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Tag: Star Trek: Discovery

June 2, 2024

Did Star Trek: Discovery Get a Proper Series Ending in Just 15 Minutes?

“Discovery” had only fifteen minutes to wrap it all up after five seasons. That’s certainly a Kobayashi Maru test. This life-long Trekkie shares his experience watching this no-win scenario play out at the end of the final episode.

Being a “Star Trek” fan isn’t what it used to be. Not that being a Trekkie with a phaser was ever especially cool… like sporting a “Star Wars” light saber. I’ve been a Trekkie-nerd all my life, and though there’s admittedly a resurgence of Trek via the several new series on Paramount Plus, “Star Trek: Discovery” has hardly been dominating water cooler chats. (Do those even happen anymore?)

Except for the newest series, “Strange New Worlds,” which somehow captured the magic of the original series, Star Trek hasn’t been ‘must-see TV’ for a long while.

Science fiction fans I talk with admit to having missed entire Star Trek series from decades past and are only now starting to check them out. That says a lot about the cultural state of Star Trek.

Still, I love my Star Trek.

No, I haven’t exactly loved, “Star Trek: Discovery,” but I’ve stuck with it since 2017, through its course corrections and time traveling to reset itself.

Time to Say Goodbye
I reflected last week about how most of the past Star Trek series have had trouble giving us a satisfying final episode.

Now, “Star Trek: Discovery” has streamed its own finale. As part of this extended episode, there’s a closing fifteen-minute epilogue. This sequence was shot two months after season five wrapped filming. And the production on these extra three days of shoots were the only time that the cast and crew knew the series was ending.

So no, there was no gradual way across this final season to wrap up loose ends.

The writers’ mission: Finish “Star Trek: Discovery” in fifteen minutes.

And how exactly did they decide to do that? (Spoilers ahead.)

Answer a Thousand-Year-Old Question
Inexplicably, the writers focused their critical coda on filling a plot hole left behind during the 2018 “Star Trek: Short Treks” episode “Calypso,” which takes place a thousand years in the future.

“Short Treks”? Who remembers any of those?!

Okay, I did find it confusing when I originally watched this mini episode. Zora, our favorite AI voice since Majel Barrett rescues a soldier adrift in an escape pod. The crew apparently abandoned Zora and the Discovery to float into the far future, and no further clues are provided.

It’s a plot gap I never really thought about again, and clearly not one the writers were eager to return to after all these years. I don’t feel there was a huge need to devote any of the last precious minutes of “Discovery” to explain it.

Discovery’s Final Mission
But that’s what happens. The final scene in the series is between Burnham and Zora and explains how the Discovery and Zora get sent on their final lonely mission to wait around in deep space for a millennium. The rest is conveniently shrouded in ‘Red Directive’ secrecy. (So, more questions than answers.)

This same scene is simultaneously tasked with handling the crew goodbyes in a swift pseudo-flashback sequence.

And that’s the series’ conclusion. The whole thing runs about six minutes.

And what about the first nine minutes?

Meet Michael Burnham’s Family
The epilogue begins with ‘Admiral’ Burnham and Book happily living their lives together decades in the future.

It’s well-crafted and takes its time. But this sequence plays like a beginning more than an ending. It could be the intro to a whole new series- “Star Trek: Burnham” (like “Star Trek: Picard”).

But there just isn’t time to introduce us to this new family… not at the expense of everything else.

What about our Discovery family? These are the characters we really want to say goodbye to.

But we don’t get the chance. Not really.

What Happens to the Rest of the Crew?
So, the writers devote the epilogue to explain how the Discovery gets sent to the distant future (not why), and they start with this lengthy love letter to the future Burnham family.

These plot choices rob the Discovery’s crew, who we’re supposed to know and love across these five seasons of getting their satisfying set of goodbyes. Sure, there’s some hugging, but it’s rushed, and the imagined-flashback plot device is a cheat.

To be fair, maybe that’s really all the production had time for with only three extra days of shooting given to them.

And so, the writers chose the Burnham family over the Discovery family.

Angry Trekkie
But I’ve got to tell you, this all feels so unnecessary.

It’s not 1969. Star Trek is not some experimental ‘Wagon Train to the Stars’ anymore.

This established franchise that’s endured for more than a half century deserves better than three days to wrap it up on whatever sets are left standing and then get out of Dodge.

Look, I know that “Star Trek: Discovery” was uneven. And I’ve complained my fair share. I’m not surprised it was time to move on. But this is about ‘how’ they did it.

In the articles I’ve read, the Star Trek PR machine says that everyone involved with the series was ‘satisfied’ with this tacked-on standalone ending sequence.

But I know that’s just spin.

Management
Should I, as a Trekkie, be happy that ‘management’ (to reference a healthier sci-fi series) was magnanimous enough to grant this cancelled series an ending?

Sure. But come on. I think we can do better than this.

