Star Trek Discovery Season 3 Episode 1

The 'Star Trek: Discovery' flavor iii premiere is one of its best episodes yet

"Star Trek: Discovery" season three's Grudge (played by a cat named Leeu) could be the coolest cat in sci-fi since Jones in "Alien."

(Prototype credit: CBS All Access)

Incoming spoilers from Starfleet.

It's finally here. It's been one year, 5 months and 27 days since we saw Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the coiffure of the USS Discovery defeat the evil A.I. chosen Control, relieve the sphere data and use the tortuous red signal fourth dimension travel engineering science to bound 950 years into the future in the disappointingsecond season finale of "Star Trek: Discovery."

During that time of form, we've been treated to two new incarnations of "Star Trek" on the streaming serviceCBS All Access: the oft entertaining "Lower Decks" and the nostalgia-serving "Picard."

And while the first season finale of the former offered u.s. an enjoyable, unexpected surprise, the season finale of "Picard" was sadly yet anothercrashing disappointment. And so information technology's with some trepidation that we turn the pages of some other new chapter of "Expedition."

However, it is worth remembering that season 2 of "Discovery" at leaststarted strong. In fact, the 2nd episode, "New Eden" (S02, E02) was far and away the all-time installment of the entire 14-episode 2d season. And with that, information technology gives us great pleasance to say that season three has also started strong.

Entitled "That Hope is You, Part i," we pick upwards more than or less exactly where we left off i-and-a-one-half years ago. But earlier we become to meet exactly what happened, we're introduced outset to a gentleman far in the time to come, waking up each morn courtesy of his … er,alarm parrot and each morning placing what looks similar an antiquarian, Starfleet-branded box on a table in a minimalist, sterile room; a little like the end of "2001" meets the Armistice Station notion, from the first episode of the "Battlestar Galactica" reboot.

Each and every morning, it seems, the well-dressed gentleman sits at his desk and patiently activates what appears to be galaxy-wide signal search. The accompanying classical music (Mozart'southward Symphony No. 45 in D major) adds a sophisticated, dignified air. We could surmise that, any he's looking for, he has non found it withal despite repeating the process every single day.

In a sudden, dramatic change of stride, nosotros cut to a debris field and a dogfight between two ships of unknown blueprint. The pilot of one is using a peculiar looking control interface as his viewscreen is filled with the face of a very aroused alien who is hurling insults and demanding the return of something that was stolen.

That pilot is Cleveland Booker (David Ajala) and in the very adjacent instant his transport reckoner warns him that a fourth dimension bibelot has been detected. A wormhole of sorts opens up on the starboard bow and in hurtles Burnham in her time travel arrange, colliding with Booker's ship.

Burnham spins chaotically through the debris field and plummets to the planet below. With thrusters malfunctioning and her heat shield only partially operational, she tumbles out of command towards the surface. We see Booker's transport is as well in a like dilemma, with both craft leaving smoke trails and creating a sonic boom every bit they autumn from the sky.

Scenes from "Star Trek: Discovery's" season three premiere "That Hope is You, Part 1." — What would you lot take to the moon? A tricorder, a phaser and a communicator, of course. (Image credit: CBS All Access)

A drastic Burnham reboots her suit'due south systems and manages to burn opposite thrusters and activate the impact shield only seconds before she crashes. She emerges from the crater (whcih she's only created) and looks a lilliputian worse for wear — as one would striking the ground at about 120 mph.

Her spacesuit declining and the faceplate cracked, Burnham struggles to her anxiety and gazes over the Icelandic alien landscape. Assuming the USS Discovery is right backside her, she tries to reach them on a communicator, but to no avail and the reality of her situation begins to sink in.

With little free energy remaining in her conform, Burnham is able to determine that she's arrived in the year 3188 — just one year off — and that there are multiple life signs on the surface; a fact that she's happy nearly to say the least. But her elation is short-lived as the adjust'southward sensors indicate that the wormhole she simply travelled through is collapsing. She aimlessly reprograms it to wing toward said wormhole, broadcast her coordinates for as long equally information technology'due south all the same open and so self-destruct.

At present, with nil except the air current, the wilderness and the well-nigh basic of survival kits, emotion overcomes Burnham and she attempts to re-gather and compose herself.

If in that location was an alien in "Star Trek" that was the opposite to a Vulcan, in that they comprehendover-emotion, and so it'southward entirely possible Burnham is a descendant. We saw an abundance of excessive sentimental outpouring at the end of season two, just when used in moderation with selective placement, information technology tin be quite effective. And that'south what we were seeing hither, thankfully.

