After seven years and five seasons, Star Trek: Discovery has concluded, ending the journey of the USS Discovery crew as they encounter new worlds and civilizations.
Now may be the best time to reflect on what the show has accomplished. From introducing the first openly gay character in the franchise to exploring complex themes of identity and morality, Discovery has earned new loyal fans for the franchise over 50 years from when Star Trek started.
Since it started airing, Discovery has changed the name of the game and successfully launched Star Trek into a resurgence, adapting it to the age of streaming.
With 65 episodes in total, choosing the best ones is quite challenging. Despite that, the show still features some of the best Star Trek offers.
Table of Contents
Here are our five must-watch Discovery episodes.
All is Possible (Star Trek: Discovery Season 4 Episode 4)
Discovery Season 4 changed the tone after the series’ first three seasons. Instead of facing off against a genocidal foe, reason and communication became an integral part of the show.
Here, Tilly and Adira lead a cadet mission that takes a dangerous turn, while Captain Michael Burnham joins the Ni’Var negotiations to be part of the Federation again.
As part of this move, they must share data about the Burn, which Michael believes can track its sources.
Though she won’t take no for an answer, it shows her best side while trying to reconnect with her long-dormant Vulcan roots.
Will You Take My Hand? (Star Trek: Discovery Season 1 Episode 15)
Michael has done everything to claim her seat in Discovery. However, it doesn’t happen until Season 3, Discovery Season 1 Episode 15, titled Will You Take My Hand? features one of her most vindicating moments.
After being pardoned for her crimes, she was formally welcomed back to Starfleet.
This also ends the war between the Federation and the Klingons, which she was imprisoned for allegedly starting.
Though it’s just the premiere season, it already perfectly conveys the show’s message of triumph after prolonged hardships.
Unification III (Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 Episode 7)
The title of Discovery Season 3 Episode 7, Unification III, may have surprised fans. No episodes are named Unification I or Unification II in the show's five seasons.
It's actually a continuation of the two-part Star Trek: The Next Generation episode.
In the past, Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock returned to bring the Vulcans and Romulans together as a people.
As a move for major nostalgia, Unification III explores the consequences of Mr. Spock’s moves.
The former world of Vulcan has been renamed Ni’Var, and their longtime nemesis now coexists with them as a single species.
The episode reveals the Burn’s effects and the Vulcans' abandonment of the Federation. It has also successfully fulfilled Mr. Spock’s long-held dream.
Michael reflects on her brother’s death and mourns his loss after several centuries.
Such Sweet Sorrow (Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Episodes 13-14)
The first two seasons of Discovery bravely continue the franchise by setting it before Star Trek: The Original Series events.
They have brought back the likes of Christopher Pike and Mr. Spock into the story and adhered to established canon.
In the two-episode Such Sweet Sorrow, a master class was taught on how to resolve issues with elegance and grace as the crew leapt into the 32nd century to ensure the Control’s destruction.
As they neatly keep canon intact, it also features emotional goodbyes as Michael says farewell to her brother, Mr. Spock, for the last time.
Labyrinths (Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 8)
Labyrinths is the best episode of the series. It delves deeper into Michael’s character and shows her vulnerable sides, fears, and regrets.
It shows how touching and deeply human her journey is.
The mind-blowing episode takes fans on the edge of their seats as Michael faces a life-or-death puzzle in a virtual liminal space.
The suspense and twists are true to Star Trek’s style, with Michael and Book’s relationship adding depth to the story.
With the rest of the crew fighting against the Breen. Lt. Gen Rhys, the episode keeps the adrenaline pumping.
Which of these episodes is your favourite?
Tell us what you think is the best Discovery episode, and share your comments below.