JUST ANOTHER GAL FROM CASPER: WHAT I’M WATCHING RIGHT NOW EDITION…
Recently, Star Trek: Discovery began its fifth and final season on Paramount Plus. While this is one of the more controversial Star Trek shows (which I just don’t get, but whatever), I’m a fan of all things Star Trek and I love it. But I will say that Discovery’s gone through quite a few changes throughout its five seasons.
In the beginning, the show focuses on Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), who accidentally starts a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Since Discovery begins about a decade before the Kirk/Spock/McCoy et. al. Original Series, the Klingons are still the Federation’s enemy.
Season one is kinda dark, with Burnham court martialed and sentenced to life in prison regarding the actions that spark a war. After six months of incarceration, she’s being transferred…somewhere. Due to a shuttle incident, she ends up on the USS Discovery. She’s extremely intelligent, having been raised on Vulcan by Sarek (James Frain) and his wife, Amanda Grayson (Mia Kershner), AKA Spock’s parents! (I know — there was no mention of an adoptive sister in original Star Trek Cannon, but I love this twist.) Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs) puts Michael, and her scientific knowledge, to work.
Speaking of twists, Discovery probably delivers more of ‘em than most of the other Star Trek shows combined. Season one alone has several “What the Frack!” (shout out to any BSG fans) moments. Season two ends with a huuuuge curve, launching the show into yet another vibe and direction. Seasons three and four truly capture the spirit of “Where no one has gone before,” as does season five thus far.
Adventure is present from the start, as is an impressive crew. Lorca’s not like any Star Trek Captains before him — he’s really kind of a jerk, but Isaacs is incredible in the role. There’s Saru (Doug Jones), a cautious Kelpian Commander who is at first distrustful of Michael (hello — she kinda helped start a war). However, over years of serving together, their dynamic (as captain and commander, switching those roles throughout the years) becomes one of deep friendship and trust. Cadet Tilly (Meg Wiseman), whose optimism and naïveté make her the heart of the ship — and the show. Crusty Lt. Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp), who rules Discovery’s spore drive (such cool technology!) and his husband, warm and compassionate Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz). And in later seasons, David Ajala’s empathic Cleveland Booker (and Booker’s cat, Grudge — she’s a Queen).
There’s also (as is the trademark of all Star Trek shows) quite an impressive cast of secondary and guest characters. Tig Notaro’s wry Commander Jett Reno. Blu Del Bario as young/old Adira Tal (yeah, you’re gonna have to watch the show to understand that one…) Michelle Yeoh’s Georgiou — let’s just say she’s a sly one. I hate to sound cliché, but the phrase “and many more” does legitimately fit.
Discovery is full of exploration: extreme time-travel, relationship issues of all sorts, moral dilemmas, devastating losses, exhilarating victories — all the stuff the franchise has given us over the years. Stream seasons one through four, with new season-five eps dropping on Thursdays on Paramount Plus.