Management didn’t have to create an impossible Kobayashi Maru test for the writers.

Fifteen minutes just isn’t enough time for a proper ending.

That’s All Folks
So, they effectively gave it all to our captain and star of the series. And Sonequa Martin-Green indeed did a really nice job with it.

I then watched the U.S.S. Discovery get banished (again) into the future to close a forgotten past plot hole and perhaps satisfy some future, unstated plot requirement. And that was it. Roll credits.

I shrugged.

“Discovery” now joins a long list of Trek series’ endings that underdeliver.

Except for “The Next Generation” and “Picard,” all the rest left me wanting more.

Goodbye “Star Trek: Discovery.” Even though I gave you a hard time across your journey. I was glad to know you. And I haven’t forgotten that you brought Star Trek back to TV.

Live long and prosper… in streaming reruns.

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May 26, 2024

Why can’t Star Trek Shows Stick their Landing?

“Star Trek: Discovery” is ending. But you wouldn’t know by watching the fifth and final season. Is this cancelled Trek reboot doomed to the same fate as the original series? Not necessarily.

Every story has an ending. TV series should as well. Unfortunately, lots of shows get cancelled unexpectedly before the storyline can be neatly wrapped up. And that can be even more jarring for series that end their seasons with a cliffhanger.

Star Trek is no different. This enduring set of related sci-fi series has had to address their own endings since 1969. Now, “Star Trek: Discovery” is faced with its own final episode.

Yes, this fifth season is the last. And apparently, no one knew that while they were writing and shooting these ten episodes. And it shows. It feels just like another normal day in the 32nd century, with none of the broader loose ends being tied up. Now, we’ve got just one more episode to go.

Apparently after the unexpected ‘cancellation,’ the crew went back into production to shoot additional scenes for the final episode. I guess that’s something.

It’s strange. Most of the other Star Trek series have also had problems dealing with their conclusions (spoilers ahead).

Kirk Out (1966-1969)
The original “Star Trek” series ended unceremoniously after it was simply canceled by NBC. We were left to assume that the crew’s five-year mission would continue on as before. (And it certainly did… in reruns.)

  • Trekkie rating: Deep sadness

Make It So (1987-1994)
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” ended gracefully with the elegant poker game scene, although we already knew the series was simply transporting to the movie format. So, it wasn’t the end at all.

We got something of a replay with the final episode of “Star Trek: Picard” (2020-2023). Yet it still had me reaching for my handkerchief. The whole third season was a cozy homage to the entire “Next Generation” era.

  • Trekkie rating: Highly satisfying

Quark’s Bar is Always Open (1993-1999)
At the End of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” Sisko fell down the rabbit hole and got banished to the celestial temple. (That was supposed to be a good thing?) I didn’t totally understand it, and I was angry that our hero was handed this weird fate.

Yes, there was sufficient time given to goodbyes and plenty of hugs to wrap the series up, but Sisko’s quasi-death ruined what was otherwise a nice send-off.

Trekkie rating: Irritated

Two Janeways (1995-2001)
The entire premise to “Star Trek: Voyager” was to make it back to Earth. At the top of the final episode, we learn that’s already happened. And though Janeway’s crew had succeeded in their difficult voyage home, the episode created its dramatic tension using a “Back to the Future” plot device. Though, Voyager had to get back to the Alpha Quadrant (again), that final scene of ‘the return’ was way too quick. It didn’t really offer enough emotional resolution.

I was left wanting more. At least one last scene…

  • Trekkie rating: Disappointed

Archer was Never Happy (2001-2005)
“Star Trek: Enterprise” always appeared on the cusp on cancellation. And, in fact, the fourth and final season was apparently something of a miracle.

The last episode was a strange morphing with “The Next Generation’s” universe as the ending spotlight unfairly was shared with Riker and Troy (however nice it was to see them again). Captain Archer’s crew wasn’t allowed any type of emotional victory lap and instead dealt with a last-moment tragedy.

  • Trekkie rating: Meh

Let’s Fly (2017-2024)
Which brings us back to “Star Trek: Discovery,” the series that effectively rebooted the Star Trek series format over a decade after “Enterprise” ended.

It’s been something of an uneven ride. “Discovery” began as a dark and redefining reboot with salty language. Nobody liked that. So, they brought in Captain Pike in season 2 to provide a course correction and then literally booted the U.S.S. Discovery forward 800 years to avoid the Star Trek canon limitations confining this prequel.

In its future state, Captain Burnham and her crew discovered their own blend of Trek harmony over the next three seasons.

And now, it’s over. In some ways, there actually aren’t that many plot pieces to wrap up. As long as our crew finds the Progenitors’ tech, it’s all good, right?

Sure, we need to see what happens to Michael and Book. I expect Saru and T’Rina will also figure out their relationship. (Rayner finally sat in the chair. So, we can check that detail off the list.)

