viewers see that declaring victory too early can leave you vulnerable, and that vigilance and preparedness are ongoing responsibilities rather than one-time achievements.
The return of a former enemy with new powers also offers lessons about growth and change. Children learn that people and situations evolve, and that past experiences don't always predict future encounters. The episode encourages critical thinking about how to approach familiar problems that present themselves in unfamiliar ways, reinforcing the value of creative problem-solving and teamwork when facing the unknown.
Additionally, the episode models resilience and courage in the face of setbacks. Rather than becoming discouraged when their mission is interrupted, the characters regroup and prepare to face the new threat together, showing young viewers the importance of perseverance and mutual support during difficult moments.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode too intense as a cliffhanger for younger children? | As the first part of a two-part finale, the episode does end on a suspenseful note with the villain's return and unresolved tension. Younger or more sensitive children might feel anxious about the outcome. Parents can reassure kids that the story will conclude in the next episode and use the cliffhanger as an opportunity to discuss storytelling structure and how serialized shows build anticipation. Watching both parts together can also help minimize anxiety. |
| How scary is the returning villain with their new powers? | The villain's enhanced abilities create tension and raise the stakes, but Star Trek: Prodigy maintains its family-friendly approach without graphic violence or horror elements. The threat is presented through action sequences and dramatic confrontation rather than frightening imagery. The focus remains on how the crew responds to the challenge rather than dwelling on menacing details, keeping the content appropriate for the show's target audience of older children and tweens. |
| Does this episode require knowledge of previous seasons to understand? | Yes, this episode builds directly on events and character relationships established throughout the series, particularly the identity and history of the returning villain. Children who haven't followed the show from earlier episodes may feel confused about why this enemy matters or what their connection is to the crew. Parents might consider watching earlier episodes first or providing brief context about the villain's previous role to help kids fully appreciate the stakes and emotional weight of their return. |
| What positive messages does the episode offer despite the conflict? | The episode emphasizes teamwork, preparedness, and the strength that comes from facing challenges together. The Protostar and Voyager crews demonstrate collaboration across generations and experience levels, showing children that diverse teams are stronger when everyone contributes. The characters' willingness to confront an unexpected threat rather than retreat models courage and responsibility, reinforcing that doing the right thing sometimes means accepting difficult challenges even when you'd prefer to rest. |
| Should we wait to watch the finale episode immediately after this one? | That depends on your child's temperament and your family's viewing preferences. Watching both parts together provides narrative closure and reduces the suspense of waiting, which can be helpful for children who struggle with cliffhangers or unresolved stories. However, some families enjoy the anticipation and the opportunity to discuss predictions between episodes. Consider your child's comfort level with suspense and whether they'd benefit from immediate resolution or enjoy the experience of wondering what happens next. |
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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