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Star trek’s commodore vs. fleet captain: what’s the difference.

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After star trek iii, spock’s mind was saved by…his mirror universe counterpart, star trek officially confirms [spoiler] is a scotty-level engineer.

As in the real life Navy, there are some differences between the role of Commodore and Fleet Captain in the Star Trek universe. There have been several Starfleet Commodores over the years, with the most notable being Commodore Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) in Star Trek: Picard season 3. The role of Fleet Captain is less represented across Star Trek history, with only two Starfleet officers known to have held the position: Fleet Captain Christopher Pike (Sean Kenney) and Fleet Captain Garth (Steve Inhat). A century later, Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) was offered the position of Fleet Captain of the ill-fated Texas-class line of starships.

While Fleet Captain is a promotion, it's unclear if it outranks Commodore, but both ranks sit underneath Vice Admiral in the Starfleet hierarchy. In Naval tradition, a Fleet Captain was essentially Chief of the Admiral's staff, which is why the title was retired in favor of Chief of Staff. It's known that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds ' Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) will eventually leave the USS Enterprise to take up the role of Fleet Captain. Here's what the role could entail for PIke, and how it differs from Geordi's role as Commodore.

RELATED: Star Trek: What A Commodore Rank Means

Why Pike Is Fleet Captain In Star Trek: TOS

It's implied in Star Trek that the title of Fleet Captain is an honorary one, given that Fleet Captain Garth was one of Starfleet's most decorated officers. Pike is also a decorated military hero, and has even received a prestigious Cardassian medal . Perhaps Pike's final five-year mission on the Enterprise sees him add more accolades to his record, earning him the position of Fleet Captain, potentially acting as Chief of Staff to his former mentor Admiral Robert April (Adrian Holmes) with increased responsibilities outside a single starship.

The only thing that's known for sure about Pike's time as Fleet Captain is that he oversaw the training of future Starfleet recruits. A year after he was promoted, he was involved in the tragic accident that would paralyze him for the rest of his life. As thanks for his noble sacrifice to save the lives of the young cadets, Starfleet kept Pike on the command roster, rather than force him to retire. Strangely, this acknowledgment of his heroism didn't extend to promotion, as Starfleet never made Pike an Admiral .

Why Geordi Is A Commodore In Picard Season 3

Unlike Fleet Captain, Commodore has a permanent position in Starfleet's rank hierarchy. It's the traditional Naval term for a senior officer who oversees a number of starships, which is a more defined role than the Fleet Captain's "additional responsibilities". As the curator of Star Trek: Picard 's Starfleet Museum , Geordi earned the rank of Commodore because he oversaw the various legendary starships in the collection. In Naval terms, Commodore is the equivalent of a rear Admiral, suggesting that a rise to the Admiralty could be in Geordi's future if he wants it.

If Star Trek Commodores are the equivalent of Rear Admirals, it would explain why Pike's mentor Admiral Robert April is referred to as Commodore during Star Trek: The Animated Series . This equivalence therefore confirms that Commodore is the rank above Fleet Captain. Fleet Captain could purely be an honorary title for an officer who's outgrown a single starship, but for whom a role as Admiral is yet to be found. Tragically, Christopher Pike's accident means that he'll never follow that career trajectory from Fleet Captain to Commodore to Admiral.

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Which Star Trek Captain Has the Best Managerial Technique?

It’s impossible to be objective when selecting your favorite Star Trek captain. It requires making a call wrapped up in sentiment and timing. Which captain did you first encounter? Which one best reflected back to you the person you wanted to be? It’s easier to try to attempt a clear-eyed consideration of which one would be the best boss. Sure, there are captains sure to take you on wild adventures, but would you enjoy the ride if your life depended on their decision-making? On the flip side, there are captains that could get the job done without really inspiring that much enthusiasm, the Starfleet equivalent of a decent boss who clearly spends the back half of every shift with an eye on the clock.

It’s a worthwhile thought exercise, and one at the heart of Star Trek: Discovery , which focuses not on a captain but Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a science officer struggling to work her way back from a snap judgment that ended with her in disgrace. Burnham has so far served under several captains, and the series has depicted the effect this has had on both her and the officers around her. (And, thus, has more entries below than any other version of Trek .) We considered the captains featured in various film and TV branches of the Star Trek universe, including Star Trek: Lower Decks ’ animated captain, and tried to rank them based on who would provide the best work experience — and who would be most likely to bring you back home in one piece.

12. Captain Philippa Georgiou, Mirror Universe (Michelle Yeoh)

Seen in: star trek: discovery.

Managerial style: Imperious and unforgiving, though that description is complicated by the fact that being imperious and unforgiving is baked into her main mirror universe job as emperor of the Terran Empire. (Or, more accurately, her job as Imperial Majesty, Mother of the Fatherland, Overlord of Vulcan, Dominos of Qo’noS, Regina Andor, Philippa Goergiou Augustus Iaponius Centarius.) There, she fought for and won the top spot in a kill-or-be-killed system in which might makes right, and deception and backstabbing are the norm; to that end, she expects those working under her to understand the rules of the game. In other words, she’s awful. But, on the other hand, she really seems to enjoy being awful, not to mention the fringe benefits of having clawed her way to the top (fine food, sex slaves, etc.). Those who can get on her murderous wavelength might also have a good time — for as long as it lasts.

Key career moment: When the always adaptive Emperor Georgiou made her way from the mirror universe to the prime Star Trek universe she used the opportunity to save the day after getting thrown into a battle between the Federation and the Klingons. But this wasn’t a simple heel-face turn; as always, it was more a matter of calculation than altruism. The move won her freedom from those who knew her true origins and earned her a spot in the Federation’s super-secretive deep-state operation Section 31. What could possibly go wrong?

Would she be a good boss? Put simply, working for this Philippa Georgiou, at least in the mirror universe that made her, would mean constantly fearing for your life as part of a pitiless, fascist organization hell-bent on conquering the universe with little regard for its employees’ quality of life. (Actually, when it’s all spelled out like that, it sounds like a pretty easy transition from corporate America.)

11. Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs)

Managerial style: In a word, cryptic. After she’s accepted aboard the Discovery following her mutinous turn against her mentor Captain Georgiou (the prime universe one, not the evil dictator; more below), Michael Burnham spends much of Discovery ’s first season trying to figure out what’s up with her new captain, a man fond of fortune cookies and averse to bright lights and chairs. Pro: Lorca took a chance on her when no one else would. Con: He also seems kind of evil. That likelihood aside — and it’s eventually revealed that, spoiler ahead, he made his way to the prime universe from the mirror universe after somehow taking the original Lorca’s place — he commanded the Discovery with curiosity, a sure hand, and an apparent sense of fairness. Shame about all the murder and scheming.

Key career moment: The season one episode “Into the Forest I Go” captures every side of Captain Lorca as he bravely goes into battle against Klingons, questionably decides to risk the health of a crew member (and with him, the whole crew) to win the battle, then takes everyone into the mirror universe to further his scheme of galactic conquest. It’s quite a journey, and one that reveals his true self at the end.

Would he be a good boss? No, but serving under Lorca would never be boring.

10. Captain Christopher Pike (Jeffrey Hunter)

Seen in: star trek: the original series.

Managerial style: Glum as hell. Some behind-the-scenes info: Jeffrey Hunter’s Captain Pike was supposed to be the protagonist of the original Star Trek series. NBC passed, but gave Gene Roddenberry the unusual opportunity to make a second pilot, this one featuring the now-familiar classic series cast (with only Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock sticking around). But Roddenberry wasn’t done with Pike or the original pilot. It became central to the two-part episode “The Menagerie,” which recounts Pike and the Enterprise ’s adventures on Talos IV, home to the Talosians and their reality-bending psychic powers. Hunter’s a fine actor, but it’s not hard to see why NBC was reluctant to green-light a series focusing on Pike, who’s introduced complaining about the burden of command. “You bet I’m tired,” he tells the ship’s doctor. “Tired of being responsible for 203 lives. Tired of deciding which mission is too risky and which isn’t and who’s going on the landing party and who doesn’t. And who lives … and who dies.” He sounds ready to boldly curl up in a fetal position.

Key career moment: The signature moment for this incarnation of Pike comes at the end of the episode when, having been burned and disfigured beyond recognition, he’s allowed to return to Talos IV and live out his days in the unreal paradise he rejected years before, even though he already seemed pretty much over reality as we know it from the start.

Would he be a good boss? Spock and the others seem to respect him, so perhaps his doubts don’t interfere with his ability to command, even if working under him seems like it would make for a pretty weary trudge through the cosmos.

9. Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula)

Seen in: star trek: enterprise.

Managerial style: Archer’s chill, which is both his greatest strength as a leader and occasionally his greatest weakness. A former Boy Scout, lifelong water-polo enthusiast, and caring dog owner, Archer sometimes seems like he’s happy enough to be exploring the stars but might be even happier if he was just hanging out and shooting the breeze with some pals. This might be more impression than reality; Star Trek lore has him going on to become a decorated admiral and to be regarded as one of the greatest explorers in the early days of Starfleet and he certainly does a lot of exploring during the show’s four-season run. But Scott Bakula rarely plays him as a man who has greatness in his future. Archer usually seems a little annoyed that the Enterprise ’s adventures have cut into his downtime. He’s not as melancholy as Jeffrey Hunter’s Captain Pike, but he occasionally seems just as checked out. Nonetheless, he was always good in a crisis, and could be a surprisingly shrewd diplomatic. It just always seemed to take a major event to stir his interest.

