Star Trek: Discovery review, Episode 305: “Die Trying”

The latest episode of Star Trek: Discovery finds the crew proving their worth to the new Federation and reminding us of the importance of hope.

“Die Trying” sees the crew finally reunite with Starfleet, but they don’t get the warm welcome they were hoping for.

The episode starts off with the Discovery locating the Federation headquarters inside a cloaking bubble in outer space. Inside, they learn that every ship’s core system is powering the barrier, and the designs of their vessels have reached a point considered theoretical in their own time. There’s also a hint that Captain Janeway’s U.S.S. Voyager NCC-76456-J has become an eleventh generation vessel spanning 800 years of service as a legacy starship, like Picard’s Enterprise. It’s a cool easter egg for the fans.

“Die Trying” — Ep#305 — Pictured: Tig Notaro as engineer Jett Reno and Anthony Rapp as Lt. Paul Stamets of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Saru, Burnham, and Adira are transported to meet Admiral Vance (Oded Fahr). They tell him their story, time travel and all, but it’s clear he isn’t buying it and doesn’t trust them. He orders that the crew be separated, which doesn’t go over well with anyone. Saru reminds her they are still part of Starfleet and must follow orders and do things by the book now that they are back with the Federation.

The highlight of the episode is a montage of various crew members being interviewed by holograms. The best interview is between Georgia Phillippa a mysterious suit-wearing individual rocking a very intriguing pin, played by legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, of all people. Phillipa seems to be having fun going toe-to-toe with a worthy adversary until she learns about his obsession with her people. He drops the bomb that she is the last of her kind, silencing her.

While all this is going on, the Federation learns of a crisis unfolding elsewhere involving refugees afflicted with an incurable, unknown illness. Burnham volunteers the Discovery to make the trip to the Federation seed vault to procure samples of a plant that could help synthesize a cure. In the process, Burnham hopes to prove their worth. Vance agrees, although Saru is forced to stay behind as collateral.

The seed vault happens to be in an area experiencing an Ion Storm, which Detmer manages to pilot thru even though she’s still showing signs of traumatic stress.

Burnham takes Culber for his medical expertise and Nhan because the last family stationed on the ship with the seed vault was the same alien species as her, the Barzan. When they arrive, they find plant life everywhere, three dead bodies in cryostasis, and Dr. Attias, who is having some serious quantum stabilization issues after beaming into the vault during a crisis.

It turns out his family got sick, so he froze them and then began trying to bring them back using the seeds in the vault, becoming very protective over the contents in the process. Burnham, Nhan, and Culber eventually convince him to help them get the sample they need. The two head back, with Nhan staying behind to help Dr. Attias give his family a proper burial, as well as reconnect with her species.

The seeds lead to a cure, and Vance starts to trust the Discovery crew. There’s also the lingering thread involving the melody Burnham keeps hearing, and now there seems to be something up with Phillipa.

“Die Trying” — Ep#305 — Pictured: Doug Jones as Saru and Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The show continues to impress and inspire. The unparalleled determination of the crew to do good above all else and to see the best in everyone is something everyone can get behind, and it’s somewhat sad that we only have see this sort of outlook in science fiction.

Star Trek: Discovery continues to be a beacon of hope in these grim times we find ourselves in. While it may come off campy and a bit jarring at times, it always leaves you with a feeling of hope, which is probably why the franchise has stood tall for so long.

“Die Trying” isn’t a game-changer, but it’s still chock full of powerful moments that remind fans why this crew is different than all of the others that have come before them.

Episode Grade: B

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