SXSW 2024: Let’s Fly At The ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 5 World Premiere
by Gary Catig
We are in the middle of a Star Trek renaissance with multiple shows from the franchise. Star Trek: Picard eventually served as a follow-up to Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds brought back the vibes of the original series while paving its own way. Then we stepped into the crazier side of this universe with Star Trek: Lower Decks. However, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy these shows if it weren’t for Star Trek: Discovery.
The program kicked the new era, following the exploits of Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the titular ship as they travel through the galaxy and time. Season five, which begins on April 4, will be its last. To kick off the farewell tour, the season had its world premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) where the creators and cast joined the audience within Austin’s State Theatre.
“Red Directive” has the feel of a one last ride. Several of the big players are already making plans for their lives afterwards and the episode already begins the setting up the goodbyes. This tugs at the heart a bit considering what we’ve been through the previous seasons.
But if this is going to be a final mission, Star Trek: Discovery is definitely going out with a bang. The episode is so action filled, you need the slower parts to catch your breath. There are intense and fast paced chase scenes, whether it’s in space ships or land speeders, and the stakes are always big. The exotic desert locales, musical score, and search for an ancient artifact create feelings of a space Indiana Jones. As Martin-Green mentioned during the Q & A, this is the “adventure season.”
The running narrative involves the crew of Discovery going on a search for an ancient power before it falls into the wrong hands. There are interesting links to TNG that are thematically relevant. Co-creator Alex Kurtzman said the season will explore “questions of meanings and purpose.”
As for other teases in the upcoming Star Trek: Discovery season, Doug Jones, who plays the Kelpien first officer Saru, mentioned a possible wedding with Ni’Var president T’Rina (Tara Rosling). But if they get there, they must overcome relationship issues and drawing the line in each of their lives.
This might be the last season, but Martin-Green doesn’t want anyone to be sad of the conclusion. “There is no goodbye. We’ll always have this.”
The series premiere of Star Trek: Discovery airs April 4 on Paramount+.
