At Home with Tech

It’s not as complicated as it looks. Tech tips for your life.

Category: family

August 23, 2026

Has “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Jumped the Shark?

If you’ve noticed that season 4 of “Strange New Worlds” has been warping through entirely different storytelling genres, you’re not alone. Confused? Is there some logic behind all this? Let’s explore…

What do the following movie and TV genres have in common?

  • Dinosaurs
  • Zombie ghosts
  • Piecing together a blackout night of mayhem
  • 1942’s “Casablanca”
  • And the Muppets

Yes, it would be the first half of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” season 4.

Based on the first five episodes, “Strange New Worlds” has settled into a certain genre-of-the-week groove. And it’s certainly not what you might say is classic Trek. 

Puppets in Space?

We just got the long-teased comedic puppet adventure. (Yes, the crew is turned into puppets by a transporter accident.) 

This comes after the film noir episode, the ‘Hangover’ homage, the horror episode and the time-travel dinosaur plot.

Boldy Go?

With the writers exploring a different genre each week, you might simply conclude the show is taking some big swings or alternately feel it’s become a bit gimmicky. 

It’s not that “Strange New Worlds” hasn’t explored varied storytelling genres before (such as season two’s musical episode). And even the original series had its comedic plots like the famous “The Trouble with Tribbles.”

But we’re halfway through this second-to-last season for “Strange New Worlds.” Except for the premiere, which was solid science fiction (the dinosaur-punch notwithstanding) the show is acting like it has all the time in the world to have its fun.

Lost in Space?

But the reality is we’ve only got 11 episodes left to the series finale. (Season five will contain only six episodes.)

Shouldn’t the writers be giving us more serious plots that try to push the boundaries of science fiction? Well, they’re certainly pushing “Star Trek” norms. 

So, you might conclude that “Strange New Worlds” is off course and jumped the shark.

But you’d be wrong, And I’ve got two reasons why…

Reason #1 
Look Under the Hood of the Gimmick

Sure, transforming the crew into puppets (via Jim Henson’ Creature Shop) may seems like a silly gimmick. But when you move beyond the plot device and realize it’s just a metaphor for what show is really about (just wait for the ‘aha moment’), you understand how clever this concept really is. 

Then, you can rewatch “Level-Five Transporter Accident” and enjoy the episode on a totally new level. 

Many great “Star Trek” stories are often just metaphors for something entirely different. Let’s not forget that.

Reason #2
Let the Show Have its Fun. The End is Near.

“Strange new Worlds” has already served up a variety of lighter plots in its first three seasons. We just happened to get a grouped set of these ‘unique’ episodes at the top of this season.

Let’s enjoy this fun… because we know it’s not going to last.

There’s a lot of ground to cover to get from Captain Pike’s Starship Enterprise to a very different Enterprise crew let by Kirk.

I imagine there’s going to be choppy waters ahead for this ship and crew. Plus, we already know Pike’s fate. And unless the writers are going to reveal a sci-fi deus ex machina to soften that blow (like the Klingon ‘time crystal’ from the season 1 finale), we’ll be shedding a few tears next year.

There’s a Method to this Madness

So why not enjoy some hijinks before we need to get to that finish line? Spock and Scotty are still in their formative years, which the writers are clearly leaning into. Every episode doesn’t have to be a universe-saving venture.

And despite the tonal swings, the writers are demonstrating intention with each episode’s messaging. Plus, they pull regularly from Star Trek canon. I love that. And I will trust there is some logic in the larger plan.

The Warp Core is Sound

I’ve read some critics’ conclusions that there are too few episodes left to waste on ‘fun’ episodes. And they may have a point.

But “Strange New Worlds” has already proven itself during the past three seasons. It’s earned the opportunity to take some creative license.

Enjoy the Last Days of Summer

Season 4 has been a perfect summer series. And don’t forget, winter’s coming.

For now, I’m going to sit back and happily enjoy my Trek.

2 Comments
July 19, 2026

I Kayaked to this Lighthouse with My Drone for these Incredible Views from the Air

Standing on the rocky shore of Goat Island near Cape Porpoise, Maine, I gained a whole new perspective as I flew my little camera drone around this magnificent tower. Here’s my footage. See for yourself.

Goat Island Lighthouse has stood at the edge of the southern Maine coastline for almost two centuries. It wasn’t built to be admired. It was built to be obeyed. Established in 1833 to guard the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor, ‘Goat Island Light’ is still an active beacon. 

I’ve admired this brick tower for the past five summers during our vacations to the Cape Porpoise coast. 

Though Goat Island Lighthouse continues to shine bright at night, the morning sun enhances its beauty and bold elegance.

A Lighthouse, a Kayak, and My Drone

I’ve taken many photos from afar. But this year, I decided it was time to try to capture its rugged strength up close and from the air.

With my preproduction planning complete, I set out in a kayak shortly after first light with my DJI camera drone and headed off to the rocky shore of Goat Island.

As soon as I arrived, I put my little DJI Flip drone in the air and got to work recording short clips. And I’m proud to present my completed video sequence of Goat Island Lighthouse.

My experience capturing these aerial moments was exhilarating. And I’m pleased that my footage benefits from a rousing score I conjured up via Google Flow Music (another remarkable AI-powered creative tool).