Key career moment: In the second-season episode “A Night in Sickbay,” Archer hangs out with his ailing dog Porthos when he should be tending to his diplomatic duties. It borders on dereliction of duty, even if it is pretty endearing. It’s also a pretty good encapsulation of how Archer’s mind works.

Would he be a good boss? Sure. Probably. Why not? He’d be okay enough.

8. Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine)

Seen in: star trek , star trek into darkness , star trek beyond.

Managerial style: If you like predictability, order, rules, regulations, and military precision, the last place you’d want to be is the Kelvin Universe Enterprise under the command of James T. Kirk. Chris Pine’s just-getting-started Kirk is young, impetuous, and brilliant — but mostly young and impetuous. It’s smart work, playing like the Kirk we know from the original Star Trek run before any of the rough edges had gotten sanded off. Pine’s Kirk is a lot of fun to watch, but it also seems like serving under him would be terrifying most of the time.

Key career moment: Forced to choose between rescuing an alien race and violating the Prime Directive in the opening scenes of Star Trek Into Darkness , Kirk barely seems to consider it a choice at all. It’s just the first of many times he breaks the rules over the course of the film (plus its predecessor and successor). Sure, it all works out (even if Kirk does briefly wind up dead later in the movie), but it could have gone horribly wrong. This Kirk commands from the gut, occasionally while listening to Beastie Boys. He’s cool and fun, but…

Would he be a good boss? … Do you really want to work for a Starfleet captain best described as “cool” and “fun” while exploring the furthest reaches of a dangerous universe?

7. Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis)

Seen in: star trek: lower decks.

Managerial style: Directness defines Captain Freeman’s command style. She knows exactly what she wants and she’s not afraid to ask for it, sometimes forcefully. She’s no-nonsense but not in a power trip–y way. She just wants things to run smoothly even if experience has taught her that it never does. (Or, at least it never does onboard the second-tier U.S.S. Cerritos , the California class starship she commands.)

Key career moment: Commanding a ship on which her gifted-but-rebellious daughter, Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), is serving as an ensign has been a continual challenge for Captain Freeman, forcing her to balance her duties as captain against her concerns as a mother. She’s mostly opted to model good behavior for her daughter by following the rules of Starfleet. In Lower Decks ’ third-season premiere, Mariner and her pals take desperate, and illegal, measures to clear Captain Freeman of a crime she’s been wrongly accused of. Ultimately, the system works, making Mariner’s misadventures unnecessary. Mother/Starfleet knows best.

Would she be a good boss? Probably. She’s terse but fair and clearly knows what she’s doing. But as the head of a ship prone to animated high jinks, it’s tough to judge Captain Freeman against other Star Trek captains. Her informed, steady-handed command doesn’t always work in her favor when dealing with some of the cartoonish absurdity the Cerritos keeps encountering. On the other hand, nothing truly terrible ever happens to those under her command, so serving on the Cerritos would likely be one of Starfleet’s safer assignments.

6. Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)

Seen in: star trek: the original series , star trek: the motion picture, star trek: generations.

Managerial style: You’re probably better off working for the slightly older Kirk played by William Shatner in Original Series and its accompanying film series. (Okay, he’s significantly older in the film series.) This Kirk hasn’t lost the spirit evident in the younger Kirk, only it’s now tempered — at least a bit — by experience. Working for this Kirk isn’t without dangers of its own, particularly if you’re wearing a red uniform. He’s perfectly willing to send an away team into danger. Just as often, however, he’s the one leading the team, and it’s hard to underestimate the esprit de corps created by a leader willing to put himself in harm’s way mission after mission. Prepare to work hard, and maybe die, but feel like you’re part of a mission that could change the universe for the better.

Key career moment: Prepare also to listen to speeches. Kirk is a man of action and a man of romance, but above all, he’s a man of ideals who’s willing to go to great lengths to protect those ideals. But first, he’ll try to persuade his opponents with words. In “The Omega Glory,” for instance, Shatner’s Kirk lectures the primitive residents of a planet whose development paralleled Earth until it took a wrong turn on the glories of the U.S. Constitution, and he does it one emphatic syllable at a time: “We. The People …” Etc.

Would he be a good boss? Chances are you’d love working for Kirk up to the moment he got you killed.

5. Captain Philippa Georgiou, Prime Universe (Michelle Yeoh)

Managerial style: Collegial but firm, the prime universe Georgiou might rank even higher on this list if we had a large sample of what she was like as a captain. In the early episodes of Discovery she appears to be competent, respected, quick on her feet and close to her crew, especially Michael Burnham.

Key career moment: But not apparently close enough to stop Burnham from committing a mutinous act that she deems necessary to prevent a war with the Klingons. Whether this is a failure on Georgiou’s part — a missed chance to take a key suggestion from a subordinate — or overzealousness on Burnham’s remains a question left open by Georgiou’s subsequent death.

Would she be a good boss? It seems like she would, especially since her death continues to haunt Burnham throughout the series. On the other hand, maybe listen to your trusted shipmate when she says she knows what she’s talking about?

4. Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks)

Seen in: star trek: deep space nine.

Managerial style: Firm, fair, and perpetually distracted. Burned out on Starfleet life after losing his wife in the Battle of Wolf 359, Sisko only reluctantly takes command of Deep Space Nine, a space station located close to a galactic hot spot near a wormhole and, until shortly before he assumed command, ruled by the Cardassians. But Sisko soon finds himself drawn into the leadership of the station and the politics of the region when the spiritual leader of nearby Bajor names him the Emissary of the Prophets. It’s all a lot to balance, even before new adversaries start to show up from the Gamma Quadrant — and on top of it all, Sisko has to serve as a single father to a teenage son. Maybe that’s why he sometimes seems so overworked. He’s a fine, inspiring leader, but he also has a lot on his plate, running a space station while also acting as the first line of defense against enemies known and unknown — and maybe serving as messiah to a whole race of people. Many Deep Space Nine stories require Sisko to be reactive rather than proactive, whether dealing with a tavern keeper running a black market under his nose or the outbreak of a full-scale war. Strong and competent, Sisko could handle anything, but the series made him handle an awful lot.

Key career moment: Deep Space Nine introduced shades of moral grayness to Star Trek only suggested by its predecessors, never more than in the course of the protracted Dominion War arc, a dangerous conflict in which Sisko sometimes had to cheat and bend the truth for the greater good. Brooks’s performance always suggested that Sisko did a lot of soul-searching before making any decision, but once made he never looked back, the mark of a strong leader if ever there was one.

Would he be a good boss? Chances are that, apart from the occasional curt acknowledgment, you might only talk to him once or twice as he moved from one crisis to another. Still, you’d end up respecting the hell out of Sisko.

3. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)

Seen in: star trek: the next generation, star trek: generations, star trek: nemesis, star trek: picard.

Managerial style: Picard manages like a benevolent but firm god. Speaking in an authoritative voice (the accent helps), his every directive sounds as if handed down from above. But there’s a difference between having the trappings of authority and having the record to back it up, and from his first outing on the Enterprise — in which the decision to separate the starship’s saucer section showed just how many lives were depending on him making the right choices — he makes it clear how seriously he took his job and how seriously he expects others to take theirs.

Key career moment: In some respects, the definitive Picard moment can be found in Star Trek: The Next Generation ’s final episode, “All Good Things …” in which Picard, for the first time, joined his senior staff for their regular poker game, with an expression of regret that he’d never gotten around to it before. Except in rare moments, Picard always holds himself at a distance as captain, even if Stewart’s performance always emphasizes the complex, passionate human beneath the commanding exterior. He stays remote by design and it worked, but that choice isn’t without consequences.

Would he be a good boss? Picard would be an awe-inspiring boss in every sense. You’d learn a lot working with him, even if you never felt like you truly knew him.

2. Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount)

Seen in: star trek: discovery, star trek: strange new worlds.

Managerial style: In sharp contrast to Hunter’s Pike, Anson Mount plays Christopher Pike as a man who’s just happy to be out among the stars with shipmates he considers to be more like friends than co-workers. Where on Discovery, Pike was reminiscent of a cool camp counselor who just wants everyone to have a good time — as long as they follow the rules and listen to his orders — Strange New Worlds has layers of soulfulness and empathy only glimpsed before. (Maybe learning you’re headed to a horrific fate does that?) In moments of crisis, Pike comes off as unshaken but commanding, and willing to use force against his enemies when necessary. He’s easygoing until circumstances force him to be otherwise. Then he’s not. He carries himself around his crew with authority while still radiating concern. This is a self-assured, modern captain who cooks an amazing gumbo and doesn’t worry that his subordinates will lose respect if they see him wearing an apron.

Key career moment: In Strange New Worlds ’ first-season finale, Pike believes he’s found a workaround to avoid the accident in which he’ll sacrifice his well-being to save others. Then Pike is visited by an older version of himself who confirms that, yes, he can escape maiming before taking the captain on an It’s a Wonderful Life –like tour of the future created by his attempt to escape his fate. It’s not pretty and it means others will suffer in his place. So, of course, he resigns himself to his destiny without telling anyone. Always the greater good with this guy.

Would he be a good boss? Working for Pike seems like a dream, honestly. He seems like the kind of boss who’d teach you new skills and then suggest unwinding with a game of ping-pong that he wouldn’t try all that hard to win (though he totally could if he wanted to). Two seasons into Strange New Worlds, and the series keeps revealing new layers of competence and compassion. Call him No. 2 with a bullet (or a phaser blast, if that makes more sense).

1. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew)

Seen in: star trek: voyager.

Managerial style: Democratic, at least up to a point. Forced to navigate an unexplored quadrant of the galaxy while commanding a crew made up of enemies forced to work together in an attempt to find their way home, Janeway has the highest level of difficulty of any of the captains on this list. She rises to the occasion by hearing out all points of view, reconciling opposing stances when possible, working toward compromise, then ultimately making an informed decision after listening to her crew. Stuck in an impossible situation, she stays coolheaded and thoughtful no matter how trying the circumstances become.

Key career moment: The biggest challenge faced by Janeway and the Voyager crew comes not in the form of hostile races or dwindling supplies — though those don’t help — but from the many moments that invite them to abandon their principles. In the second season’s “Alliances,” Janeway seeks a way to sidestep conflict with the Kazon (sort of the Gamma Quadrant’s dollar-store version of the Klingons). She considers first an alliance with a Kazon faction, then teaming up with the Trabe, a seemingly much more civilized race. Then, despite the wishes of a faction of her officers, she ultimately rejects both choices when she learns the Kazon can’t be trusted and that the Trabe are just as bad in their own way. It might mean taking longer to get back home, or maybe never getting home at all, but she remains determined that her crew hang on to their best selves no matter what.

Would she be a good boss? Yes. Janeway would be the sort of boss you might have to complain about behind her back, but she’s also the sort of boss you’d end up naming your first child after.

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Den of Geek

Star Trek: What Makes Each Starfleet Captain Unique?

With new Star Trek series Picard on its way, Juliette provides a rundown of what makes each of the franchise's captains special...

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Over the next few years, Star Trek fans are going to feel like all their Christmases have come at once, as we’re flooded with half a dozen different Star Trek shows and spin-offs – no need to worry if you don’t like one, another will be along five minutes later! The one that has fans really excited, though, is the one that takes its title not from a ship or a division of Starfleet, but from the name of the main character: Picard . Star Trek fans tend to get very attached to the Captains that run the ships (or space stations) that are the focus of the series, and anticipation is high for the continuation of the iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s story.

In preparation for this televisual event, we thought we’d offer this handy guide to the ten Captains who have appeared as the commander of the featured ship (or space station) in the various Star Trek series, setting the tone for the show and forming the basis for a thousand memes.

Captain Jonathan Archer

Enterprise nx-01.

Leadership Style: Democratic – he’s so concerned to consult with his command crew, they’re on a first-name basis.

Best Personal Quality: Archer is very personable, and he leans on that quality in his command style, establishing friendships with his crew that keep them united in the face of hardship and trauma.

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Worst Personal Quality: For a man whose entire mission is to go out and establish diplomatic relations with alien races, Archer is really, really terrible at understanding and empathizing with other cultures, human or alien.

Favourite Beverage: Passion fruit iced tea.

Favorite Sport: Water polo.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: Taking his dog on a vital diplomatic mission to an alien planet that could expose the dog to who knows what to talk to aliens who are known to take offense very easily (“A Night in Sickbay”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: Trapped in an alternate version of World War II, Archer puts together a period-appropriate outfit that doesn’t really do much for him (“Storm Front Part 1”).

Most Triumphant Moment: Fights off Dolim in an epic and bloody beatdown, then runs off through a storm of exploding panels to (apparently) sacrifice himself to destroy a weapon of mass destruction (“Zero Hour”).

Iconic quote:  “We’re not here to make enemies, but just because we’re not looking for a fight doesn’t mean we’ll walk away from one.”

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Further Reading: Star Trek: Enterprise and the Importance of Its Characters

Captain Philippa Georgiou

Uss shenzhou.

Since the USS Discovery doesn’t appear until Episode 3 of Star Trek: Discovery , Georgiou is the Captain of the featured ship for the show’s two-part opener.

Leadership Style: Coach – she encourages personal and career growth in her officers.

Best Personal Quality: Georgiou is a dedicated mentor, encouraging Burnham and Saru to grow and develop as officers and as people/beings.

Worst Personal Quality: She perhaps takes this duty of care a little too far, to the point that it can blind her to Burnham’s short-comings.

Favorite Beverage: Anything alcoholic – she could drink Pike and anyone else under the table.

Favorite Sport: Drinking games, by the sound of it.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: By planting a bomb on a dead warrior so that recovering him will kill the Klingons, Georgiou and Burnham commit a war crime by modern standards – and at the very least, make themselves appear thoroughly dishonorable (“Battle of the Binary Stars”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake:  None. This woman lives in her Starfleet uniform.

Most Triumphant Moment: Her ship half-destroyed, left alive only to tell others of the massacre of Starfleet vessels by Klingons, she and Saru come up with a kamikaze mission to strike back at the Klingons (“Battle of the Binary Stars”).

Iconic quote: Devious Saru… I approve.

Further Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Star Trek: Discovery Season 3

Captain Gabriel Lorca

Uss discovery.

Leadership Style: Autocratic – Lorca is focused on his own goals and is definitely results-oriented.

Best Personal Quality: He is driven, you can’t deny him that.

Worst Personal Quality: Where to begin? Let’s just say he’s a pretty typical, if extremely clever, example of a Mirror Universe officer.

Favorite Beverage: Wee Bairns Scotch whiskey.

Favorite Sport: He’s from the Mirror Universe, so probably hunting down his superiors.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: You’re running a super-secret, technologically advanced ship during a time of war and hiding a pretty big secret yourself. You meet a guy who’s been kept prisoner by the enemy for months and tortured, which means he could have all sorts of issues such as PTSD (which he does), Stockholm Syndrome, or he could have been compromised by the enemy (which he has). So naturally, instead of sending him off for psychological evaluation, you immediately make him your Chief of Security (“Lethe”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: Once back in his own universe, Lorca wears a rather nice coat, but underneath it is a breastplate of sorts with a rather loud geometric pattern (“What’s Past Is Prologue”).

Most Triumphant Moment: Having promised fellow prisoner Tyler he would come back to rescue him from the Klingons, Lorca fulfills his promise, reappearing to shoot one of the Klingons and injure L’Rell long enough to get Tyler away (“Choose Your Pain”).

Iconic quote:  “Universal law is for lackeys. Context is for kings.”

Further Reading: Star Trek Timeline Explained

Captain Christopher Pike

Captain Pike also features as Captain of the USS Enterprise in the original show’s pilot.

Leadership Style: Servant – he puts people first and wants all his crew to reach their potential.

Best Personal Quality: All the Captains on this list are extremely brave, and all have been willing to sacrifice themselves for others (except Lorca), with two of them actually making the ultimate sacrifice for their crew. But Pike has been tested in another way – he has seen that he will have to sacrifice not his life, but his health and bodily autonomy, and he’s shown courage in the face of a painful future. He is also extremely dedicated to saving every single member of his crew.

Worst Personal Quality: He sometimes makes assumptions without checking if they’re accurate, as he did when he first met the Discovery crew.

Favorite Beverage: Hangover cures, after losing drinking competitions to Georgiou.

Favorite Sport: He enjoys horse riding so much he’ll even ride a horse to a picnic.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: The Prime Directive is problematic in so many ways, but deciding it applies to an Earth colony is a new kind of obtuse. At least the crew of Discovery didn’t sit back and let them all die, which is something (“New Eden”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: The Talosians chose the outfits that appear in the various illusions they give to Pike, but since they are offering him a fantasy they think will be appealing, presumably they think he would like a shiny purple and blue satin tunic with a strange off-gold neck adornment on it (“The Menagerie”).

Most Triumphant Moment: The battle against Control (“Such Sweet Sorrow Part 2”) is absolutely epic and is a triumphant moment for everyone, but for Pike personally, the moment in which he turns away and accepts the horrible injuries that are waiting for him in the future for the sake of protecting everyone else is quietly, and tragically, triumphant (“Through the Valley of Shadows”).

Iconic quote:  “No. I’m not going to abandon the things that made me who I am because of a future that contains an ending I hadn’t foreseen for myself.”

Further Reading: Quentin Tarantino’s Star Trek Would Be Pulp Fiction in Space

Captain James Tiberius Kirk

Uss enterprise ncc-1701 and ncc-1701-a.

Leadership Style: Pace-setter – performance-focused and leads from the front, expecting everyone to match his own high standards.

Best Personal Quality: He is absolutely determined to find a solution to every problem, and makes effort to consider every angle from every point of view.

Worst Personal Quality: While he makes a lot of effort to learn about other points of view, if your culture doesn’t embrace a certain set of relatively liberal values from the mid-20th century United States of America, you’re doing it wrong, and Kirk will destroy your entire society to teach you a lesson and then fly off and ignore the consequences.

Favorite Beverage: Illegal Romulan ale.

Favorite Sport: Rock climbing.

Most Utterly Horrifying and Backwards Command Decision: Commander Scott has experienced a head injury caused by a female crewmember making a mistake and has responded with total misogyny (McCoy’s medical diagnosis – a “total resentment towards all women”). Instead of sending him to some kind of diversity training, Kirk and McCoy take him to watch a female belly dancer from a “completely hedonistic society” so he can learn to objectify and sexualize women instead of hating them. The fact the belly dancer ends up murdered after leaving with Scotty is entirely on Kirk and this monumentally horrifying decision, possession by alien entity or not (“Wolf in the Fold”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: It wasn’t his choice to wear it, but a sparkly off-shoulder tunic and over-sized laurel wreath is not a good look for him (“Plato’s Stepchildren”).

