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Reflections on Star Trek: Discovery’s Episode “Face the Strange”
This week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery, titled “Face the Strange”, provided viewers with a unique opportunity to look back on the four seasons that have led up to this moment. In a clever blend of classic Star Trek storytelling and metatextual commentary, the show’s protagonist, Burnham, finds herself confronted with versions of herself from the past. As the story unfolds, Burnham and her first officer, Commander Rayner, are thrust into a time loop that revisits various points in Discovery’s history.
Challenges Faced by the Star, Melissa Navia
While the episode provided an intriguing narrative arc, its star, Melissa Navia, who plays Commander Rayner, found herself facing unexpected challenges. In an interview with TrekCore, Sonequa Martin-Green, who portrays Burnham, revealed that revisiting past seasons of the show was a daunting task. She expressed how she had forgotten how much her character had evolved since the beginning and the complexities of portraying multiple versions of Burnham.
Reflecting on her process, Martin-Green shared, “It was hard, because I had forgotten how far Burnham had come. I lived it, I created it, but I was so consumed with what was going on in the present day for Burnham that when I was able to see where I had come from – when I had to step into that Season 1 version again – I was apprehensive about it.”
To prepare for the challenging scenes, Martin-Green revisited Season 1 by watching episodes, reading scripts, and delving into her character’s journal. This deep dive into Burnham’s past helped her reconnect with the character and understand the journey she had been on.
Narrative Complexity and Character Development
As the episode unfolds, viewers witness a confrontation between present-day Burnham and her Season 1 self, leading to a physical altercation. Martin-Green emphasized the importance of showcasing the growth and development of the character through the fight scene. She acknowledged the efforts of the stunt coordinator and director in capturing the nuances of the characters’ fighting styles.
Martin-Green highlighted, “We wanted to make sure you could see that contrast, that growth, in the physical performance of the fight. It was important for us to showcase that contrast, that growth, in the physical performance of the fight.”
Emotional Impact and Narrative Resolution
Despite the challenges faced in revisiting the past, Martin-Green expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore Burnham’s journey. She shared, “Thank you Jesus for letting me tell that story, because we need to see that… but it was painful. So it blessed and inspired me to be able to say to myself, ‘Man, I forgot how hopeless this time was. Just keep going!’”
As the episode concluded, Martin-Green emphasized the importance of self-reflection and perseverance, noting, “If only we could all get an opportunity to say that to ourselves, right? Each character could have that same conversation with their Season 1 selves… ‘There’s hope ahead of you, keep going and don’t give up.’”
Overall, “Face the Strange” stands out as one of Discovery’s most compelling episodes, blending narrative complexity with character growth and reflection. As the series approaches its final chapters, viewers can look forward to more poignant moments and engaging storytelling.
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