“Star Trek: Discovery continues to be an outstanding show with these first two episodes bringing everything we could want or ask for.”
Black Alert, the final season of Star Trek: Discovery is here. The fifth and final chapter in the lives of Michael Burnham and her crew is set to go out on a high. Fans have been anticipating what is to come and how the series will end. What can they bring to us that will blow us away? Can they repeat the success of the previous seasons and deliver something that will have everyone hooked, clinging to the arms of their seats? And how will the series end when the inevitable finale airs? The first two episodes of the final season have become available today on Paramount+. And the series starts with a bang and never lets go. If the season is defined by these opening pair of episodes, we are in for a treat.
PREMISE
The fifth and final season of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY finds Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well … dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.
STAR TREK: DISCOVERY season five cast members include Sonequa Martin-Green (Captain Michael Burnham), Doug Jones (Saru), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker), Blu del Barrio (Adira) and Callum Keith Rennie (Rayner). Season five also features recurring guest stars Elias Toufexis (L’ak) and Eve Harlow (Moll).
THOUGHTS
The series starts as it (hopefully) means to go on with a pair of episodes that will have the fans in raptures. When you have an opening pre-credits sequence which shows Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) trying to disable a ship’s engines while standing on top of it while it’s at Warp, you know you’re in for one hell of a ride. It is an opening that will stun, amaze and tease the fun that lies in wait. This sequence sets the tone for what is to come in the opening episode and the following second. This season is one full of mystery as well as a hunt around the galaxy for an ancient power. It is pure Star Trek from the get-go. Something that has been worth the wait.
That being said, the series feels sometimes what it is. The culmination of what we’ve been glued to for the previous four seasons. In almost the same way as Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and Star Trek: Nemesis felt, we get the same feeling here. That we are witnessing the end. We get the sense that the crew will be going off to their own personal adventures, away from the Discovery. The seeds are firmly planted here during the opening episodes, making us feel apprehensive about what their fates might be when all is said and done. But it’s the getting there that brings out the enjoyment for the audience. Paired with some outstanding performances and you have an almost perfect mix.
THROWBACKS
I cannot divulge certain plot points as they are a HUGE spoiler for the storyline going forward. However, fans of the franchise will be treated to a throwback to a certain version of the franchise, bringing the storyline from that particular show full circle. Throw in some knowing references, some nods to what has gone on before dating back to the original series and the trap is set. Fans will fall into it, not wanting to escape. The writers of the season know what they are doing, what they are setting up, and giving the fans something that they can’t resist walking into. The set-up, similar to the final season of Star Trek: Picard, again proves that to go forward, sometimes you need to look back.
THE CAST
The cast are all present, correct, and highly enjoyable in their roles. None more so than the pairing of Sonequa Martin-Green and Doug Jones as Saru. From where they started to where they are now, the pair are a double-act the series just couldn’t do without. Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham shows what she is capable of acting wise. From how we first saw her as the character to what she is now, the actress has grown into the role until she submerges herself in it. Quite simply, the series couldn’t have been the success it’s been without her. And it shows again here. She is superb in her role, friendly, laughing and joking one minute. Stern, uncompromising, and resourceful the next. It is inspired.
Doug Jones as Saru is once again a standout. The character is again one we can’t do without. Seemingly harmless at times, Saru once more shows his aggressive side during the second episode. He plays off of Burnham to great effect in every scene they share, giving us the feeling of comfort and safety, even during the exciting, jaw-dropping times we see on screen. Like Kirk and Spock and Picard and Riker before them, Burnham and Saru are exactly what the series needs to keep us invested. Doug Jones, buried beneath the makeup as usual acts as if this is all natural to him. He makes us fall in love with the character once again and we find ourselves caring for him at every turn.
THE SUPPORTING CAST
The supporting cast is all back, giving us their all and making us feel welcome. Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets shines again. The minute he appears on screen, we can’t help but smile widely. It is like greeting an old friend that we haven’t seen in a while. The same can be said for Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly. Bubbly, passionate, and sometimes highly comedic, Tilly returns and immediately gets her teeth into the storyline that lies ahead. Wilson Cruz as Hugh Culber also impresses, making himself a vital part of the series. At times, we think one of the other supporting characters will come to the fore. But Cruz has been given a lot to do here and he impresses as always.
Blu del Barrio as Adira Tal also gets their time in the spotlight, becoming an indispensable part of the series. The pairing between Tal and Tilly is one that plays second fiddle to the main pairing of Burnham and Saru but is equally as important and vital. And Blu del Barrio excels in their role. The returning David Ajala as Cleveland “Book” Booker is equally as important and again excels in his role. The relationship between him and Burnham is brought up during an exciting sequence in the opening episode, leading us to ask whether they can ever rekindle what they had. Ajala is always likeable and he doesn’t disappoint here.
CALLUM KEITH RENNIE
The newcomer for this final season is Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner. We can immediately sense that he will become a vital character from the second we meet him. Rayner is a war-time Kellerun Starfleet captain struggling to adjust to peace. And his ways, his methods at times leave a lot to be desired. But we can see he is a dedicated captain, ready to do what it takes to get the job done while protecting his ship and crew. His involvement does lead to an almost disaster, leading us to question his judgement on occasion. But he is a wonderful character, brought to life by a wonderful actor in Rennie. Outside of the main cast, he will be the character we will be hooked on throughout.
VERDICT
Star Trek: Discovery continues to be an outstanding show with these first two episodes bringing everything we could want or ask for. It isn’t because of the action, adventure or special effects, which again are impressive. It is because of the interactions and camaraderie between the characters. For all that we see on screen, it is those friendships and feelings of family that draw us to the series. It is that which makes the Star Trek franchise so enjoyable. However, with the action, adventure and terrific storytelling added in, we get an almost perfectly complete package. I have deliberately kept what happens in the episode’s light as they need to be watched clean.
Where the series will lead us from this point on, we wait to discover with bated breath. But judging from these two opening episodes, we are in for a final ride aboard the U.S.S Discovery that we will never forget. It is one that promises to be fun, thrilling and highly emotional at every turn. With the combined outstanding pairing of Eve Harlow as Moll and Elias Toufexis as L’ak being the (apparent) villains in this final season, we need to get strapped in for a rollercoaster ride of pure enjoyment. This may be the final frontier for Star Trek: Discovery but it certainly isn’t going out quietly. Set phasers to fun. Because you’re going to get it.
BLACK ALERT! The first two episodes of the final season of Star Trek: Discovery are now available to stream on Paramount+. And you can catch up on the first four seasons completely if you haven’t seen them yet.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