Most Triumphant Moment: Having released two humpback whales into San Francisco Bay, Kirk and his crew cling, soaking wet, to their sinking stolen spaceship and whoop and cheer as they watch the whales swim under the Golden Gate Bridge and save the planet ( Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ).

Iconic quotes:  “I don’t believe in the no-win scenario” and “KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!”

Further Reading: The Difficult Journey of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Captain James Tiberius Kirk (Kelvin Timeline)

Leadership Style: Transactional – also performance-focused, but he fits in a bit of mentorship too.

Best Personal Quality: Like his counterpart, he leads from the front, and he’s very brave.

Worst Personal Quality: He also shares his counterpart’s disdain for rules and fondness for cheating.

Favorite Beverage: Illegal Saurian brandy.

Favorite Sport: Fighting in bars.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: Lies on a report to cover up a violation of the Prime Directive, but fails to check that his First Officer is willing to lie on his report as well ( Star Trek Into Darkness ).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: This version of Kirk has a rather good sense of style, but the baggy outfit he wears to work undercover on the planet Nibiru isn’t the most flattering ( Star Trek Into Darkness ).

Most Triumphant Moment: After making the obligatory offer to help the Romulan captain Nero and being rebuffed, Kirk gives the order to fire on Nero’s ship and send it into a black hole, saving the Enterprise and the Earth ( Star Trek ).

Iconic quote:  “My dad joined Starfleet because he believed in it. I joined on a dare.”

Further Reading: The Influence of Forbidden Planet on Star Trek and Star Wars

Captain Spock

Uss enterprise ncc-1701.

Leadership Style: Visionary – he sees the Enterprise through a period of change and is always open to new ideas.

Best Personal Quality: By the time he is promoted to Captain, Spock has become skilled at balancing his Vulcan training in logic with a certain respect for and even occasional ability to employ human emotions.

Worst Personal Quality: Tends to just do everything Kirk says, to the point that, when the Enterprise-A is commissioned, he slips back into his old role as Kirk’s second-in-command despite the fact they’re the same rank.

Favorite Beverage: Altair water.

Favorite Sport: Vulcan chess.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: Allowing Admiral Kirk to talk him into a “little training cruise” with a ship full of trainees traveling to a region of space where there are no other starships anywhere nearby, with the inevitable result that they end up answering a distress call, getting attacked, and a significant number of his trainee crew are killed ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan ).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: Vulcan fashion isn’t great in general, leaning towards heavy medieval robes. The outfit Spock wears in his attempt to complete a lengthy ritual in the first Star Trek movie is an especially bad example of desert rags, but what really makes this a terrible look is the outgrown Vulcan hairstyle, which is somewhere between The Beatles and Mick Jagger ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture ).

Most Triumphant Moment: Of course, it’s his dash down to Engineering, knocking out McCoy with a Vulcan neck pinch, and entering a room filled with deadly radiation to restore the warp drive and save everyone else ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan ).

Iconic quote:  “The needs of the many outweigh… [the needs of the few]. I have been, and always shall be, your friend.”

Further Reading: Star Trek’s 12 Best Morality Plays

Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Uss enterprise ncc-1701-d and ncc-1701-e.

Leadership Style: Bureaucratic – he’s an absolute stickler for the rules to the point of sitting and watching people die rather than break the Prime Directive (sometimes).

Best Personal Quality: Picard is an extremely skilled diplomat, not just in the political sense (a major part of his job as commander of the flagship), but in his ability to manage his crew. He is able to manage people without them necessarily realizing they are being managed, which is why they reacted so badly to Jellico’s more authoritarian style.

Worst Personal Quality: He’s really, really bad at talking to children. This would be less of a problem if he didn’t insist on having a child on the bridge of his starship.

Favorite Beverage: Tea, Earl Grey, hot. Also wine from the family vineyard.

Favorite Sport: Horse riding, but he is also very keen on fencing and a top-class marathon runner.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: Promoting a child to “Acting Ensign” (complete with weird cat-suit “uniform”) and making him a helm officer, i.e. the kid is driving Starfleet’s flagship because a mysterious alien told him the kid was great/he wants to bang the kid’s mum.

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: Since Picard is on holiday and sunbathing, his choice of an open white shirt to wear on Risa is sensible enough. But the rather small and shiny pink and blue swimming trunks he pairs it with are unforgivable (“Captain’s Holiday”).

Most Triumphant Moment: THERE! ARE! FOUR! LIGHTS!  (“Chain of Command Part 2”)

Iconic quotes:  “Let’s make sure history never forgets the name Enterprise ” and “The line must be drawn here! And now! This far, no further!”

Further Reading: Captain Picard’s Biggest Star Trek Fails of All Time

Captain Benjamin Sisko

Deep space nine and the uss defiant.

Leadership Style: Laissez-faire – with several “crew” on the station who aren’t Starfleet, Sisko is more hands-off than the Captains of spaceships.

Best Personal Quality: Sisko is very adaptable – we see him as Commander or Captain of Deep Space Nine in both peacetime and war and he does well in both situations. He’s also a formidable warrior when he needs to be.

Worst Personal Quality: It’s fair to say he’s got a bit of a temper.

Favorite Beverage: Raktajino (Klingon coffee).

Favorite Sport: Baseball.

Most Ridiculous Command Decision: Poisoning a Maquis colony and threatening to do the same to all Maquis colonies, just to capture one man (“For the Uniform”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: Way back when he met his wife Jennifer, Sisko was on a beach, proving his holiday wear is even worse than Picard’s, with a bright purple tank top featuring a red stripe and tight, bright blue shorts (“Emissary”).

Most Triumphant Moment: Convincing the Prophets to get involved in the war against the Dominion, and then captaining the Defiant in the battle to take back Deep Space Nine (“Sacrifice of Angels”).

Iconic quotes:  “You can pulp a story, but you cannot destroy an idea” and “It’s easy to be a saint in paradise.”

Further Reading: The Best Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Stories

Captain Kathryn Janeway

Uss voyager.

Leadership Style: Transformational – completely committed to organizational objectives, but equally concerned with employee motivation.

Best Personal Quality: Janeway is the embodiment of absolute determination against overwhelming odds, and that is what gets her crew home, and prevents them from going down the same path as the crew of the Equinox along the way.

Worst Personal Quality: She has a tendency to put the interests of Voyager ’s crew over and above all other considerations, which doesn’t always go down well with the alien races left in their wake.

Favorite Beverage: Coffee, black.

Favorite Sport: Tennis, and she is also an accomplished pool hustler.

Most Incredibly Reckless But Sort of Awesome at the Same Time Command Decision: Determined to get rid of alien scientists who are using Voyager ’s crew as test subjects, Janeway flies the whole ship into a binary pulsar system, giving them a one in 20 chance of survival. To be fair, she was hoping Tuvok was exaggerating. He was not (“Scientific Method”).

Worst Non-Uniform Fashion Mistake: The outfit she wears to play Arachnia, Queen of the Spider People is rather spectacular in its own way, but you couldn’t wear it to pop out to the shops (“Bride of Chaotica!”).

Most Triumphant Moment: The reset button has a bad reputation among fans, but without it we wouldn’t have the epic moment when a scarred Janeway rams a battered Voyager into Annorax’s time ship to destroy it and them together, declaring “Time’s up!” (“Year of Hell Part 2”).

Iconic quotes:  “There’s coffee in that nebula!” and “Sometimes, you just have to punch your way through.”

Honourable mention: Temporary Captain of the Enterprise-D Jellico gets a bad rap, but although his autocratic style is very different from Picard’s, he was absolutely right to get Troi to wear a proper uniform.

Further Reading: Why the Star Trek: Voyager Pilot Is Worth a Rewatch

Read and download the  Den of Geek SDCC 2019 Special Edition Magazine  right here!

Juliette Harrisson | @ClassicalJG

Juliette Harrisson is a writer and historian, and a lifelong Trekkie whose childhood heroes were JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. She runs a YouTube channel called…

Name and Rank: The 10 Best Captains In Star Trek

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With 55 years of Star Trek TV shows and movies to look at, figuring out what it takes to be a Starfleet captain isn't hard to do. A person needs to be confident, smart, courageous, empathetic, strong-willed, and of strong moral standing. The captains of starships and space stations carry a heavy load, with hundreds of lives depending on their decisions, but years of preparation have trained them to do their best.

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But, which captains are the best captains Starfleet has ever seen? Who are the ones that make it into the history books? Which captains are held as the benchmarks in leadership, strength, and skill? Here are ten of the best captains to ever appear in Star Trek , be they on a ship, on a station, or in a cartoon.

10 Jonathan Archer

The first Starfleet officer to captain a starship launched by the United Earth, Captain Jonathan Archer is considered to be the greatest explorer of the 22nd century. The son of renowned warp scientist Henry Archer, Captain Archer explored the far reaches of the galaxy using Vulcan star charts, and then he went further than anyone had gone before.

Captain Archer and his crew of the Enterprise NX-01 discovered new worlds and new civilizations. As if that isn't enough, Captain Archer also played a major role in the Temporal Cold War and helped avert a war between the Vulcans and the Andorians, leading to the creation of the United Federation of Planets.

9 Robert April

While stationed in San Francisco, Captain Robert April worked alongside engineer Lawrence Marvick and Doctor Richard Daystrom to create the Constitution-class starship. When the first twelve ships were built, Captain April was given command of the USS Enterprise and given a five-year mission to explore the unknown sectors of the universe.

