New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery stream every Thursday on Paramount+ in the US and UK.
Synopsis
On Trill, Captain Burnham, Book, and Culber must pass a dangerous test to prove themselves worthy of the next clue. Adira reconnects with Gray and Saru’s first day as ambassador is complicated by his engagement to T’Rina.
Review
With the introduction out of the way in last week’s two-episode premiere, Star Trek: Discovery is getting down to business this week as the crew heads to Trill in search of the latest clue in their ongoing mystery. The series continues to search for connections to the franchise’s legacy, keeping one eye on the past whilst looking very much ahead as the final season narrative maintains warp speed.
“Jinaal” is very much an episode which could be classed as wrapping up storylines ahead of the series finale alongside developing the overarching narrative around The Progenitors technology. Once again I had to remind myself the cast wasn’t aware this was their swan song. As the USS Discovery reaches Trill it’s time for Adira (Blu del Bario) and Gray (the returning Ian Alexander) to find some resolution. Both actors do an incredible job of portraying these two characters at a turning point in their relationship. Moving in different directions forces them to face up to their future whether it be together or separately. Giving them resolution may have been written to allow Adira more time to develop, but falling in what is now the final season gives these scenes a great sense of fulfilment for the audience.
“Jinaal” is really only underpinned by the story of Adira and Gray. Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), along with Book (David Ayala) and Culber (Wilson Cruz) and on the planet’s surface looking for answers to the next part of their mystery. Discovery surprised me with its MacGuffin of the week, taking some fun steps to get there courtesy of a ritual similar to the rite of Zhian’tara witness in the Deep Space Nine episode “Facets”. This is another one of those moments where Discovery decides to get playful in reaching to past series for callbacks in this 32nd century future setting.
With Culber being inhabited by their subject’s former host, the three go off and running through a large quarry in a sequence we’ve seen released before. Oh context is a wonderful thing. So this scene we’ve seen before wasn’t Culber but was his body being controlled by a long-dead spirit! This week’s action set piece isn’t quite as large as the shoot out from “Under the Twin Moons” or the sand speeder chase in “Red Directive” and that’s a good thing. The creative team shows they aren’t simply pushing the season flat out at top speed. There’s still action but it’s more measured and isn’t the central focus of the entire episode. It’s a nice balance as we head towards the middle of the ten-episode season.
Aboard the USS Discovery Tilly (Mary Wiseman) attempts to get new Number One and former Captain, Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie) to connect with his new cremates. Of course it doesn’t go to plan but in a turn of events which becomes useful later, he was in fact listening to his two minute introductions. This storyline is all about setting up Rayner as an Admiral Jellico-type. Hopefully he at least has the chance to warm up a little as his standoffishness can be grating. It is funny seeing his brashness rubbing up against the pure positivity of Tilly so I would gladly take more of these two verbally sparring in upcoming episodes.
Verdict
The latest episode of Star Trek: Discovery’s final season is a more measured, character focused episode which drives the plot forward without hitting the breaks too hard on the series’ new sense of adventure.
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