Episode Discussion | Star Trek: Discovery | 5x03 "Jinaal"
Episode Discussion | Star Trek: Discovery | 5x03 "Jinaal"
Logline
On Trill, Captain Burnham, Book, and Culber must pass a dangerous test to prove themselves worthy of the next clue. Adira reconnects with Gray and Saru’s first day as ambassador is complicated by his engagement to T’Rina.
Written by: Kyle Jarrow & Lauren Wilkinson
Directed by: Andi Armaganian
Annotations for 5x03 up at: https://startrek.website/post/9099413
As a DS9 fan I appreciated the many references to the Zhian'tara, Dominion War and Tzenkethi.
I know people sometimes complain about a lack of DS9 references, but I do think the new shows show respect for the world created by that series.
I liked how at the end Culber was shaken by the whole "being a host to another consciousness" experience and needed a minute to process it. Every time someone goes through a life-changing thing in Star Trek they're right as rain by the end of the episode. Like when Sisko hosted Joran Dax (the murder-ey one) he kept the feelings buried inside. I don't think it's a coincidence that some time later he poisoned the atmosphere of Solosos III because of something Eddington said about him on the internet.
The performances here were exceptional all around.
Wilson Cruz's Jinaal immediately put me on edge, but he turned out to be a very interesting character. It's a shame we apparently won't get to see Jinaal inhabit Moll or L'ak.
I also came away really impressed with Ian Alexander. I haven't been overly invested in Adira and Gray's story, but this development of them as "two kids who moved to attend different schools" was well-executed, and fairly low-key.
CaptainCommander Rayner continues to delight, and I'm glad they're allowing him to grow gradually, rather than having him learn his lesson all at once.I guess we won't be seeing Nilsson again - I hope she's having a good time on Voyager.
Linus' scene reminded me of that gag on DBZA about that one guy (Cui) who "reproduced asexually"
I found Jinaal’s “this guy works out” comment to be too out of place.
On the one hand, I see your point.
On the other hand, yes.
I thought it was quite good myself; it reminded me very much of the doctor taking over Seven’s body in Body and Soul, the various crew possessions in Powerplay, and Curzon inhabiting Odo in Facets. I do enjoy getting to see an actor really chew the scenery outside the confines they have worked in before.