In the final ‘extended’ episode, unfinished business will be handled via the ‘epilogue’ they shot after season 5’s filming had already been completed. (Those must have been a few hard days of new shoots.)

I expect it will be an extended set of goodbyes, again reinforcing how much this crew loves each other. (I don’t think the writers will decide to destroy the spore-drive-driven Discovery at the finish line. It’s already safely tucked away in the distant future.)

Hit It (2022-?)
I know I’m getting ahead of myself when it comes to “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” That series has already been renewed for a fourth season. (Season 3 comes out in 2025.) But its eventual ending should be really interesting, because everyone already knows Captain Pike’s fate.

Some sort of twist would be nice. Note to the writers: Please don’t play it straight down the middle. You’ve got plenty of time to figure this critical plot detail out.

I do believe there are always possibilities.

Discovery’s Big Epilogue
I think if there’s one connecting strand to all of this, it’s that Star Trek doesn’t really like endings. Even death can be a temporary condition. (“I will always be your friend.”)

But you’ve got to wrap it up sometimes. And how you do it matters.

Jonathan Frakes came in to direct “Star Trek: Discovery’s” second to last episode (“Lagrange Point”) and gave it real punch.

Good luck, Discovery. I’m rooting for you.

Let’s do this…

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March 13, 2022

Why Star Trek: Discovery and Picard are Worth Watching Now

If you haven’t been following these series on Paramount+, now’s a great time to finally check them out. Here’s my review.

When I was a kid, I watched the first reruns of the original “Star Trek” and was completely engaged by the adventure and adrenaline-fueled fun. I connected with this family of characters and it locked me in to follow an ever expanding universe of Star Trek stories and characters for the next several decades.

I’ve continued to watch Star Trek throughout my life. All of the series, movies, different timelines and the recent iterations on Paramount+.

And Star Trek has been evolving along the way.

Finding Balance in “Discovery”
“Star Trek: Discovery” currently represents the new norm, and the writers have clearly worked hard to boldly go where no Trek has gone before. They even introduced four-letter words into the scripts. I’m still stinging from the first time they dropped the F-bomb (although I’m finally getting used to the occasional salty language).

“Discovery” has paid significant attention to presenting us with a truly diverse set of characters. DE&I themes run deep throughout. Bravo.

“Discovery” also focuses on feelings. A lot.

Kirk never needed to talk through how he felt. But these Star Trek characters do. Yes, it’s more realistic, but it sometimes slows the pace of the show. You’ve just got to get used to it.

Speaking of feelings, “Discovery’s” scripts often point out how much the crew love each other. There’s lots of hugging and crying.

When this started, I wanted the stories to first spend more time with the secondary characters. I didn’t really know them. So I didn’t really buy all of the intimacy that writers were suddenly pushing into the scripts.

In this fourth season, that dynamic has finally been properly balanced, and the love/respect/admiration factor is more believable.

Fully Embracing the Cliffhanger
I’m also pleased with another important factor that “Discovery” is finally getting right.
It’s the classic Trek cliffhanger moment that gets you so excited for the next scene or episode.

A great example is the pre opening-credits scene that sets up the entire episode. The original series did it so well, and I’m really happy that the writers have paid more attention to that device.

I always love it when the image suddenly cuts to black, I hear the opening notes of the Star Trek theme, and then I get that tingle of adrenaline. Or maybe you catch your mouth curling up into a little smile. That’s when you want to say, “Thank you.”

“Star Trek: Discovery” has finally landed in the back half of its fourth season.

“Picard’s” Reunion
The second season of “Star Trek: Picard” is also a blast to watch. As I write this, “Picard” is only two episodes in, but this series clearly holds all of the cards. It packs together the best of the more evolved style of Star Trek storytelling with classic Next Generation Trek. It feels so good to be going back to this future.

More Jean-Luc, played by Patrick Stewart, and Seven, played by Jeri Ryan. More Borg queen, this time played by Annie Wersching. More Q (John de Lancie) and Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg).

More classic starship designs, with a crazy new Stargazer. More classic uniforms and less developed transporters. The sounds and special effects are all so familiar. And they tap into little pleasure nodes throughout my brain that haven’t been activated for so many years.

This entire series has a huge impact. How can it not? I know this family. This Star Trek. These characters. And the new characters are well defined. You don’t have to wait four seasons to really get to know them.

If you’re a Star Trek fan, resistance to “Picard” is futile.

Star Trek Happiness
I’ve stuck with Star Trek across the decades like a dedicated football fan. Some years are better than others, but you don’t give up, because you just know the next year is going to be a winning season.

We’ve got two winning Star Trek seasons going on right now, simultaneously.

Fans aren’t always looking for something entirely different. Sometimes what’s old can be new again. And when the new finally aligns with what we already love, then you’re going to have happy Trekkies.

Yes, they’ve finally made it so.

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