Star Trek: Discovery Review: Red Directive / Under the Twin Moons (Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2)

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2, “Red Directive” and “Under the Twin Moons,” beam up for the final season with an action-packed double-episode premiere. They deliver a nice balance of action and character-infused heart. 

Red Directive / Under the Twin Moons 

The U.S.S. Discovery crew is in pursuit of ancient technology (with ties to the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, “The Chase“). Said technology was used to create life itself.

As detailed in Burnham’s captain’s log from the beginning of “Under the Twin Moons,” Season 5 will delve into a thought-provoking question that’s been the basis of science fiction since forever: Why are we here? What’s our purpose? There’s no better IP than Star Trek to tackle such a theme. 

Sonequa Martin-Green leads the charge as our dauntless and determined Captain Burnham. Martin-Green always delivers on the performance front. Her best moments are the quiet ones where she offers understated, nuanced work. Whether it’s her eyes filling with glossy tears or a bittersweet smile, Martin-Green’s expressions as Burnham are arresting. She says so much without uttering a word. 

Doug Jones is another consistent staple on Star Trek: Discovery. He conveys discernible emotion even through layers of prosthetics. It’s all in his eyes. He also boasts excellent onscreen chemistry with Martin-Green. 

Mary Wiseman is a welcome return in Season 5, having spent most of last season off-screen. Her portrayal of Tilly is endlessly endearing and painfully awkward, but it’s oh-so relatable. 

Character Dynamics

Burnham and Saru are the beating heart of this series. Much of “Red Directive” and “Under the Twin Moons” are spent dissecting their captivating dynamic. Star Trek: Discovery has had its fair share of narrative issues, but Burnham and Saru’s friendship isn’t one of them. 

Through their warm bond, we see hope—the true essence of Star Trek. Admittedly, these two episodes feel more hopeful than previous installments. Hope is the crux of the franchise, and when this series captures that, it really sings. 

Speaking of character dynamics, Booker and Burnham reunite. Needless to say, it’s simultaneously awkward, tense, and sweet. Something tells this reviewer they won’t stay “just friends” for long. 

Star Trek: Discovery brings sci-fi veteran Callum Keith Rennie into the fold as the enigmatic Rayner. Rennie injects Rayner with sandpaper gruffness and rough charisma. He’s inexplicably compelling. Rayner butting heads with Burnham is certainly one of the more intriguing aspects of this double-episode premiere. 

That said, Burnham making Rayner her Number One is a bit predictable. Of course, this means he’ll have a front-row seat to the action as the Discovery searches for the Progenitors’ technology. It’ll be interesting to see how Burnham and Rayner’s dynamic evolves throughout the season. 

In the Spirit of Introspection (and Retrospection)

As we barrel headfirst into the final season, the series gets introspective and retrospective. As such, the characters also examine their progress and where the future will take them. Saru’s future is already set as he looks toward marriage with T’Rina and a new desk job. Tilly is a teacher at Starfleet Academy. We could see more of Discovery‘s crew taking new life-related leaps of faith outside the ship. 

There’s a newfound emotional heft to the narrative. That said, the stakes don’t feel as high despite the crew searching for the most powerful tech in the universe. Although, let’s face it—the Discovery gang has been through just about every catastrophe imaginable. It’s hard to top that from a storytelling standpoint. 

Right Into the Action 

“Red Directive” and “Under the Twin Moons” start this journey into the final frontier with a bang. Scenes like the avalanche deliver high-octane, thrilling action, while the Burnham/Saru scenes offer plenty of heartwarming beats. Star Trek: Discovery feels more balanced and multidimensional here. 

Plus, with new character Rayner in the mix and a singular objective to keep the plot more streamlined, we should be in for an exciting conclusion to this seven-year-long adventure. 

Here’s hoping the rest of the season maintains this momentum (and Burnham’s fun one-liners). Let’s allow Star Trek‘s first TV series in the streaming era to go out in a blaze of starry glory. 

Stray Observations: 

• “Holodeck for Two” sounds like a kinky Star Trek love song. 
• After the maneuver in “Red Directive” where Burnham and Rayner pursue L’ak and Moll … put Burnham in the next Tron film. That sequence looks like something plucked from that universe. 
• I loved the Altan Soong namedrop courtesy of Stamets in “Red Directive.” 
• Grudge is life. I worried about her until she made her grand entrance in “Under the Twin Moons.” Space kitty is the best kitty. 
• My, how I’ve missed Tilly. I’m so glad she’s back with the Discovery crew, even though it’s temporary. Side note: Tilly is so me when someone flirts with me—awkward as hell. 
• Saru deserves all the happiness in the universe. Bring on the Saru/T’Rina nuptials. 
• Booker’s connection to Moll will be interesting to explore. 

What did you think of these episodes of Star Trek: Discovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Star Trek: Discovery drops new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+. 

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