RELATED:  10 Strongest Star Trek Ships, Ranked

During his five year mission as the first captain of the USS Enterprise , Robert April became one of the most decorated captains in Starfleet history, standing alongside Captain Archer. After his five-year mission came to an end, Captain April was promoted to commodore and became a Federation ambassador.

8 Christopher Pike

Aside from receiving an 'F' in Astrophysics, Christopher Pike was an exceptional student at the Starfleet Academy. He was also known for being able to drink any other cadet under the table. After graduating, Pike became a test pilot before serving on the USS Antares, the USS Chatelet, and the USS Aryabhatta.

Pike was reassigned to the USS Enterprise, where he served as Captain April's first officer. When Captain April was promoted, Christopher Pike was made the captain of the Enterprise, a position he would serve in for fifteen years. During an inspection tour of a cadet vessel, an accident caused a radiation leak. Captain Pike rushed into the affected area to save as many cadets as he could. He became trapped in the irradiated area and was left horribly disfigured and in need of life support in order to live. Years later, the crew of the Enterprise, including Pike's science officer Mister Spock, would take the retired captain to Talos IV where he would be cared for by the Talosians.

7 Matt Decker

The captain of the USS Constellation, Matt Decker was one of the most decorated officers in Starfleet, alongside Captains Archer and Pike. During a routine survey mission, the Constellation encountered an alien planet killer that was living up to its name. Attempting to protect the planets on the alien machine's path, Captain Decker ordered his ship to attack. In the battle, the Constellation was damaged beyond repair and left to float lifelessly in space.

Captain Decker beamed his crew to a nearby planet, believing that it would keep them safe until help could arrive. Instead, the alien machine turned its attention to that planet and killed everyone on it. Decker was left alone on the Constellation. After the arrival of the Enterprise, the now insane Decker would pilot the Constellation into the alien machine, destroying it and killing himself.

6 James Kirk

Arguably the best known Starfleet captain in history, James Kirk 's time in command of the Enterprise is well documented. From the early adventures where he and his crew were the first to see a Romulan in hundreds of years to their battle against former Eugenics War leader Khan Noonien Singh and the creation of the Genesis Planet, Captain Kirk consistently proved that the high standards of Starfleet are true and good. A bookworm during his Starfleet Academy days, Captain Kirk reveled in the opportunity to explore new planets alongside the crew of the Enterprise.

5 Hikaru Sulu

Best known as the senior helmsman on Captain Kirk's Enterprise crew, Hikaru Sulu was a valued member of the team and played an integral role in many historic missions. Following the completion of their five-year mission, the Enterprise returned to Earth to be refitted and given a new captain. Sulu was promoted to lieutenant commander.

Sulu continued to serve under Captain Kirk until he was promoted again, this time to captain, and given command of the USS Excelsior. Sulu and the Excelsior would play a major role in the Battle at Khitomer. His portrait would later be placed in Starfleet Headquarters.

4 Jean-Luc Picard

Something of a rebel during his Starfleet Academy days, Captain Jean-Luc Picard became infamous when he carved the initials A.F. into groundskeeper Boothby's prized elm tree. Boothby would help Picard mature and excel at the academy, helping the young man become one of the most important captains in Starfleet history.

Along with being the first member of the Federation to interact with the Ferengi and the Borg as the captain of the USS Enterprise-D, Captain Picard became the obsession of the omnipotent being known only as Q. After retiring from Starfleet, Picard went on a quest to protect the synth homeworld of Coppelius from the Romulans .

3 Benjamin Sisko

Unlike the other captains here, Benjamin Sisko did not command a starship . As the captain of the space station Deep Space Nine , Sisko was in charge of protecting a stable wormhole that allowed the Federation to explore the Gamma Quadrant with ease. Captain Sisko quickly found himself embedded in the post-war politics of the Bajorans and the Cardassians. The Bajorans believed that Sisko was the Emissary of the Prophets; the beings that lived inside the wormhole, while the Cardassians saw him as the only thing standing in their way of retaking the planet Bajor.

With DS9 at the frontlines of the Dominion War, Sisko found himself being a wartime captain, something he never wanted to be. When the Dominion threatened to kill Sisko, the wormhole Profits stepped in and destroyed the Dominion army, ending the war. At the same time, Sisko was believed to be dead by Starfleet, but, in truth, he had joined the wormhole beings.

2 Kathryn Janeway

Born into a Starfleet family, Captain Kathryn Janeway entered Starfleet Academy, where she excelled at her studies. After graduation, Janeway was stationed on the USS Al-Batani, where she served as the chief science officer. When she was promoted to captain, Janeway was given command of the USS Voyager and given the mission to locate a missing Maquis vessel.

RELATED:  Star Trek: The 10 Best Starfleet Uniforms, Ranked

During the mission, the Voyager was struck by a displacement wave and flung seventy thousand light-years into the Delta Quadrant. With no quick way home, Captain Janeway found herself cut off from the Federation and forced to keep the peace between her crew and the Marquis who joined them.

1 William Riker

One of the most impressive people to ever graduate from Starfleet Academy, William Riker served on the USS Pegasus, the USS Potemkin, and the USS Hood before being offered his own command of the USS Drake. In a surprise move, Riker turned down the chance to be captain in order to serve on the USS Enterprise under Captain Picard.

After serving as Captain Picard's first officer and turning down a number of opportunities to captain his own ship, Riker accepted the position of captain of the USS Titan. Stationed at the border of the Romulan Neutral Zone, Captain Riker and the crew of the Titan, which included his wife Deanna Troi and their son Thad, were tasked with keeping the peace.

NEXT:  5 Reasons Star Wars is the Best (& 5 Reasons Star Trek is the Best)

• Browse Games

Star Trek: Fleet Captains (2011)

Federation and Klingon fleets complete missions throughout the galaxy for dominance.

Designer: Mike Elliott , Bryan Kinsella , Ethan Pasternack

Publisher: WizKids (I)

• How to Play

Awards & Honor

Ratings & comments.

Star Trek: Fleet Captains , designed for two or four players, is set in the "Prime Universe" of STAR TREK (as seen in the various TV series and movies up to Star Trek: Nemesis ) and is more adversarial in nature when compared to Star Trek: Expeditions . Each player takes the role of a faction (or race) from the universe. In the base game, the choices are Klingons and Federation. Each faction has a number of ships (on Clix dials similar to the Heroclix line of components) of varying ability and with a corresponding “size.” Fleets of ships are drafted to a given size total which reflects the victory points required to win. Thus, larger fleet sizes lead to higher point (and longer games).

Players then “shuffle build” a deck of command cards. Choosing four decks from a set of ten decks per faction. Each deck has a unique flavor or theme, with corresponding major characters. For instance the Klingons have a deck themed around larger ships and imperial domination and Gowron is a central character. The four decks chosen will help to set the player’s strategy for winning. The ships chosen have physical stats like weapons, shields, engines, and sensors. They also have mission totals for science, influence, and combat missions. These determine the kinds and numbers of each kind of mission cards the player draws to form a mission deck. Completing missions gains the player points, which will win them the game. Missions could be as simple as damage an opposing ship that is larger than your own (combat), to as complex as claiming the spaces connecting your command post to your opponents (influence). Thus a player’s chosen ships sets the types of missions they will need to earn points and the deck they build determines the way they will complete missions.

Points can also be earned for non-mission actions such as destroying a ship or building a starbase.

The game itself plays out on a randomly built board of hex cards, called sectors that start the game unexplored. As each ship progresses through the sector, the cards are turned face up, revealing what is in that part of the sector (a Class-M planet, a Class-J Nebula, empty space, etc...). There are additionally random events that can occur when exploring, which usually correspond to a single episode of a series (for instance one encounter is “trouble with tribbles.” Some of these encounters also give victory points.

Overall, the game can best be thought of as playing out an entire season of Star Trek with the conflict between players representing the major story arc and the turns, missions, and random encounters representing individual episodes. Players will move their ships, explore space, complete missions, play cards to upgrade their ships (and staff them with famous and not so famous crewmembers), or boost their stats in combat. Combat, while important, is not the sole path to victory, with the mission cards being the primary factor (some of which will encourage combat). The style of game will depend heavily on individual player decisions, but no matter what, it will feel like Star Trek.

Rules Overview part1 - Setup

Miami dice 023 - star trek: fleet captains, the discriminating gamer: star trek: fleet captains.

Classification

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Starfleet ranks

• View history

The rank insignia of a Starfleet captain in the late 23rd century

Cristóbal Rios' rank pip collection from his Starfleet career

Tom Paris is demoted to ensign for disobeying orders

Starfleet ranks were identifying titles of rank for the officers and enlisted members of Starfleet denoting the chain of command under both United Earth and the United Federation of Planets . These titles were generally adapted from earlier Earth naval forces. ( TOS : " The City on the Edge of Forever ", ENT : " Storm Front ")

• 1 Early usage
• 2.1 Early 23rd century
• 2.2 Early-mid 23rd century
• 2.3 Late-mid 23rd century
• 2.4 Late 23rd century
• 3 24th century
• 4 25th century
• 5 29th century
• 6 32nd century
• 7.1 Mirror universe
• 7.2 Alternate reality
• 7.3 Alternate universe
• 8.1 Flag officers
• 8.2 Officer ranks
• 8.3 Provisional officers
• 8.4 Cadet ranks
• 8.5.1 Non-commissioned officers
• 8.5.2 Crewmen
• 9.1 Fleet captain
• 9.2 Deputy director
• 9.3 Colonel
• 9.4 Corporal
• 9.5 Miscellaneous
• 10.1 See also
• 10.2 Background information
• 10.3 Apocrypha
• 10.4 External links

Early usage [ ]

By the development of the NX-Alpha in 2143 , the Starfleet rank structure had at least three enlisted ranks, four officer ranks, and three ranks for use by flag officers . Silver rank pips were displayed on the right breast of the Starfleet uniforms , above a colored shoulder trim denoting what division the crew member was assigned to. Flag officers' pips were surrounded by a black rectangle with a silver border. ( ENT : " First Flight ", et al.) This system was still in place by 2161 . ( ENT : " These Are the Voyages... ")

23rd century [ ]

Early 23rd century [ ].

