This week has brought the second episode of the new Star Trek podcast, Khan. Aptly titled ‘Scheherazade’, we get further insights into Khan (Naveen Andrews) and his followers. We also get to meet native Ceti Alpha V fauna, some of which are more familiar than others.
Ultimately, however, this episode focuses on themes that help continue a captivating story. It’s an episode about truth, myth, and loyalty, leaving listeners to ponder whether the stories being told are true at all. Perhaps they are, or maybe they have been exaggerated and distorted by the victors of conflicts to come. Let’s explore this and more as I dive into Star Trek: Khan Episode 2, ‘Scheherazade’.
WARNING – Spoilers ahead for Star Trek: Khan Episodes 1 and 2!
Wake Not A Sleeping Wolf
Episode 1 of Star Trek: Khan left us with a beautiful meteor shower flying over Khan’s settlement, an omen of things to come. Mirroring this was a confrontation between Khan and McGivers (Wrenn Schmidt), with the overlord accusing her of betrayal. This scene, combined with the murder of Hugo, highlights the cracks already forming in Khan’s fledgling empire.
The podcast’s second episode starts three weeks after Khan’s accusation of betrayal. McGivers has spent those weeks feeling alone, with the augment leader refusing to speak to her. Suddenly, Khan’s acting like it never happened, asking McGivers to join him and some of his followers on a hunt. She agrees, and they set out.
To say the hunting trip was eventful would be an understatement. McGivers gets to know some new characters, including Sylvana (Juliette Goglia). The group rests over a campfire during which McGivers tells the story of Scheherazade, slyly challenging Khan’s version of history in the process. Soon after, a large boar-like animal attacks the group, killing Joaquin. The episode ends with a vengeful Khan marching alone into the wilderness, vowing not to let any more of his people die.
Fair Is Foul and Foul Is Fair
‘Scheherazade’ does a terrific job revealing the multiple complex layers of Khan Noonien Singh. During the campfire scene, Khan challenges McGivers suggestion that humanity considered him a villain. She explains that there are many conflicting stories of his reign on Earth in the twentieth century. Of all the dictators during that time, though, many records do portray him as the most benevolent. The people he ruled were apparently happy and well looked after. But does that mean Khan wasn’t a villain?
The first two episodes of this podcast certainly portray Khan less like a villain and more like a righteous leader. He shows compassion and concern for his followers, and he gets involved and helps with the tasks at hand. Khan leads from the front, inspiring those around him. It’s not a position he’s inherited or seized. He’s earned his title and the respect of his people.
Khan is further humanised through this episode by the way he engages in banter with his followers. They return that banter in kind, further confirming the respect they have for their leader. Khan has made a point to know his people, and cannot understand how an effective leader could lead without doing so. We learn this through one of several philosophical discussions he has with McGivers. He’s willing to discuss and reflect on his beliefs, despite it being uncomfortable for him to do so. This adds yet again to his human characteristics and leaves the listener wondering how much of a villain he actually is.
All The World’s A Stage
Overall performance throughout ‘Scheherazade’ has been just as brilliant as in episode 1. Every actor is delivering a stellar performance that is both convincing and immersive. But hats off to Naveen Andrews, who continues to play Khan Noonien Singh perfectly. His tone, mannerisms, and mix of calmness, authority, and passion bring the character to life in a way not seen since Ricardo Montalban. His passionate Shakespearean delivery lifts this podcast series from great to spectacular. That, combined with the story so far and future plot direction, has set this show up to be a modern Shakespearean tragedy.
The pacing of the episode is also on point. Quiet, philosophical moments are beautifully balanced with action sequences, all of which fit together perfectly. You see this demonstrated towards the end of the episode while Khan and McGivers are talking. A calm, intimate moment where Khan is explaining how he wants to be remembered is interrupted by chaos. And the death of a good friend sets Khan off on a new hunt for vengeance.
A complicated and pivotal element to an audio series is obviously sound, and again, this show does not disappoint. The musical score is just as immersive as in episode 1, providing the right atmosphere at the right times. With more action in this episode, I was concerned that the more chaotic scenes could become confusing with so much noise happening at once. I needn’t have worried, as those scenes deliver the same (if not more) immersion than the score. The delivery of audio in the last two episodes really helps listeners feel like they’re there, on Ceti Alpha V. Experiencing all of the camaraderie, drama, and chaos Khan and his followers are.
Look Like The Innocent Flower
The second episode of Star Trek: Khan continues to set a convincing stage for the tragedy to come. The story progresses at a good pace, characters develop, but more importantly, the listener becomes more invested. This is definitely not the Khan we know from The Wrath of Khan. This tyrant is almost heroic. ‘Scheherazade’ has successfully built on what the first episode hinted at. There’s a lot more to Khan than fans thought they knew.
And we’re starting to see cracks in the foundations of Khan’s fledgling empire. Loyalties are being challenged, tragedies are revealing darker motivations, and the beginnings of a downward spiral are starting to form. We must also remember McGivers warning. History is written by the victors, and Khan certainly sees himself victorious. Are these logs we’re seeing his story through accurate, or has Khan told his version to strengthen his rule and legacy? Time may tell…
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