I didn’t exactly follow my less-is-more creative strategy, as this video clocks in at close to two minutes. My earlier editing exercise using the DJI Fly app created snappier results. But I really wanted to explore the ‘cinematic feel’ while featuring my ‘hero.’

Five Summers of Admiring… One Morning of Finally Flying

Creative success is often a team sport. I’d like to thank Kennebunkport Conservation Trust for permission to fly my drone by the lighthouse. And special thanks go to my two friends for accompanying me on my little adventure.

I captured incredible views that few can normally see. I’m still beaming.

Leave a comment
July 12, 2026

My Drone Flight Around this Lighthouse Reveals How I Approach Life

Each time I fly my DJI camera drone, I take direction from my creative impulses. But I’ve also learned to be careful too. That strategy helps my drone work succeed relying on a slower confidence, versus the speed of ambition. Here are the results from my flight around Goat Island Lighthouse in Maine.

Lighthouses project a wonderful maverick energy as they sit proudly on the edge of chaos. Needless to say, I love taking photos of any lighthouse I see.

My family and I have vacationed with friends by the magical mudflats of Cape Porpoise, Maine for the past few years, and the place we stay has a beautiful view of Goat Island Lighthouse in the distance.

We’ve kayaked over to the lighthouse a couple times and were fortunate enough to get a tour.

I’ve (of course) taken many photos of this cute beacon in different lighting and weather conditions.


My Drone Videos of Majestic Mudflats

But the mudflats are much closer and always call out to my camera and me as some kind of fantastic alien landscape that needs documenting.  So, when the tide goes out, that’s when my next mission usually begins. 

Last year I flew my DJI Flip camera drone on the majestic flats at low tide to capture some stunning footage at sunrise. 


Planning a Drone-Flying Trip to Goat Island Lighthouse

This year, I wanted to step up my photographic game a bit more and decided on a plan to have my little drone meet Goat Island Lighthouse. For me, this creative project was an ambitious next step. It took planning, accurate timing and complete cooperation from nature. 

After I received permission from the local authority to fly my drone near the lighthouse, I still had to wait for good weather at the appropriate time of day when the tide would remain high enough during both legs of the kayak trip.  

And then there’s the wind. Too much wind isn’t good for drone flying, and there’s often a breeze coming off the ocean.

Happily, all those variables aligned for me on the Wednesday of our vacation week. My mission was set to begin at 7:30am sharp. But with all the pieces properly in place, I knew it still wouldn’t be enough to ensure success.

Maintain Creative Control

As I faced this this self-assigned project, I knew I would need to properly balance my creative vision with what I was confidently capable of doing.

Look, I’m not a professional camera drone pilot. It’s a hobby. I’ve got the certification, but this is not my day job. 

Every time I fly my drone, I work on improving my skills. I’ve also picked up a few tips by watching YouTube videos. But that can be a double-edged sword. All the drone ‘experts’ show off their cool drone maneuvers. “It’s so easy!” they say.

Part of me says, “Sure, I can do that!” Then I remember that moment last year when I backed up my drone into a tree while it was performing a preprogrammed sequence. (No, the DJI Flip doesn’t have rear-avoidance sensing.)

So, I constantly remind myself that I need to stick to the drone moves I confidently know how to execute. The creative impulse to go just a little further or a bit faster is not a recipe for my success.

As I considered my upcoming lighthouse project, my drone’s airtime would have to be slow and sure.

The good news is “slow” can be a great foundation for ‘cinematic’ video. And that’s always my goal.

30 Seconds in Heaven

I’m happy to report I did indeed follow my Barrett flying rules after I kayaked over. I captured some sweet drone video clips of Goat Island Lighthouse on a glorious morning. Take a look at my 33-second montage… 

I put much of this video together using the DJI Fly app on my iPhone and then finished it later using Final Cut Pro on my Mac Studio.

Play the Long Game

I must admit this little success story isn’t only about how I confront the challenges of camera drone flying. It also reflects how I’ve traveled the journey as a creative in my life, both personally and professionally.

Success usually comes from playing the long game.

I’ve always felt this fire within to ‘create.’ And I’ve found that life works best when you maintain ‘control’ of your creativity. That instead of a life where creativity controls you.

I’m sure there are any number of artists out there who may disagree with me. They would correctly point out that true creative success often requires your passion to drive you and your output.

Any limits you place on that prevent you from discovering your true creative self and potential.

Fuel the Creative Spirit

But I have admittedly chosen to travel a different road across these years. It’s a slower path, but it still allows me to explore my creativity… while also being able to come home with my drone in one piece. (And yes, my camera drone also serves as a metaphor here.)

I wake up the next morning with the comfort knowing that I can fly again. Others may capture better-looking footage, but I am satisfied with what the video gods have allowed me to capture. That’s enough to fuel my creative spirit.

And I have the confidence in myself to know that tomorrow’s footage will look even better.

Confidence over Speed

This is a life plan that prioritizes balance. Confidence over speed. Yes, it’s a long game, but one that will still feed those hungry creative impulses.

It’s one strategy for a life of happy flying.

…for your consideration.

Leave a comment