She proudly places her Starfleet badge on her flying adapt and, with some Beatrix Kiddo-inspired self-motivation, makes her way toward theother feather of smoke in the heaven — the crash site of Booker's ship, far off in the distance. And the opening credits whorl … and we go to once again count how many different types of producers there are, with new titles like consulting producer, supervising producer and co-executive producer joining the vast number of executive producers already on the show. The sequence itself has had a tweak, with a few new images added to the existing ones, including a transporter pad and a robot drone-of-sorts that looks a little chip like EVE from "WALL-E."

Burnham approaches Booker'southward downed send and he springs a surprise attack from backside. Fortunately, they're both rational people and are able to talk things through … just but afterward Burnham unleashes a can of whoop-ass. Naturally, Booker notices her "antique" phaser and, with a few other clues, he deduces that she's "not from around these parts."

The character of Booker — and indeed David Ajala — could very well be one of the best things to have happened to "Expedition" in a long time. (Nosotros shall run across more of his awesomeness later.) In that location is an undeniable resemblance to a young Idris Elba, but peradventure more in mannerisms than appearance and yes, they even sound very like, specially since they have the aforementioned emphasis as both were born in Hackney, in East London.

At first Booker's not interested in where Burnham came from as she tries to deduce what exactly has happened. It turns out that this planet is not Terralysium, but one named Heem. She pleads with him to help her and, naturally, he caves. At this point, and so much more than we want the render of the USS Discovery, we want these 2 to squad upward and become a cosmic offense-fighting couple in the 32nd century.

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They enter his damaged transport and Burnham marvels over the technology. Booker makes reference to a dilithium recrystallizer (clearly the technology pioneered on Xahea eventually found its way into mainstream apply) and evenquantum slipstream, get-go referenced in the "Star Trek: Voyager" episode "Hope and Fearfulness" (S04, E26). Then nosotros see Grudge, his true cat…and information technology's official: Booker's been onscreen for less than 10 minutes and already nosotros want a dedicated spin-off series. Hey, it worked for Captain Pike.

Booker — or just Book, as he prefers to be called — explains they have to get to a place chosen Mercantile in gild to merchandise for dilithium. He engages a cloaking device for his ship and they set up off on foot. The banter between the ii is entertaining and Burnham begins to learn tiny truths nearly this intriguing character and in particular, about the temperature sensitive cargo in his ship that he "repatriated."

It's also at this bespeak that the conversation turns to Burnham'due south Starfleet badge and Book, calling her a "true believer" commencement makes reference to the fact that the Federation no longer exists. Naturally, this comes every bit something of a shock to Burnham. She presses him for more than information and he talks about "the burn," simply of class she knows nothing of this either. Only now does Volume seriously consider the notion that Burnham truly might not be fromanywhere around here.

And nosotros get to the explanation of what in fact acquired the calamity that destroyed the Federation; an result known every bit "the fire," when every dilithium crystal aboard every starship…er, exploded, for a reason that remains unknown. This probably isn't going to turn out to exist a natural miracle and obviously has links to the first round of "Short Treks," specifically the episodes "Runaway" and afterward "Calypso." It simply sounds baroque.

Agamma ray burst or a state of war with a race from anothermilky way or peradventure even a link back to "The Next Generation" episode "Force of Nature" (S07, E09) where scientists claim that constant warp travel by starships is destroying the cloth of subspace … would've sounded more than plausible than having every starship'south warp core of a sudden exploding.

Nosotros will no dubiousness larn more than about this inexplicable event, but already sensors are detecting trace amounts of a ridiculous, nonsensical plot. You know, similar the whole 2nd flavor Control thing that we're trying and then difficult to put behind united states. Granted, this could be considered apreemptive criticism and hopefully it will plough out to be a plot element that'due south imaginative, well written and most importantly, believable, but we've been given ridiculous, nonsensical plots quite a lot in the past, and then we're wary.

And this is actually our only grumble with what is otherwise arguably one of the best episodes of "Discovery" that nosotros've seen so far…so stick with it, the best stuff is even so to come.

Still reeling from the shock, her brow furrowed and her bottom lip shaking like an Orion belly-dancer, Burnham mutters, "No, the Federation isn't just about ships and warp drive, information technology'due south nigh a vision and all those who believe in that vision."

They go along on until they're able to look down upon their destination; a vast sprawling urban center laid out in front of them that'south less like Mos Eisley and more likeStardust Metropolis. To gain admission, they must showtime clear security and of grade Burnham doesn't have whatsoever identification. Book, using his heavenly Hackney emphasis convinces the Andorian guards to grant them entry.

The dimly lit streets of this backwater city are illuminated only past endless neon signs and holograms and as far as futuristic cities go, the production pattern department has done a really fantabulous job. Book explains that he makes his living equally courier, a chore title that probably also includes a little bit of smuggler and maybe even swindler, when the occasion calls for it.

