Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 Review: Face the Strange

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4, “Face the Strange,” is the season’s strongest episode thus far as Burnham, Rayner, and Stamets find themselves in a time loop. It’s an outing that feels like a classic Next Generation story and is a significant improvement from last week. 

Turn and Face the Strange

Besides the opening moments with Moll and L’ak, “Face the Strange” doesn’t do much to move the narrative needle. However, it’s an inevitable retrospective that feels fitting for a final season. This show never shies away from those punchy, emotionally hefty moments, and this outing is true to that. 

Sure, this isn’t the first time the series has done a time loop episode, but it cleverly utilizes the popular sci-fi storytelling trope to weave in crucial moments from the U.S.S. Discovery‘s tenure. 

It’s an opportunity to revisit the Red Angel, the battle near Xahea with Control, and Osyraa’s attack. We also visit the ship’s early days before she explored the universe and reunite with Airiam. Admittedly, the latter moment delivers emotional resonance and is somewhat bittersweet. 

The Hope That Is You 

Star Trek: Discovery‘s run has been anything but smooth. It’s not the most consistent Star Trek series on the block. That said, this contemplative outing reminds us of just how much this crew has accomplished (and that Seasons 1-2 are easily its best installments). 

While some might find the dramatic beats cheesy, they lend themselves to the inherently hopeful tone of “Face the Strange.” That’s an essential trait of any Trek property. It’s also part of Captain Michael Burnham’s journey from mutineer with a life sentence to the captain of her own Starfleet vessel. She’s an inspiration. 

Performances 

Burnham’s arc is undoubtedly the strongest aspect of Star Trek: Discovery (along with her relationship with Saru). Who better to pilot said arc than Sonequa Martin-Green, who delivers stellar performance after stellar performance? Burnham has been through the wringer on this show, and Martin-Green deftly navigates the ebbs and flows of her journey. 

Martin-Green’s work reflects Burnham’s newfound sense of self-confidence and quiet assurance. She has hope and becomes a solid, naturally stable presence for her crew. We see her extend a helping hand to Rayner, who finds himself in a similar situation to Burnham’s fall from grace at the beginning of the series. 

Callum Keith Rennie is an absolute gem. He’s a sci-fi pro that adds so much to Star Trek: Discovery. He also boasts a wonderful dynamic with Martin-Green, and thankfully, “Face the Strange” dives deeper into it. 

Burnham and Rayner are a fun duo, and the episode seemingly resolves much of their tension. However, this reviewer hopes this isn’t the last we see of that complex dynamic moving forward. Rayner provides a grounding element — one of drive and harsh truths — that Burnham sometimes needs. Of course, Burnham’s empathy and ability to rally are already rubbing off on Rayner.

At War With Oneself

“Face the Strange” finds Burnham literally fighting with herself in a delightful action sequence. We see how much she’s evolved from Season 1 to now. Her words of encouragement to herself (after that Vulcan nerve pinch) are the empowering self-talk we all need. They indicate her immense growth and are born of her healing. 

There’s something uplifting about Burnham’s encounter with her past self. It reminds us that change is possible, that hope can be found in the darkest of places, and that when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. “Face the Strange” delivers on that front, with a nice balance of timey-wimey action and heartfelt character beats.

Stray Observations: 

• The idea of anyone “living outside of time” is so badass. Stamets should consider himself lucky. 
• It was lovely to see Airiam again — a beautiful homage on the show’s part by including her in some form in the final season. 
• Reno is the best. If Stamets ever gets a Comedy Central-style roast, she’d be perfect for roasting our Dr. Truffles. 
• If the Discovery crew had traveled back to its previous time loop episode, “Magic to Make the Sanest Man Go Mad,” would they have been trapped in a double loop? At the very least, we could’ve seen Rainn Wilson’s Harry Mudd again. 
• This outing is appropriately titled with the lyrical nod — “Face the Strange” — to David Bowie’s “Changes.” “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time…” 🎵

What did you think of this episode 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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