TV Review | Star Trek: Discovery (S5:E3-Jinaal)

“Not as action-packed as the previous two episodes, episode 3 of Star Trek: Discovery takes us back to classic Trek. And is all the better for it.”

After the premiere of the first two episodes in the final season of Star Trek: Discovery, this third episode slows things down somewhat. There’s more than enough to keep the viewer occupied. The plot threads and varying strands come at us from all angles. But anyone expecting a full-on, action-packed episode will be in for a disappointment. But instead, what they will see is a return to classic Star Trek. The moral dilemmas, the breaking of barriers, the togetherness of the crew, and that all-important away mission. They are all here this week, making for an episode that is highly enjoyable. It also brings one character to the front, giving him the lead role this time.

EPISODE PREMISE

On Trill, Captain Burnham, Book, and Culber must pass a dangerous test to prove themselves worthy of the next clue. Adira reconnects with Gray and Saru’s first day as ambassador is complicated by his engagement to T’Rina.

THOUGHTS

This is why we fell in love with the franchise in the first place. It isn’t always about taking on an alien species or getting involved in space battles. Yes, they are exciting and impressive. But by taking the episode back to basics, it works wonderfully. Of course, Burnham is front and centre, all present and correct. She is ably supported by Book as you’d expect. But the episode is primarily led by Hugh Culber. Normally the voice of reason onboard the Discovery, here he gets in on the action, playing the lead role from around a quarter of the way through until almost the end. Believe me, it is refreshing to see him in a different light than usual.

The ongoing plot threads and strands are all here for us too. For every main storyline, there are several that play alongside it. This week, we get the turmoil of Saru and T’Rina’s relationship as Saru adjusts to his new position. Adira’s reconnection with Gray brings the emotional impact the episode needs. While Rayner has to get to grips with his new role as Number One aboard the Discovery, meeting the crew (much to his disdain), while investigating the mystery that runs through the season. All the while Tilly tries to get him to open up, to be personable, only for Tilly to tell him to his face what she thinks of him and his style of command in anger.

WILSON CRUZ

This is Wilson Cruz’s episode without a shadow of a doubt. As Hugh Culber, we are not used to him being the lead during an episode. He is here and makes the episode that much richer. The strength Cruz shows in his role during this week’s proceedings is undeniable. One minute, he is the character we all know and love, the next strong, fearless, comedic, and someone we can’t tear our eyes from (You’ll know why when you see the episode.) Cruz has never been better in his role as Culber, showing us all what an accomplished actor he is. His wittiness, his mannerisms, and his submergence in his role are superb.

CALLAM KEITH RENNIE

Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner is a revelation again. We don’t know whether to like him or to hate his guts. And that’s what makes the character that much more richer. Rennie is likeable one minute, despisable the next. The way he treats those around him makes us want to grab him and give him a verbal blast at the least. Or at times, even a good old-fashioned slap around the chops. But deep down, we all like him, whether we want to admit it or not. Rennie is wonderful in his role, perfectly cast and a joy to watch when he appears on screen.

His interactions with Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly are a joy to behold. Tilly is trying to keep herself chirpy, smiling, and being herself, much to Rayner’s annoyance. Both Rennie and Mary Wiseman play off each other, bouncing their lines and characters against one another. We can see Tilly trying as hard as she can to keep a lid on what she’s feeling, grimacing at times and playing it off as a smile. But when she breaks, she gives Rayner a verbal smackdown as only she can. And it is wonderful to observe. Rennie and Wiseman make for a terrific double act, one that we can only hope to see more of as the series moves towards its inevitable climax.

SONEQUA MARTIN-GREEN AND DOUG JONES

Of course, Sonequa Martin-Green and Doug Jones get their chance to shine too. That is a given, and what we’ve come to expect. However, we will miss their scenes together now that Saru has left the Discovery for his new post. This still allows Burnham to play off of another character, this time in the form of Book. The interplay between Burnham and Book is quickly becoming yet another highlight in this season. Sonequa Martin-Green is always likeable as Burnham, and she never disappoints us. She doesn’t here. She does get her action sequence as we’d expect. But again, as in the spirit of the franchise, it all ends harmoniously. At times, it reminded me of the classic episode ‘The Devil In The Dark.’ When you watch the episode, you’ll see what I mean.

The Discovery Returns To The Trill Homeworld in New Star Trek: Discovery S5:E3 Stills

No matter which way you look at it, there’s nothing more we can say about Doug Jones as Saru. He is, to put it bluntly, one of the best characters the franchise has ever given us. Even though he isn’t in the thick of the action here, he does more than enough to keep us entertained. We feel for Saru, we almost feel love for him. And that is all down to the superb performance by Doug Jones. Instead of playing off of Burnham, he plays off of T’Rina (Tara Rosling) instead. The interactions between Saru and T’Rina are not the same as we’ve come to expect but they are not supposed to be. Saru has moved on with his life, has forged his own path, and now has a fiancee in T’Rina. Doug Jones embodies the character we’ve come to expect and love.

VERDICT

Not as action-packed as the previous two episodes, episode 3 of Star Trek: Discovery takes us back to classic Trek. And is all the better for it. Instead of going in all guns blazing, giving us an incredible set piece after another, here we have a more grounded and, dare I say it, human episode. The emotional performances of Blu del Barrio as Adira and Ian Alexander as Gray have us hooked from the second they reconnect. Their scenes together have us sitting up and taking notice, hoping that everything will work out fine. Both give emotionally charged, wonderful performances in their roles.

By the time the episode ends, we have been on an enjoyably agreeable ride. We’ve seen the emotion, we’ve had the action, and we’ve had our share of laughs along the way. Instead of being blown back into our seats by an incredible set piece, we can actually relax and enjoy what’s been offered to us in this episode. With some brilliant and emotionally charged performances, a decent pace, the time to actually set things up, and a classic Star Trek feel throughout, this is why we love the franchise. Of course, the pace will quicken again shortly. But for this week, we can relax into an episode that epitomises everything we’ve come to know and love. Outstanding.