And understanding is the lynchpin of the plot here; the 10C are not carbon-based lifeforms and they do not communicate like humanoids do. Its a timeless Star Trek problem, as seen in episodes like “Darmok” or “Amok Time.” So last weeks episode was devoted to the team and various ambassadors systematically resolving mathematical and chemical solutions to develop a working bridge language. They managed to develop to the 10C that there were issues with the DMA, opening the door to additional settlement in this weeks episode.
” Coming Home” has a lot of significances in the context of the actual episode. Theres the danger of the DMA heading towards Earth, theres a variety of scenes embeded in our solar system including returning character Sylvia Tilly, and reconciliation between Michael Burnham and her lover Cleveland Booker, the individual who grounds her in the 32nd century.
CBS
Theres likewise meaning in that the episode is where Discovery lastly reconciles itself as a Star Trek program, making its greatest point of drama not the battle to leave a doomed planet, or the efforts to stop Tarkas plan, but the actual in person (so to speak) conversation with the 10C. Its absolutely nothing like the action-based technique of the Abrams films or even earlier seasons that dealt with war and time travel and evil sentient computers.
And a few of those sensations are what you d call … environmentally minded. It isnt enough that the 10C merely stops damaging planets that house sentient life. The truth is, the DMA likewise develops contamination and that requires to be stopped. With Earth in instant risk it seems like an unreasonable ask at the minute, however its also quite in the values of Star Trek to consider ones basic societal and galactic effect also. The core of Star Trek is humanism and social justice, and so lots of traditional episodes deal with issues of identity, civil rights, and ecological concerns. Discovery has spent a lot time dealing with one big 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 deal with those problems more in approaching seasons.
The entire denouement makes that promise: The Federation is growing in strength, the Discovery team is spending some time off on their own, and a really special visitor toward the end seems to be the show making its politics clear to those segments of the audience who like to decry “woke Trek.” Star Trek has constantly been woke, but Discovery has only dipped its toe into the water in previous seasons. With its fifth season on the horizon, its ready to plunge totally in.All products advised by Engadget are picked by our editorial team, independent of our parent business. Some of our stories consist of affiliate links. We may make an affiliate commission if you buy something through one of these links.
The following contains small spoilers for season 4, episode 14 of Star Trek: Discovery.
Season 4 has been an intriguing one for Star Trek: Discovery. The program lastly accepted a more episodic format, just to relapse into a continuous story in the back half of the season. But todays ending when again promises a return to the things that make Star Trek, well, Star Trek. And, while Discovery likewise made those promises at the end of last season, theres more factor to think that this time the changes will stick.
It begins with the fact that while the significant risk this season started as a spatial abnormality (understood as the Dark Matter Anomaly, or “DMA”), it was discovered to be simply a harvesting tool utilized by a formerly unknown types, one the Federation calls the 10C. It may have seemed harmless to the 10C in its role as farmers, but the Federation found itself in the role of a bunny in front of a rake. The DMA ruined 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 violent and assertive approach. This may not sound interesting, but its always been one of the things Star Trek does best: individuals discussing clashing ideas. In other series this may appear like a dreadful concept, however Trek is expected to be, in theory, a paradise.
Weve seen this in previous shows like The Next Generation and Voyager, where terrorists like the Maquis were treated with compassion. In Discovery its even more at the leading edge provided Books status as a main character, but also the series values as the Star Trek reveal thats all about sensations. While the program often takes flak for all the sobbing, here the emotional components feel well balanced, with everybodys motives clearly articulated both to each other and to the audience.
Season 4 has actually 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. In Discovery its even more at the forefront offered Books status as a main character, but likewise the series principles as the Star Trek show thats all about feelings. Theres also meaning 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 evacuate a doomed world, or the attempts to stop Tarkas strategy, but the real face-to-face (so to speak) discussion with the 10C. Star Trek has actually constantly been woke, but Discovery has just dipped its toe into the water in previous seasons.