Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ “The Griffin Incident” airs, sparks horror‑style reviews

Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds aired its second episode, “The Griffin Incident,” on Thursday July 30, 2026. In the hour‑long, Paramount+ exclusive episode the Enterprise crew—Kirk (Paul Wesley), Spock (Ethan Peck) and La’an Noonien‑Singh (Christina Chong)—boards the long‑lost USS Griffin and confront a mysterious entity that feeds on their fears, producing intense hallucinations and psychological horror.

Critics noted the episode departs from the series’ traditional problem‑solving ethos, describing it as “scary as f—k” and one of the franchise’s most unsettling stories. Reviewers highlighted disturbing visions of T’Pring, childhood trauma, and a violent encounter that nearly kills Kirk. Director Axelle Carolyn, known for horror work, was praised for the episode’s atmosphere. The show’s producers also hinted that the season’s finale may explore further dark themes.

Separate coverage of the season mentions a looming shift in the relationship between Spock and La’an, with the character’s augmented DNA leading to a darker trajectory, underscoring the season’s broader focus on personal conflict.