The following includes small spoilers for season four, episode 14 of Star Trek: Discovery.
Season four has been an interesting one for Star Trek: Discovery. Todays finale as soon as again assures a return to the things that make Star Trek, well, Star Trek.
It begins with the fact that while the significant threat this season began as a spatial abnormality (referred to as the Dark Matter Anomaly, or “DMA”), it was discovered to be simply a harvesting tool utilized by a previously unknown types, one the Federation calls the 10C. It might have seemed harmless to the 10C in its function as farmers, but the Federation discovered itself in the function of a rabbit in front of a plow. The DMA damaged Kwejian; both NiVar (née Vulcan) and Earth were next.
CBS
In previous seasons this would have moved Starfleet into action hero mode, and some characters did supporter for a more assertive and violent approach. This may not sound exciting, but its always been one of the things Star Trek does best: people going over conflicting ideas. In other series this may seem like a dreadful idea, but Trek is supposed to be, in theory, a paradise.
There are those who disagree, spearheaded by Cleveland Booker and Ruon Tarka. While their actions turn them into antagonists, they dont become villains. Weve seen this in previous programs like The Next Generation and Voyager, where terrorists like the Maquis were treated with compassion. In Discovery its much more at the leading edge given Books status as a primary character, however also the series ethos as the Star Trek show thats everything about feelings. While the program sometimes takes flak for all the crying, here the psychological aspects feel well balanced, with everyones intentions clearly articulated both to each other and to the audience. Its simple to comprehend each character even if you disagree.
Season 4 has been an interesting one for Star Trek: Discovery. Todays ending as soon as again guarantees a return to the things that make Star Trek, well, Star Trek. In Discovery its even more at the forefront given Books status as a primary character, but likewise the series principles as the Star Trek reveal thats all about feelings. Theres likewise indicating in that the episode is where Discovery finally reconciles itself as a Star Trek program, making its highest point of drama not the battle to leave a doomed planet, or the attempts to stop Tarkas strategy, however the actual in person (so to speak) discussion with the 10C. Star Trek has actually always been woke, but Discovery has just dipped its toe into the water in previous seasons.
And understanding is the lynchpin of the plot here; the 10C are not carbon-based lifeforms and they dont interact like humanoids do. Its a timeless Star Trek problem, as seen in episodes like “Darmok” or “Amok Time.” So recentlys episode was committed to the team and various ambassadors systematically resolving mathematical and chemical solutions to develop a working bridge language. They managed to establish to the 10C that there were issues with the DMA, opening up the door to additional negotiation in this weeks episode.
” Coming Home” has a lot of significances in the context of the actual episode. Theres the risk of the DMA heading towards Earth, theres a variety of scenes embeded in our solar system including returning character Sylvia Tilly, and reconciliation in between Michael Burnham and her enthusiast Cleveland Booker, the individual who premises her in the 32nd century.
CBS
Theres likewise indicating in that the episode is where Discovery lastly reconciles itself as a Star Trek program, making its greatest point of drama not the struggle to leave a doomed planet, or the attempts to stop Tarkas plan, however the real face-to-face (so to speak) conversation with the 10C. Its nothing like the action-based method of the Abrams movies or even earlier seasons that dealt with war and time travel and wicked sentient computers.
And some of those feelings are what you d call … environmentally minded. It isnt enough that the 10C merely stops destroying planets that house sentient life. The fact is, the DMA also develops contamination and that requires to be stopped too. With Earth in immediate danger it seems like an unreasonable ask at the minute, however its likewise really much in the values of Star Trek to think about ones general social and galactic effect. The core of Star Trek is humanism and social justice, therefore many classic episodes handle concerns of identity, civil liberties, and environmental problems. Discovery has invested a lot time handling one huge violent crisis after another that it hasnt had time to do easier humanist metaphors, and bringing that in at the end here appears to indicate a desire to handle those problems more in approaching seasons.
Star Trek has constantly been woke, but Discovery has just dipped its toe into the water in previous seasons. With its fifth season on the horizon, its ready to plunge fully in.All products recommended by Engadget are picked by our editorial group, independent of our moms and dad company.