REVIEW: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 5 Episode 3 — “Jinaal”

In Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 3, the crew of the Discovery is in hot pursuit of thieves Moll and Mok. Booker (David Ajala) discovers a personal connection to Moll, whose real name is Melene. She is the daughter of Booker’s old mentor, Cleveland Booker IV. Booker’s longing to reconnect with her intensifies as she is the last remaining family he has. However, the Federation, still wary of Booker following his near cataclysmic actions in season 4, considers the pursuit of Moll and Mok solely their jurisdiction.

The Discovery crew heads towards Trill in pursuit of the thieves. While en route, they delve into an 800-year-old mystery involving a Romulan scientist who researched the Progenitors, the primordial beings from which all life in the known galaxy originated. Utilizing the unique lifespan of the Trill, their investigation leads them to focus on a Trill named Jinaal. This Trill scientist existed concurrently with the Romulan scientist and the enigmatic riddle introduced in the season 5 premiere. By tapping into Jinaal’s experiences across his various lifetimes as a Trill, they uncover concrete answers instead of relying on speculation.

Early on in Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 3, this is the most true to traditional Star Trek the series has been in a long time. Throughout much of Star Trek: Discovery‘s history, the focus has been primarily on action and drama. Even the opening episodes of season 5 carried that tone. However, as the mystery of the Progenitor artifact starts to unravel, it becomes clear that the Discovery crew is engaging more in puzzle-solving, research, historical exploration, and dialogue rather than participating in all-out intergalactic wars spanning galaxies, times, and dimensions.

This is further reinforced by the crew’s need to participate in the zhian’tara. It is the only way Captain Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green)  and Booker can speak with Jinaal.  Here, Wilson Cruz, as Doctor Hugh Culber, showcases his acting skills by embodying Jinaal’s character. his serves as another instance of his character taking on the burden of a demanding and emotionally taxing task on behalf of the crew. Given his role as a doctor, it’s natural that his empathy surpasses even that of his fellow Starfleet crewmates. However, it would be beneficial for him to prioritize his well-being sooner rather than later.

Through Jinaal, they uncover the truth about what the Romulan scientist was attempting to safeguard: ancient Progenitor technology. The technology was so advanced, so limitless, that it instilled fear in scientists from various species, compelling them to keep it a secret. That is, until someone could decipher the Progenitor riddle. Considering the state of the galaxy 800 years ago during the Dominion War, it’s understandable why they took such measures.

The Dominion War, from 2373 to 2375, witnessed all major powers of the Alpha and Gamma Quadrants engaging in conflict. Two military alliances, the Federation Alliance and the Breen-Dominion Alliance, clashed in a devastating struggle. Characterized by significant military and civilian losses, including the targeted annihilation of over eight hundred million Cardassians and the extensive deployment of starship fleets, it stands as one of the bloodiest and most destructive wars in recent galactic history.

Delving into the discussion of political disparities among species, Captain, now Ambassador Saru (Doug Jones), plans their marriage alongside President T’Rina (Tara Rosling). Saru navigates a new phase of life and a distinct form of warfare—cross-galactic politics. Constantly pulled in various directions, Saru finds himself serving as an Ambassador, yet his role feels largely unchanged. The primary divergence lies in his romantic conflict, overshadowing his cultural and ethical dilemmas.

Amidst the overarching Progenitor plot, Saru’s subplot appears underdeveloped, lacking the depth seen in the previous seasons. While hoping for thematic echoes of the Dominion War, the series currently prioritizes Saru’s intricate love story over utilizing his Ambassadorial position to shed light on cross-species political dynamics in the 32nd century.

The scientists from 800 years ago intentionally made the Progenitor’s secret elusive because they lacked trust in the powers of their era to wield the technology responsibly. Given the tumultuous events of the previous two seasons in the 32nd century, a similar sentiment likely prevails. This aspect alone could have made Saru’s Ambassadorial role this season more compelling.

However, instead of delving into cross-species political dynamics, his relationship with T’Rina becomes the primary source of conflict. Even as the Discovery crew edges closer to unraveling the Progenitor secrets, Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 3 remains primarily focused on the crew adjusting to their new commanding officer.

The crew of the Discovery remains skeptical of their new first officer due to his tendency to act aggressively to complete the mission. To foster better understanding, Captain Burnham orders Captain Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie) to meet 1 – 1 the crew. However, what begins as an opportunity to acquaint himself with the crew members soon devolves into a lesson on connection.

It seems like an odd choice to introduce such an unlikable character, especially in the final season of the series. With this new addition disrupting the ship’s cohesion, the focus shifts away from unlocking the secrets of the Progenitors to addressing internal conflicts. Amid the final season, where the cast has formed strong bonds, it feels jarring to witness them having to educate someone on basic empathy.

With nearly a third of the season down, Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 3 shows the series is taking its time to build the story it is trying to tell, for better or worse. The Progenitor storyline stands out as the most developed, while the remainder of the cast and crew grapple with interpersonal conflicts. As the midpoint of the season approaches, there’s a desire to see a crew that doesn’t require overt moral lessons, yet current circumstances suggest otherwise. Nevertheless, there are hints that these storylines could eventually intertwine to serve the overarching plot. However, the journey feels like a slow warp through space.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 is streaming now, exclusively on Paramount+.