‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Recap – ‘The Galactic Barrier’

Written by Shae Rufe

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 410 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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​To boldly go where no one has gone before, these are the words that inspired an entire genre, entire generations of fans, and changed everything. The legacy that was left from just those words alone has spawned so much. This week, Star Trek: Discovery took those words and pushed them even further. Star Trek has a habit of pushing boundaries, and they should never stop. This show continues to push the envelope of what we know in the Star Trek universe, making everything that much more exciting.
 
This is not the Star Trek of old, and yet it encompasses all we know and love and adds something new. What lies beyond the known galaxy? Well, Discovery’s reputation for testing the limits is about to be truly tested. The attempted destruction of the DMA only saw to its revival and more rapid erratic speed. While Tarka and Book didn’t expect that, they have now put the universe in even more danger. Book blames Tarka, and Tarka has decided that the real controller for and of the DMA is outside the galaxy.

There is little time and it’s quickly decided that Discovery will make first contact with the 10-C with a handful of delegates as soon as possible. They’re given 2 hours for their goodbyes and to prep the ship for departure. President Rillak has decided to join the crew as well. There are ground rules, however. Michael’s crew needs to have faith in her, and Rillak needs to respect that this is her ship. And Rillak needs Michael to understand the delicate nature of this particular first contact. With both of them in understanding of one another’s positions, the journey is underway to the unknown.

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Meanwhile, Tarka takes Book to the camp he’d been imprisoned in 10 years prior. He and his friend had successfully made Dark Matter and if they want to get past the galactic barrier, they’re going to need it to protect the ship. Book is less than thrilled and even more untrusting of Tarka now more than ever. It’s here we learn the truth. Tarka was making an inter dimensional transporter with a fellow prisoner, later turned friend, to escape. During their escape, his friend was injured, and told Tarka to leave him behind and go. They’d find each other. Or would they? The power required for the device was massive, which is why Tarka wants the DMA controller. Still, he thinks his friend found a way to get the device to work. He needs to get the DMA’s power source to get to the dimension his friend went to. Realistically, Tarka is the worst. He’s willing to start an all-out war for this.

Still, Tarka sends an encoded message to Michael and Rillak. They receive it right before entering the galactic barrier. Tarka’s message was heavily scrambled, and half of it lost. What they do get is the scientist telling them that the DMA has moved to Alpha quadrant. It’s going to hit Ni’Var and Titan, and Earth within 12 hours. Michael thinks they should tell the crew and Rillak disagrees, either way they have to navigate the galactic barrier without frying the ship and getting everyone on board killed.
 
They manage to do just that, by sheer luck, and some great timing. That’s when Rillak announces to the crew how dire this mission has now become. With only hours to spare, they have to find the 10-C, make first contact, and negotiate with them to stop the DMA before their homes are destroyed. Not a tall order at all. At least Saru and T’Rina are making some headway in their blossoming relationship. It’s the little things.