Burnham offers her "vintage" tricorder for Book to commutation for dilithium when he springs a double-cross. Instead of taking her to the communications array — where she hoped to send some other message to Discovery — he leads her instead to "the vault" and she all of a sudden finds herself trapped in a confinement axle. Book snatches the rest of Burnham's gear every bit at kickoff she pleads with him and and then promises to impale him. Merely Book's only concern is completing his current assignment and he hastily exits before enforcement drones arrive.

An Orion and an Andorian begin questioning Burnham and give her a dose of a truth drug, which results in some thoroughly entertaining side effects. It's great to encounter more of Martin-Light-green's range beyond Emotional and Very Emotional and she's clearly having fun with it, racing through a multifariousness of mental states before settling on "chatterbox."

"Information technology makes people truthful, they talk," explains the Orion security guard.

"Yes-yes-I-experience-that-I-feel-you-I-go-that-I-have-a-friend-with-cerise-pilus-you-cannot-give-her-any," Burnham blurts.

It's a really fun set piece that adds to the fresh experience of this episode. TheSnorriCam shots are used sparingly and to practiced effect. Burnham is notwithstanding prattling on and eventually identifies Book, who meanwhile is having difficulty trying to sell the vintage tech before his twenty-four hours gets even worse and he runs into Cosmo Traitt (David Benjamin Tomlinson) the alien who was trying to shoot him down at the commencement of the episode.

"What cargo was he hauling?" the Orion security guard asks.

"I-don't-know-just-it-was-temperature-senstitive-and-realy-valuable-so-it's-probably-water ice-cream," Burnham jabbers on.

The guards take Burnham to find Book and they find him getting a pummeling from Cosmo. Pouncing on the opportunity to vent, she as well unloads a hefty right claw that connects perfectly with the already battered courier. Just virtually everyone is aching to blast poor Book — Cosmo, the Orion guards and the Andorian guards.

Burnham sighs, Book winks at her and in the blink of an heart, they've both disarmed two guards and are diggings at the remaining ones. Nosotrosknow what's going to happen and nosotroswant information technology to happen — which is precisely why information technology had to choreograph in as much of an unclichéd way as possible — and for the most function, that'due south accomplished. Thus begins a cute relationship.

Poor Burnham is still suffering from the effects of her alien-acid-amphetamine truth drug while Book is left doing about of the defensive work. But she spies some dilithium crystals in what looks like an antiquarian dealer's storefront and makes a nuance for them. Dodging blaster fire, Volume follows behind her, merely the incoming fire is intensifying and despite some disagreement over their priorities, he activates a personal transporter and they materialize far abroad from the city on the precipice of a stunning waterfall. You take to give credit to the location scouts for this episode, they've excelled themselves.

Burnham and Book hardly accept time to argue before a scattering of Andorian guards axle to their location having tracked the personal transporter. Working in perfect harmony together they dispense with these guards before beaming out once again, adopting a shoot-'n-scoot strategy. By beaming ahead, they tin can ambush the incoming guards, the simply problem is the personal transporter needs 30 seconds to recharge. What follows is a well-written, well-filmed set piece that notwithstanding again makes this episode stand caput and shoulders in a higher place well-nigh everything nosotros've seen up until at present.

Pinned down and unable to stalk the onslaught of Orion and Andorian guards, Book grabs Burnham and they leap off the edge of the cliff and activate the transporter as they fall. Thankfully, they state in a different lake and Book helpfully provides the exposition that they can't be tracked underwater … and we'll let that one go since the rest of this episode is then freakin' fantastic. Plus, in the side by side scene every bit they dry themselves off, Book does a Kirk and gets his shirt off.

During the firefight, Burnham caught a glancing round in the shoulder (it's ever a glancing round in the shoulder) and Volume performs a routine where he recites a prayer and a blue plant emerges from the water'due south edge that he gently squeezes to produce a healing gel-like liquid that Burnham applies to her wound. This is our offset indication that Volume shares a symbiotic human relationship with the planet and we'll see more bear witness soon. He gives her a communications device and she tries to telephone call the Discovery once once again … with no luck.

Equally they share this peaceful moment and we can run into each character shares more in common with each than mayhap they first realized: they are both true believers in their own style. Burnham confirms that she is indeed a time traveller and we learn that all time travel technology was destroyed subsequently the Temporal Wars — an consequence referenced in the "Star Trek: Enterprise" episode "Tempest Front" (S04, E01).

Burnham and Book eventually attain his cloaked ship, but are suddenly ambushed by Cosmo, the Andorian and Orion guards and even aLurian. In a surprising twist, the guards turn on Cosmo, blasting him earlier enervating Book open up his cargo hold, which they intend to keep for themselves. A giant slug emerges and eats everyone much to Burnham'due south surprise. So it turns on Burnham…and eats her. Thankfully though, it doesn't chew, or swallow…and Book talks to the slug in the same language that he spoke at the lake. Now, considerably less aggravated, the trance worm equally its called begins to at-home down and somewhen spits out Burnham.

