Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 begins with L’ak (Elias Toufexis) and Moll (Eve Harlow) taking center stage. As they continue their quest for the Progenitor’s secret, it is revealed that they are lovers on the run. Their relationship could serve as a mirror to the various relationship storylines unfolding this season. The most intriguing to witness would be the showdown between L’ak and Moll and Captain Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Booker (David Ajala). Moll’s determination matches Captain Burnham’s and given Moll’s connection to Booker’s mentor, tension is steadily building toward confrontation. Throughout the series, viewers know the lengths Booker and Burnham will go to protect their loved ones. Now, what would lovers Moll and L’ak do with limitless power?
Back on Discovery, the bug that Moll planted on Adira Tal (Blu del Barrio) on Trill begins to wreak havoc on the ship’s systems. The spiderlike nano-bot serves as a reminder of how far technology has advanced since the period most Star Trek fans are accustomed to. The bug not only can meld into the ship but also somehow causes Discovery to jump through different points in the ship’s history – past, present, and future. Unfortunately, Captain Burnham, Commander Stamets (Anthony Rapp), and Commander Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie) are the only ones aware of the loop the ship is caught in.
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Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 becomes a race against time to stop the time bug from looping the Discovery. L’ak and Moll have surged ahead in their pursuit of the secrets of the Progenitors. If “Jinaal” showed us anything, it’s that the technology they are all seeking likely shouldn’t belong to anyone, let alone two fugitives. Finding the time bug becomes crucial in preventing an unthinkable future.
As Discovery jumps through time, fans embark on a nostalgic journey through the show’s history. It’s a heartfelt reflection on the progress made by Burnham, the crew of Discovery, and the ship itself through five seasons. Despite the Temporal Prime Directive, the Starfleet trio receives assistance from the crew at different stages of their journeys. However, this highlights why this season has been disappointing so far.
The action has been toned down, with science and history driving much of the recent storyline. The temporal sci-fi elements at play are fascinating. However, it’s intertwined with rehashing similar plotlines featuring different characters. Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 quickly becomes another iteration of the “this ship’s not big enough for two captains” scenario. Further, as two captains vie for dominance, the episode also attempts to impart another basic lesson to Commander Rayner.
So far, Commander Rayner has learned to open up to people. Now, he’s tasked with learning how to collaborate with others, which seems contradictory given his extensive experience as a Starfleet officer. I can’t help but feel that the effort spent developing Commander Rayner’s character arc could have been more effectively used focusing on the character we’ve known for four seasons. It’s particularly troubling when Commander Rayner is just grappling with basic empathy.
Additionally, Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 once again highlights why Captain Burnham is worthy of leading Discovery despite her initial arrival as a prisoner. However, it plays more like a clip show than nearing the halfway point in the final season. After five seasons, Burnham has solidified her place as the captain. However, instead of pushing the boundaries of the Star Trek genre in terms of action and representation, there’s a heavy focus on reminiscing about that journey.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 affirms that the series is hesitant to make significant plot moves until later in the season. Instead, it opts for a recap-like feel, with the writers guiding us through character development we’ve already witnessed over four seasons. Frustratingly, this occurs alongside the series’ exploration of compelling sci-fi concepts. By the episode’s end, the only anticipation lies in discovering what transpired during the time of the Discovery’s loop. That’s a considerable effort for one episode, especially when many of the lessons learned are ones the show has already taught.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 is streaming now, exclusively on Paramount+.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4
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Rating - 6/106/10
TL;DR
By the episode’s end, the only anticipation lies in discovering what transpired during the time of the Discovery’s loop. That’s a considerable effort for one episode, especially when many of the lessons learned are ones the show has already taught.
