Grab your tricorders and set phasers to fun, because we're about to embark on a warp-speed journey through Star Trek: Discovery by ranking all five of its seasons from worst to best.
With its thrilling adventures, complex characters, and mind-bending plot twists, Discovery has taken us on one heck of a ride. But let’s be honest, not every season has soared at Warp 9. Some have stumbled through asteroid fields, while others have boldly gone where no Star Trek show has gone before, capturing the spirit of exploration and diplomacy that fans cherish.
In this ranking, we'll dive deep into the highs and lows of this the series that restarted the Star Trek TV franchise back in 2017 after a long period of dormancy, looking back on it now that it's all over. Let's fly.
5) Season 2
Coming in at the number five spot is season 2. This season had its fair share of stellar moments, but it also felt like it was caught in a bit of a space-time anomaly. On the bright side, we got introduced to the unforgettable and entirely too handsome Captain Pike, who brought a breath of fresh air to the bridge with his charisma and leadership. Plus, the season's central mystery surrounding the enigmatic Red Angel had us on the edge of our seats, eagerly piecing together clues.
Despite these high points, season 2 struggled with pacing issues and a plot that sometimes felt as tangled as a ball of tribbles. The ambitious storyline often left us zipping through subplots at warp speed, making it tricky to connect with some of the character arcs. And while the high-stakes finale was visually stunning, it left us with more questions than answers, feeling like we’d just escaped a temporal rift without a clear destination. All in all, season 2 had its moments of brilliance but ultimately felt like a bumpy ride through the galaxy, landing it in last place on our list.
4) Season 5
Next up at number four is the fifth and final season, which just wrapped up on Paramount+. This season took us on a whirlwind adventure across the cosmos, but it didn’t quite reach the stars as consistently as we had hoped. Season 5 introduced some intriguing new characters and bold storylines, diving deep into the lore of the galaxy and unearthing ancient mysteries. The Discovery crew faced off against the Breen and navigated treacherous territories.
It breaks my heart to say that season 5 felt like it was trying to juggle too many asteroids at once. The fact that the cast and crew did not know this would be the last season of the series also played a huge part in making it feel... less than stellar. The plethora of subplots and character arcs, while rich and diverse, occasionally felt a bit scattered, with the season’s overarching narrative having its share of thrilling moments but also stumbling with a few predictable twists that didn't quite pack the punch we expected. Not to mention, the season and series finale was... painfully awful.
3) Season 1
Securing the middle spot on our list is the pioneering first season. This season had the daunting task of reintroducing the Star Trek universe to a new generation while satisfying long-time Trekkies, and it definitely rose to the challenge. With a fresh, cinematic look and an edgier tone, season 1 set the stage for an exciting new era of Trek. We were thrown into the heat of the Klingon War right from the get-go, with intense battles and nail-biting suspense. Michael Burnham, our brilliant yet troubled protagonist, captivated us with her journey from disgraced officer to someone who wanted to redeem herself. The season also introduced the enigmatic Captain Lorca, whose hidden agenda added a layer of intrigue to the proceedings that kept us guessing.
However, the first season wasn’t without its hiccups. The darker tone and departure from the traditional episodic format of classic Trek took some getting used to, and the heavy focus on the war sometimes overshadowed the spirit of exploration and diplomacy that Star Trek is known for. Despite these minor drawbacks, season 1 successfully set the warp core blazing for the adventures to come, earning its respectable spot at number three.
2) Season 3
Landing the number two spot on our list is season 3. What a wild ride it was! This season flung our crew 930 years into the future, giving us a fresh, bold new look at the Star Trek universe. The leap into uncharted territory breathed new life into the series, with futuristic tech, new alien species, and a Federation that was in shambles.
One of the standout elements was the evolution of Michael Burnham. Watching her grow into a true leader, grappling with her past and embracing her destiny, was both thrilling and heartfelt. The introduction of new characters like the resourceful Book and his adorable cat Grudge added depth and charm, making the journey even more engaging. Plus, the season’s overarching mystery of "The Burn" kept us hooked and piecing together the puzzle alongside the crew.
But what really secured season 3's high ranking was its return to the core themes of hope, unity, and exploration that define Star Trek. It masterfully balanced epic space battles with intimate character moments, making it a stellar season that truly shone brightly in the Discovery saga.
1) Season 4
Taking the top spot in our rankings is season 4, and boy, did it earn its place!
This season was like a perfectly tuned warp engine, delivering everything fans love about Star Trek with a modern twist. From the get-go, season 4 hit the ground running with a fresh storyline revolving around the mysterious DMA (Dark Matter Anomaly), which threatened the galaxy with its unpredictable and devastating power, but what made this season truly shine was the deep dive into the characters. Michael Burnham’s journey as captain was nothing short of inspirational, showing her growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Federation's ideals. Plus, we got to see more of the crew's dynamics, from Saru’s wise counsel to Tilly’s heartfelt bravery, making us feel even more connected to the starship Discovery family.
The stakes were higher, the emotions were deeper, and the special effects were out of this world. Every episode felt like a mini-movie, with top-notch storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Season 4 masterfully balanced action, drama, and the classic Star Trek themes of exploration and diplomacy. In short, it was a stellar season that boldly went above and beyond, earning it the number one spot on our list.
Now, with Discovery all finished up, we wait for more Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, more information on Starfleet Academy and more news on the upcoming movie Star Trek: Section 31.
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