Chapel’s New Romance Sparks Spock Complications
Dr. Roger Korby’s introduction promises dramatic shifts for Starfleet’s favorite couple.
The unfolding narrative of Starfleet’s beloved characters takes a significant turn as Nurse Christine Chapel embraces a new professional opportunity, impacting her romantic entanglements.
A Complicated Love Triangle
At the conclusion of the previous season, Chapel accepted a prestigious fellowship under Dr. Roger Korby, portrayed by Cillian O’Sullivan. This new alliance immediately introduces significant romantic friction for Spock and Chapel.
“Obviously this is a tremendous complication to Spock and Chapel‘s romance. ‘Complication’ is a kind word, and that propels things at a character-level and at a romantic-level for other folks. And it’s our attempt to try to figure out how Christine Chapel married that Roger Korby that we meet in TOS who is not the pick of the litter. So we’d like to believe that the Korby character started out as something more desirable than maybe how he ended up.”
—Ethan Goldsman
The writers aim to explore the origins of Chapel‘s eventual marriage to Korby, a figure who later proved less than ideal in the original series. This season delves into the “how” and “why” of that fateful union.
Adventure and its Challenges
Chapel, played by Jess Bush, finds an initial spark with Korby due to their shared adventurous spirits and desire for personal freedom. This mutual appreciation for unencumbered movement is refreshing for Chapel.
“The dynamic between Chapel and Korby is one that feels very easy and exciting in the beginning because they both are so adventurous and value freedom of movement and free-spiritedness and not being tied down anywhere. That’s really refreshing for her to find someone who feels the same way about life. But then, that also presents some difficulties that comes with it. To be with someone who’s adventurous and free-spirited, you have to be okay with them not always being around and wanting to follow their own path. The dynamic is one that feels, in terms of connection, very easy and exciting, but, in terms of logistics, maybe a little tricky.”
—Jess Bush
While their connection is initially easy and exciting, the practicalities of being with someone who prioritizes their own path present unique challenges.
On-Set Chemistry
Cillian O’Sullivan, new to the cast, shared his positive experiences working with his co-stars. He humorously hinted at potential conflict, suggesting fans might witness an unexpected physical display from Spock this season.
The actor praised Jess Bush and Ethan Peck, who plays Spock, for their welcoming nature. O’Sullivan had a prior connection with Bush through the audition process, which fostered an immediate rapport.
Upon arriving in Toronto, Peck personally reached out to make O’Sullivan feel at home, contributing to a strong friendship and a positive overall experience on set with the entire cast.
New Pressures Ahead
The introduction of Dr. Roger Korby is set to introduce a series of complex situations for the characters involved. The dynamic between Chapel and Korby is expected to be a significant focus, testing existing relationships and personal commitments.