By the 2230s , the Starfleet uniform used a sleeve stripe system instead of pips to denote rank. ( Star Trek )

Early-mid 23rd century [ ]

Gold shoulder trim of a flag admiral, captain, and officer (left to right)

By 2239 , Starfleet had adopted a uniform where officer rank was denoted by the number of raised or indented pips on a Starfleet delta . ( ST : " The Brightest Star ") The admiralty wore a Starfleet insignia surrounded by a wreath made up of smaller golden or black Starfleet insignia on a dark disc; the more of them are gold, the higher the rank. ( DIS : " The Vulcan Hello ", " The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry ")

A variation of this uniform introduced in the 2250s changed the rank system back to a sleeve stripe system. For the command and operations division officers, the stripes matched the division color: gold stripes for command, red stripes for operations. Sciences division officers wore silver stripes. ( DIS : " Brother ", " Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2 ")

A new uniform was introduced around 2259 , retaining the rank insignia system from the previous style with only slight modifications. Sciences officers wore blue stripes in the new system, while silver stripes were reserved for medical officers. Doctors wore a light-blue variant of the sciences uniform while nurses wore white. ( SNW : " Strange New Worlds ", et al.)

Another Starfleet uniform used around this time had a much simpler rank and insignia system, in which enlisted personnel wore no rank insignia while the rank of chief petty officer was denoted by a special sleeve stripe. Commissioned officers wore a solid gold stripe. This system would be in use concurrently with other rank insignia systems for at least fifteen years, with only a slight modification by 2265 , when those holding the rank of captain were authorized to wear two gold stripes whereas other officers wore one. ( TOS : " The Cage ", " Where No One Has Gone Before ")

Late-mid 23rd century [ ]

By 2266 , Starfleet had phased out the simple rank system that gave all commissioned officers the same insignia. They also modified the other system that had been in use for the last decade or so. In this new system, all enlisted personnel, chief petty officers included, as well as ensigns, had no insignia whatsoever with most enlisted personnel also wearing Starfleet jumpsuits instead of the standard tunic uniforms worn by the officers. ( TOS : " The Corbomite Maneuver ", et al)

Starfleet flag officers wore a thicker braid insignia than regular officers. ( TOS : " Court Martial ", " The Trouble with Tribbles ")

The rank of cadet and midshipman were both in use at Starfleet Academy . ( TOS : " Shore Leave ", " Court Martial ")

In the mid- 2270s , Starfleet changed its uniforms yet again, although mainly in appearance only. The rank insignia of officers remained almost the same, though the lieutenant junior grade braid was now used to indicate ensign. Enlisted personnel adopted a style of their own rank insignia and both officers and admirals could now wear a short sleeve "Class B" uniform which displayed rank insignia on shoulder tabs. ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

Late 23rd century [ ]

By the year 2278 , Starfleet had again changed its uniforms , abandoning the previous sleeve stripe system and adopting a totally new insignia design which incorporated a series of rank pins worn on a shoulder strap with the color of the strap determining the bearer's branch within Starfleet. At this point, the lieutenant junior grade rank had also been re-established.

The shoulder strap system also matched with a cuff strap which could display various citation and years-of-service pins. Finally, in the case of admirals, another series of cuff straps denoted the particular rank of the admiral.

Enlisted uniforms were also completely revamped from previous versions and now were worn as jumpsuits with rank pins worn on the lower right sleeve. Enlisted ranks themselves were expanded, encompassing several grades of petty officer and chief petty officer . ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan )

With the exception of some minor cosmetic changes to officer uniforms, including the introduction of a standard communicator pin by 2344 , the uniforms and insignia of the late 23rd century remained unchanged until the late 2340s . ( TNG : " Yesterday's Enterprise ", " Family ")

Concept art by Robert Fletcher

24th century [ ]

Ranks in the 2360s

A captain's rank pips

By the year 2355 , Starfleet had introduced a new uniform design , with a pip system of golden pin insignia worn on the collar. ( TNG : " The Battle ")

The 24th century pip system included a black pip insignia to denote chief petty officers. ( TNG : " Realm Of Fear ")

The pip system used in the mid-to-late 24th century remained relatively unchanged through 2385 , having been kept across several uniform design changes. ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

In the 2360s , admirals wore a triangular insignia on a special flag officer uniform. ( TNG : " Too Short A Season ", " Coming of Age ", " Conspiracy ")

Admiral insignia worn in the vertical fashion

By 2365 , this insignia had been replaced by a "boxed pip" system worn vertically on the flag uniform collar. ( TNG : " The Measure Of A Man ") By 2366 , the admiral insignia was commonly worn horizontally against the collar in the same way as the insignia worn by other grades. ( TNG : " The Defector ")

Chief petty officer

By the mid- 2370s , Starfleet had changed the chief petty officer rank insignia, replacing the black pip with chevrons and dots. ( DS9 : " Hippocratic Oath ")

25th century [ ]

By the year 2399 , Starfleet's familiar pip design had been relocated from the collar to the right breast of the uniform and the pips had become silver. ( PIC : " Remembrance ") By the early 2400s , the silver rank pips were back on the collar of the uniform. ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ")

The pips of flag officers were placed on a dark gray isosceles trapezoid with a silver border. ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

29th century [ ]

The uniforms worn by the Starfleet crew of the USS Relativity during the 29th century displayed a new design for rank insignia, with horizontal bronze chevrons on the right collar instead of pips. ( VOY : " Future's End ", " Relativity ")

32nd century [ ]

By the 32nd century , Starfleet had passed through a number of rank insignia systems. ( DIS : " Forget Me Not ", " Su'Kal ")

By 3189 , rank was indicated on an officer's tricom badge . The ranks of captains and admirals were also shown on the collar and shoulders. The shoulder and collar had a similar design; captains had a vertical shoulder rank band at the edge of the shoulder, while admirals had a horizontal band along the top of the shoulder. ( DIS : " Die Trying ") Other officers had a plain collar badge.

Tricom badge concept art

Alternate timelines [ ]

Mirror universe [ ].

• See : Starfleet ranks (mirror)

Alternate reality [ ]

By 2258 in the alternate reality , Starfleet had adopted uniforms and an insignia pattern reminiscent of the mid 2250s in the prime reality . These new insignia consisted of silver bands worn on the lower sleeves of the uniform. Ensigns and certain skirt uniforms displayed no rank insignia. ( Star Trek )

Alternate universe [ ]

In an alternate universe observed during a quantum fissure , Starfleet had adopted an additional form of insignia which was incorporated directly into the design of the Starfleet combadge . The insignia appeared as black, gold, and silver bars behind the Starfleet delta, designed to show the rank of the wearer and along with collar pips. ( TNG : " Parallels ")

The same insignia was also used by the alien Barash during a holographic simulation of the USS Enterprise -D , designed to trick Commander William T. Riker into thinking he was in the future. Barash's simulation did not include the collar pips. ( TNG : " Future Imperfect ")

Comparative rank tables [ ]

Flag officers [ ].

Admirals in Starfleet were described as the flag officers , a term held over from naval tradition. These ranks constituted the highest authorities of Starfleet Command . ( TOS : " The Deadly Years ")

Officer ranks [ ]

Provisional officers [ ].

Insignia worn by warp specialist Kosinski

In 2364 , Starfleet propulsion expert Kosinski ran several upgrade experiments on the Enterprise -D. Kosinski wore a unique rank insignia denoting his special position. ( TNG : " Where No One Has Gone Before ")

The crew of the USS Voyager , which included non-Starfleet Maquis members, was forced to make use of provisional rank appointments as a matter of course since the ship was stranded in the Delta Quadrant and the Maquis members were essential to shipboard operations. ( VOY : " Caretaker ", et al. )

In 2381 , Vulcan Officer T'Lyn was given a provisional rank appointment as an ensign when she transferred from the VCF Sh'vhal to the USS Cerritos . ( LD : " wej Duj ")

Emblems designed by Madgaleno

Cadet ranks [ ]

Cadet ranks were held by those attending Starfleet Academy during their training to become commissioned officers. ( TNG : " The First Duty ")

Enlisted ranks [ ]

Enlisted ranks were achieved by members of Starfleet who had not attended Starfleet Academy. ( DS9 : " Starship Down ")

Non-commissioned officers [ ]

• Petty officer, first class; also known as " technician first class ", etc. ( TOS : " Space Seed ")
• Petty officer, second class; also known as "specialist second class", etc. ( citation needed • edit )
• Petty officer, third class; also known as " yeoman third class ", etc. ( TOS : " Charlie X ")

Crewmen [ ]

• Crewman first class ( TNG : " The Drumhead ")
• Crewman second class ( ENT : " Shuttlepod One ")
• Crewman third class ( ENT : " Cold Front ")

The lowest possible rank of recruit , ranked below the crewman grades. ( ENT : " Rogue Planet ", " Cogenitor ")

Titles and positions [ ]

Fleet captain [ ].

