‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Recap – ‘Jinaal’ – Nerds That Geek

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Recap – ‘Jinaal’

4/12/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

David Ajala and Sonequa Martin-Green as Cleveland ‘Book’ Booker and Captain Michael Burnham in Episode 503 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ – ‘Jinaal’. (Photo Courtesy of Paramount+.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 503 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the Season Five Premiere, click here.

Over the course of its illustrious fifty-plus year run, the Star Trek Universe has made a point to examine the human condition in ways that no other science fiction story has bothered to. Courtesy of a future where humanity and its extraterrestrial neighbors are united in a common goal, the betterment of all species. Which has allowed for stories to explore the horror of prejudice, the disgusting nature of close-minded ness and of course… how we overcome such nastiness and what it means to really maintain freedom for all. Which truly has touched us and inspired us to be better in our daily lives. But what’s fascinating, is that this Universe has yet to try and really ponder upon the greatest question of all that plagues humanity.

Specifically, what is the meaning of life? And it makes sense as to why it has shied away from that. Because that’s a tough question, that there might not be an answer to quite frankly. Which easily explains why the franchise steers clear of religious explorations, with some exceptions of course, and perhaps why The Next Generation offered to explain the collective origins of the species as one brought forth by curious older beings. To keep the story grounded in the moment, and avoid any harder philosophical questions about meaning, since the Progenitors explained it away as a chance for life to continue in a cold and lonely galaxy. But at long last, it would seem the franchise is ready to explore that question in some manner… as evidenced by this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+.

That is of course, after ‘Jinaal’ took some time to explore some equally as important character moments at Federation Headquarters and aboard the U.S.S. Discovery. Because we did get to see how Ambassador Saru and T’Rina were getting along as an engaged couple and as diplomats, and well… their journey spoke deeply on the importance of communication and honesty in love, and the reality that not everyone will accept love. Which made for a lovely storyline that saw them learn their lessons and stand united, and we here at NTG are pleased as punch that we incorrectly believed that last week’s episode was Saru’s farewell. Because more Saru, always. But that wasn’t the only growth moment present in this episode, since Tilly needed to teach the newly minted Commander Rayner about what it means to earn the respect of people that don’t know his style.

Wilson Cruz as Doctor Hugh Culber in Episode 503 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ – ‘Jinaal’. (Photo Courtesy of Paramount+.)

But in between those moments, was the theme in question, which was brought forth via a grand adventure on Trill. Wherein Doctor Culber took on the essence of Jinaal to lead Book and Captain Burnham to the site of the next clue, with some tests thrown in for good measure. But it is what happened during those tests and after that made it seem as though we are heading into philosophical territory. Because Jinaal/Culber wanted to see Burnham and Booker offer kindness and open-minded thinking to find the clue, to ensure the right kind of individuals were chasing such grand and sweeping power, and well… they impressed, and they did indeed get the clue but in the wake of obtaining the clue, and before it, some fascinating moments and conversations came into play.

The kind that spoke to the reality that chasing this technology, has prompted several members of the crew, Burnham and Culber included… to think upon… why they exist in this universe. Because while they are both content with what the Federation stands for, and the purpose it’s provided them with, they have been pondering on the meaning of it all. Of why those beings would impart the responsibility of continuing the genetic line for eons and those, are questions we don’t see asked often in this franchise. For the pursuit of betterment does go a long way, but meaning to our lives, an understanding of a greater purpose does drive us forward, does push us to be more and perhaps the Federation has lost that under a lack of want or need.

Either way, it was an interesting direction to take this episode in, and an interesting direction to take this season in. And the gentle nature of this episode and the depth it went to implies… all will be explored in episodes to come. For what better way to send off this intrepid crew, one that sought to find purpose in war, than by showing them the meaning of everything amid the wonder of the final frontier. But while we wait to see what philosophy lies ahead, we can applaud one delightful episode. One that also saw Adira and Gray handle a complication in their relationship in a powerful and mature manner and of course, offered a surprise. Courtesy of an appearance from Moll, one that will make the hunt for the meaning of everything… all the more tense. Until next time.

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