Discovery docks for the final time

All stories eventually come to an end. Such is the case with Star Trek: Discovery, the first of the new wave of Star Trek series to come to streaming.

Discovery took flight in 2017 for the service that was then known as CBS: All Access (now Paramount+). It set the action 10 years prior to the adventures of the Enterprise, focusing on a new group of characters, one of whom was Spock’s adopted sister, Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). It didn’t take long for the series—whose original cast included Michelle Yeoh and Jason Isaacs—to take off with fans. Soon, the streamer launched a set of new Star Trek series, but Discovery remained the first and the anchor.

It started as a series focused on a period of time before the adventures we’ve known, but by the end of the second season it shifted that focus entirely. The ship was thrust into the future—way into the future—which is where it played out its final three seasons, including this current season five.

With the jump to the future came the introduction of new characters, primarily Cleveland Booker (David Ajala), better known as Book, who quickly became a friend, ally, and something more to Captain Burnham. It was their relationship that often sat at the heart of the final two seasons, and it was a question of how their relationship would progress—or end—that fueled much of the final season.

This final season kicked off in March and offered a new quest for Captain Burnham and the crew of the Discovery. Along the way old friends returned, long-time colleagues like Saru (Doug Jones) retired, and new allies emerged. But over it all hung the question of what would happen with Book and Burnham.

The series ended with its fifth season finale— “Life, Itself”—which dropped on Thursday. It was one of the show’s longest episodes, clocking in at nearly 90 minutes. It was also one of the most satisfying. It wrapped up the season-long arc and provided some great moments for Burnham and Book, even offering a glimpse into the future.

Star Trek: Discovery isn’t the best of the new Star Trek series, and it is certainly not the buzziest. But, for me, it’s always been a steady performer and an engaging watch. I’ll miss the show, these characters, and spending time in this world.

If you’ve seen the finale, what did you think of the final episode of Star Trek: Discovery? Comment below!