Fleet captain insignia, 2259

Fleet captain was a title bestowed upon Starfleet captains when in command of more than one facility. It was a rare distinction, held by particularly respected captains. ( TOS : " The Menagerie, Part I ", " Whom Gods Destroy ") The 2259 fleet captain rank insignia used the flag-officer-disk-version of the Starfleet insignia, with only the two small delta leaves below the main delta colored gold; the cuff stripes and other elements of the uniform were those of a captain. ( SNW : " Lost in Translation ")

In 2259, Captain Christopher Pike , commanding officer of the USS Enterprise , was temporarily promoted to fleet captain, bringing the USS Farragut and Bavali Station under his command. ( SNW : " Lost in Translation ") Pike was permanently promoted to this title by 2266 . ( TOS : " The Menagerie, Part I ") In the 2260s , it was also held by Captain Garth , one of Starfleet's most decorated captains and hero of the Battle of Axanar . ( TOS : " Whom Gods Destroy ")

Deputy director [ ]

Sloan's insignia

Sloan posing as a deputy director with Internal Affairs

While posing as a deputy director with Internal Affairs , Luther Sloan wore captain's pips with a gold bar connecting them beneath. ( DS9 : " Inquisition ")

Colonel [ ]

Colonel West in 2293

In 2293 , Starfleet Colonel West was involved in the Khitomer conspiracy . ( Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country )

Corporal [ ]

In 2154 , Starfleet Corporal Askwith perished at the Earth embassy on Vulcan. ( ENT : " The Forge ")

Miscellaneous [ ]

The space officer's shoulder epaulets

In 2254 , Captain Christopher Pike, while on Talos IV , imagined himself as an Orion trader . He imagined an officer in a dress uniform with him at the Orion colony wearing peculiar shoulder epaulets and of unknown rank. ( TOS : " The Cage ")

In 2376 , The Doctor aboard Voyager briefly resigned his Starfleet commission. ( VOY : " Virtuoso ")

Appendices [ ]

See also [ ].

• Starfleet admirals
• Starfleet captains
• Starfleet commanders
• Starfleet lieutenant commanders
• Starfleet lieutenants
• Starfleet lieutenants junior grade
• Starfleet ensigns
• Starfleet cadets
• Starfleet enlisted personnel
• Starfleet crewmen

Background information [ ]

The rank system used during Star Trek: The Original Series was originally designed by William Ware Theiss , with the first versions inspired principally by the insignia of the United States Navy. According to Inside Star Trek: The Real Story [ page number? • edit ] , since Gene Roddenberry didn't want an overtly military Starfleet, Theiss toned down his stripe system by giving ensigns no stripe and lieutenants one full stripe, which is what an actual USN ensign wears.

For Star Trek: The Motion Picture , Jon Povill sent Fletcher a production memo, dated 3 August 1978 , explaining the rank insignia to be used in the film, with no reference to lieutenant junior grade or other flag officers. ( The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , p. 126) Robert Fletcher , who designed the Starfleet uniform used in the film, developed a rank system which displayed on straps over both shoulders. These insignia included a circle for "mid shipman", a triangle for "lieut comm jr. grade", a chevron for "lieutenant comm", a single stripe for "commander", two stripes for "captain", two stripes a circle with spines for "admiral" and two spiney circles for "adm of the fleet". ( Star Trek: Costumes , p. 45) An unidentified triangular insignia is worn on the epaulets of several crewmembers, but is not identified in any production or background sources. It's A Wrap! sale and auction listed it as representing the rank of petty officer . [6] While an additional epaulet insignia featuring a single thin strip was also used but not identified to a rank. [7]

One version of the flag officer rank insignia sold as part of It's A Wrap! sale and auction

During the production of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Director Nicholas Meyer wanted the uniforms to feel as real as possible, and asked for new rank insignia. Fletcher explained: " There was kind of a complicated arrangement of divisions and ranks expressed by the braid on the sleeves. I made that up. I organized it and produced a little instruction booklet about it for the wardrobe department […]. " ( citation needed • edit ) On the early version of the uniforms, the insignia was on a band around the upper arm, which was later moved to the cuff. ( citation needed • edit )

The Star Trek Encyclopedia omitted and created insignia, introducing some confusion

The Star Trek Encyclopedia , 3rd ed., p. 201, depicted an overview of the rank system used in the Star Trek films , though it omitted the petty officer second class, created the master chief petty officer second class and fleet captain (which had not been used in the films,) and depicted erroneous insignia for lieutenant commander and admiral. The Star Trek Fact Files Part 70 and the Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 2, Issue 10 , p. 99, would also include the apocryphal fleet captain and master chief petty officer second class insignia, the erroneous lieutenant commander insignia (with a broken vertical gold stripe, instead of a solid horizontal gold stripe,) and an almost entirely different depiction of flag officer insignia. This system created an insignia with one gold dart to represent commodore, used the commodore insignia for rear admiral, created a three gold dart insignia for vice admiral, and used the rear admiral insignia for admiral. A three gold dart insignia was included in some It's A Wrap! sale and auction flag officer sets, but never seen on screen. [8]

The later pip designs of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Enterprise emulated US Navy insignias almost exactly, although an article on the 2151 uniforms and rank did not mention lieutenant junior grade or lieutenant commander. ( Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 3, Issue 11 , p. 42) Neither rank is used during Star Trek: Enterprise .

Apocrypha [ ]

The role-playing game supplement Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual discusses ranks.

Starfleet officers in the late 2230s

Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness , Issue 2 depicts that a style of uniform was in use by 2239 . This would make it seem that a few versions of the prime reality uniform were never adopted in the alternate reality, unless they was used very briefly after 2233 .

A rank senior to fleet admiral was first referenced in " The Wormhole Connection ". The rank of grand admiral is said to have existed in 2285 and has a special uniform with shoulder boards worn on the red maroon jacket uniform. The rank also appeared in the novel The Sorrows of Empire , held first by the counterpart Garth , then by the counterpart Matt Decker and then by Spock , before he becomes Emperor of the Terran Empire .

A "flag admiral" pin used as one of Data's medals

A "flag admiral" insignia design (a six pointed starburst) from the fan-published Klingon Covert Operations Manual was used as one of Data's medals in " The Most Toys ".

External links [ ]

• Earth Starfleet ranks at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Federation Starfleet ranks at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 1 Daniels (Crewman)
• 3 Jamaharon

• More to Explore
• Series & Movies

Published May 24, 2024

RECAP | Star Trek: Discovery 509 - 'Lagrange Point'

Problem now, science later!

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains story details and plot points for Star Trek: Discovery.

StarTrek.com

Previously, Sylvia Tilly reminds Ensign Adira how nervous they were to be on the Bridge when they were on Halem'no , but they did a great job. They're really finding their way, and they shouldn't be scared to take on more. Meanwhile, Zora interrupts the pair to tell them she found a match for the text on the metallic clue card — Labyrinths of the Mind — a Betazoid manuscript.

Heading to the Eternal Gallery and Archive , the Archivist Hy'Rell tells Burnham that record shows she's the first to come looking for the clue. As she pours the manuscript, Burnham's consciousness has been transported into a mindscape where an archivist avatar takes on the appearance of Book. His presence rattles her, forcing her to admit she wants to fix things but she doesn't know how. After passing the test, Avatar Book points her to the next clue's hiding spot, and offers her a hint about the final destination.

With Primarch Ruhn, Moll, and their Breen faction caught up, the Breen demands all the clues transported to them, or more deaths will be on the Federation's hands. Before transporting the clues, Burnham secures a scan of the map to their next location. The Discovery -A will evade and jump simultaneously, causing the Breen to believe they've been destroyed in the process.

Aboard the Breen Dreadnaught, following the assault on the Eternal Archive, Moll challenges Ruhn calling him out for his selfish actions. Before the primarch can harm her, Arisar steps in between them, as Moll takes his truncheon and disposes of him. She tells his soldiers that L'ak the Scion is the true emperor — long will he reign.

In the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery , " Lagrange Point ," after Moll and the Breen capture a mysterious structure that contains the Progenitors' power, Captain Burnham must lead a covert mission to retrieve it before the Breen figure out how to use it.

• T'Rina
• Michael Burnham
• Paul Stamets
• Cleveland "Book" Booker
• Lorna Jemison
• Sylvia Tilly
• Dr. Hugh Culber
• William Christopher
• Moll (Malinne Ravel)

• Federation Headquarters
• U.S.S. Discovery -A
• Breen Dreadnaught

A flurry of activity greets Captain Saru as he beams into Federation Headquarters, and Ni'Var's President T'Rina also awaits him at the transporter pad. Overjoyed to be reunited, Saru presents his partner with a vibrant floral bouquet from Elpanah, a gift which the culture believes to be good luck for those with impending nuptials. The Kelpien notices concern in T'Rina's demeanor, and she relays that the U.S.S. Discovery -A came into conflict with a Breen vessel and sustained damage — but no casualties. The situation has become complex, and President Laira Rillak has convened an emergency meeting that requires their attendance.

In Federation HQ's Briefing Room, President Rillak speaks to Saru, T'Rina, and other officials. She notes that Moll killed Primarch Ruhn, and the news has spread faster than they had anticipated. Within a matter of hours, the five remaining Breen Primarchs have become aware and smell blood in the water. Saru, who has just returned from planets near Breen space, believes this development could cause panic on those worlds. However, a more urgent matter requires their attention. T'Rina outlines an intelligence report indicating that Primarch Tahal intends to take Ruhn's soldiers in order to strengthen her bid for the throne of the Breen Imperium. Tahal has mobilized her fleet to pursue Ruhn's dreadnought, which is already en route to the location of the Progenitors' technology.