When she comes to write her personal log for today, it's going to be an interesting read.

We're back on Book's ship, now repaired and at warp speed. Burnham and Book, together with Grudge, share another intimate moment and he explains how the trance worms used to thrive in their natural surround when the Federation existed. He talks most his connectedness to life forms and a little most his family, explaining that they are all poachers, but he is dissimilar and as such, he is not welcome at habitation.

And so nosotros finally come across what his motivation was and what the "mission" was all nearly; the trance worm is released into its natural environment and seen happily thrashing about in water. It's hard to describe the scene to be honest, because my eyes were so total of tears. Information technology's been a while since "Star Trek" has provoked such an emotional response, to paraphrase a certain Vulcan, but this is truly a beautiful moment. And we love Book even more every bit a result.

Again we see that both Burnham and Book have many traits in common as they're both willing to make sacrifices in an attempt to ensure a future. The saving of the trance worm invokes fond memories of "The Voyage Home" and reflecting on of import socio-political bug of the fourth dimension is something "Star Trek" can often do — and has done — to great effect.

Burnham shares a little more of her story, explaining that she wasn't the only 1 who made the sacrifice. She makes a throwaway remark about not having a clue on how to start searching for her send and her coiffure, when Book suggests that he might know someone who could help. They wing to an enormous, wrecked space station that Book explains used to be a Federation relay station. Having docked, they brand their way to the bellboy'south desk … where we see the well-dressed gentleman sitting at his desk from the beginning of the episode.

"Howdy, welcome to Starfleet. May I assistance you?" he asks.

Burnham is gobsmacked, understandably. "I'yard Commander Michael Burnham, Scientific discipline Officer, USS Discovery, series number SC0064-0974SHN," she says.

It is the plough of the well-dressed gentleman to be gobsmacked and he introduces himself as Aditya Sahil (Adil Hussain) a Federation liaison. Together they scan for the warp signature of the USS Discovery, but are unable to locate it. Sahil explains that he only has express scanning range at present as both he and the Federation were cut off from the other sectors long ago.

Despite not being a deputed officer, Sahil has watched and scanned for over 40 years in the promise that someone, like Burnham, might be out there, for he too is a true believer. "Today is that 24-hour interval," he says, "And that hope is you."

He produces his aged container and we run into that it's the flag of the Federation, minus a few stars. "It has been in my family for generations," Sahil says. "Simply a commissioned officer may raise it."

And for the second fourth dimension in one episode, we're struggling to hold back tears. Burnham stands proudly and says, "We need a Communications Main to monitor for Discovery. Will yous have this committee?" And and then they raise the flag.

"Our numbers are few," Sahil says, "But our spirit is undiminished."

Belief in something meliorate is clearly going to exist a big theme in Season 3, a sentiment that rings true now, more than ever earlier. Next week'south episode will obviously await at the events that unfolded for the crew of the USS Discovery, but the focus on simply Burnham and Book this week has been a joy to watch. Intertwining the 2 plot elements into one episode would've been a disaster. The development of this human relationship was perfectly paced, every bit was their gradual reveals nigh themselves.

This marks a return to grade for "Star Trek" and could perhaps be considered a re-birth of sorts – a recurring theme in this franchise – leaving all that nonsense of the previous flavor far behind. Along with "Magic to Make the Sanest Man Become Mad" (S01, E07) and "New Eden" (S02, E02), this episode joins our list of the all-time of "Discovery" and since information technology's the season premiere, we take high hopes that this high standard will go on.

Starfleet citation ✓

The truth drug set slice felt fun and fresh
Saving of the trance worm invokes fond memories of "The Voyage Home"
Product design of Sanctuary Urban center and Mercantile were gorgeous
The dilithium dilemma mirrors the notion of a future fossil fuel shortage
Book is the best thing to happen to "Star Trek" in a very long time

Scrubbing the holodecks ✗

Stunning though it is, Iceland is playing Every Planet in movie and TV sci-fi
It'due south always a slight shot to the shoulder that results in a superficial wound
Personal transporters can't be tracked underwater?
Hologram interfaces don't seem to have changed much in 930 years

Rating: nine/ten

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When Scott'southward application to the NASA astronaut training program was turned down, he was naturally upset ... as any half dozen-twelvemonth-sometime boy would be. He chose instead to write as much as he peradventure could about science, technology and space exploration. He graduated from The University of Coventry and received his training on Armada Street in London. He nevertheless hopes to be the commencement journalist in infinite. You tin follow Scott on Twitter @LorumIpsum.