"Lagrange Point"

With Discovery -A also planning to converge on those coordinates once repairs are completed, the starship will need to secure the technology and jump away before Tahal appears on scene. If Tahal learns that the Federation is in search of the power of creation, she will want it for herself. The gravity of the situation sinks in, and Saru observes that the Discovery -A barely survived one dreadnought — facing Tahal's entire fleet would be impossible. President Rillak explains that Admiral Charles Vance is assembling every Starfleet ship in the sector, but most won't make it in time. An audible alert sounds, and a nearby communications officer informs those gathered that Moll's dreadnought just exited a transwarp tunnel and has picked up time. They'll reach the Progenitors' tech within 15 minutes.

His tone regretful, Saru communicates this update to Captain Michael Burnham as she traverses the Discovery -A's battle-damaged corridors. Saru trusts that the captain will find a way to succeed and promises to do everything he can to prevent Tahal's fleet from joining the conflict. Grateful for the reassurance, Burnham tells the Kelpien that repairs are nearly complete and the ship will be on its way soon. The captain smiles, vowing she will stay safe so that she can attend Saru's wedding when this is all over. The comms channel closes, and Burnham finds Commander Rayner at a fluctuating terminal. Bracing for the Kellerun officer's reaction, she reveals that Primarch Tahal might be on her way. Rayner's gaze hardens, but he quickly shifts back to his duties and reports that basic power and auxiliary systems are back online. The lighting fluctuates and returns to full illumination. The left nacelle is fully functional, the right nacelle is almost there, and the shields are in progress. But the spore drive is a different story…

Burnham and Rayner gather in Engineering with Commander Paul Stamets, Ensign Adira Tal, and Cleveland "Book" Booker. While they can jump, Stamets can not guarantee that they’ll land precisely where they intend to. Burnham is curious — how "not precisely are we talking?" Adira chimes in to mention that the nav system was damaged during Ruhn's attack. The captain also questions why Book, who is working at an open panel on the floor, is helping rather than recuperating in Sickbay. The former courier pledges that Dr. Hugh Culber patched him up and he couldn't just sit around relaxing. Burnham offers a slight grin, but her expression is tempered by concern. Although they had improved the margin of error considerably, Stamets would feel more confident in their landing accuracy if they could have another hour and a half. Rayner shuts the idea down. They need to jump right now.

The captain and first officer beam to the Bridge, where Lieutenant Commander Gen Rhys currently occupies the center seat. Seated at the conn, Lieutenant Commander Asha confirms that coordinates are set, while Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly's long-range scans are unclear. However, Tilly advises caution, as their destination is in an area of gravitational turbulence. Captain Burnham addresses the entire ship, warning her crew to expect a hard landing and the possibility that the Breen may already be on site. Commander Lorna Jemison engages at the ops station, and Burnham orders the jump.

As it makes the leap, the ship shakes in an uncontrollable fashion. Burnham initiates a Red Alert, and Stamets shares that he got them as close as he could to their target. The brilliant curves of gravity distortions occupy the viewscreen, indicating to Tilly that the vessel landed in the accretion disk of a black hole. Asha and Jemison concentrate on the ship's escape, but they will need more power to get out of the phenomenon. In Engineering, Stamets has Adira open the plasma injectors as Book moves to override the tolerance limiter. The astromycologist notifies Burnham that he's given her all the power has unless she'd like to pull from the cloak, but Rayner is adamant that it’s not worth the risk.

Asha is surprised by the gravitational pull's strength, at least until Tilly pronounces that there are two black holes — it's a binary system. Intrigued by the fact that they are primordial black holes, Tilly returns to the task at hand and suggests they move closer to the other black hole so that the ship can use its gravity to pull them away. Asha complies, and the gravitational shear places a strain on the Discovery -A that rattles the Bridge. After a brief struggle, the vessel launches itself clear of the black holes. Sighs of relief envelop the room, and Jemison promises Asha that the drinks are on her tonight. Asha jokes that it's tonight somewhere and there's no need to wait.

There are no signs of Moll's Breen Dreadnaught, but they can't be far behind. Tilly rechecks her scans, which now show their target to be within the Lagrange Point of the two black holes. The Progenitors' tech has been in gravitational equilibrium since they placed them there, and considering the black holes predate everything else in the galaxy, they have been there for an incredibly long time. The Progenitors' bounty doesn't register on sensors, but filtering out environmental debris narrows their target down to a cylindrical container that is composed of a duranium alloy which is impenetrable to scans. About the size of a small shuttle, the casing was built approximately 800 years ago — the same time the clue trail was laid. The scientists must have constructed it to hide the Progenitors' technology until the worthy seeker arrived.

The Discovery -A’s urgency to get the structure on board is amplified by an incoming warp signature — Ruhn's Dreadnaught! Unable to intercept the vessel or stop its tractor beam in time, Captain Burnham can only watch as the container is pulled into the Breen’s cavernous shuttlebay. Deflated glances abound, but Burnham demonstrates confidence in their ability to retrieve the technology. She relocates to her Ready Room, where — along with Tilly, Adira, Book, Stamets, and Rayner — they assess a holographic scan of their target. It is being held in the Breen shuttlebay, it's likely it won't take Moll long to open it. Tilly references a small opening or access point on the container, and Rayner deduces that it's a keyhole for the map of clues they gathered. Although Moll has the key, Burnham shares that she was told that there is another obstacle inside of the structure when she was in the mindscape. The captain was also given information about how to beat it — " Build the shape of the one between the many ." While cryptic, Burnham trusts that the phrase will make sense when it needs to.

Book weighs in with his opinion, crediting the Discovery -A with another advantage — Moll thinks they’re dead. Stamets presents a limited set of options, divulging that they'll need to take down the Breen's shields in order to beam the structure out. They’d also need to be in extremely close proximity to secure a successful lock. Inspired by the astromycologist’s reasoning, Adira proposes they utilize a transpo-lock. When Adira was in the United Earth Defense Force, they often employed such devices to get around interference near Mars. By attaching it to the structure, they could lock on and beam it out instantly once the shields are down. Stamets radiates pride in Adira's work, but Rayner emphasizes the problem of getting themselves on board the Dreadnaught.

Captain Burnham pauses for a moment before outlining her plan to accomplish that very feat. Scan data from their run-in with the Breen shows a gap in the dreadnought’s shield coverage at its exhaust port. They'll select two teams who can fly a shuttle in and beam aboard from there. Alpha Team will go to the Bridge, hack into systems, and standby to take down the Dreadnaught's shields. Bravo Team's target is the Shuttlebay, where they'll attach the transpo-lock onto the structure and beam back to Discovery once Alpha Team drops the shields. Slightly incredulous, Book describes the idea as insane.

Unperturbed, Burnham selects Book to pilot the shuttle, but Tilly highlights how difficult it is to crack the Breen's base-duodeca coding. Having analyzed the coding behind the Breen shield-tunneling technology, Adira enthusiastically volunteers to go on the mission. The request stuns Stamets, who rushes to propose that he can do the hacking — just not as fast as Adira. Nervous looks are exchanged among the group when Burnham asks Tilly if Adira can handle it, but the Starfleet Academy instructor agrees that Adira is up to the task. Burnham approves, placing Adira on Alpha Team and assigning Rhys as their security backup. The captain and Book will be on Bravo Team, and Rayner will have the conn. Tilly awkwardly accepts Rayner's invitation to be his acting first officer.

Book follows this exchange with an important question — how can they get around once they're on the Breen-infested Dreadnaught? Committed to hiding in plain sight, Burnham wants to use scans of soldiers from The Archive to let them replicate Breen suits. They'll simply need to add translation tech. Since Breen culture is rigidly hierarchical, looking the part and avoiding attention should allow them to go unchallenged. Book updates his assessment of the plan — it's still insane. Resolved to get the mission under way, Burnham mentions they'll leave in 10 minutes and ends the meeting.

In the Breen Dreadnaught's Shuttlebay, the structure is encased in a translucent green quarantine field. Moll considers the container, ordering the field to be taken down and handing the recently assembled map to Lieutenant Arisar. The Breen carefully passes it to one of his troops, and Moll promises the soldier that the Scion will reward him for his service. The subordinate cautiously fits the map into the circular access point, causing the structure's sides to retract slightly. An intense green glow emanates from within, leaving the soldier to hesitate and turn back to Arisar. The lieutenant orders him in, and the trooper reaches his hand toward the opening. The light grabs him, suddenly pulling him inside.

The vanishing act infuriates Moll, who demands that a nearby scientist not speak to her in Breen. The helmeted officer reports that the soldier no longer registers on scans. This appears to be an extra-dimensional gateway to an unknown location. Assuming the Progenitors' tech is on the other side, Moll will let the scientists analyze it to ensure that it is safe. Meanwhile, she retrieves a portable pattern buffer from her clothing. Learning how to use the Progenitors' power could take time, so this will preserve L'ak's body until then. Arisar nods, and Moll approaches her partner's corpse as it rests in state several feet away. She presses her head to L'ak's, promising to bring him back and securing the device to his helmet. Moll activates it, transferring L'ak's pattern into the buffer and affixing the storage unit on her sleeve.

Outfitted in a Breen suit, Adira strolls through a corridor in Discovery alongside Culber and Stamets. The doctor reminisces about Adira wishing him luck on his mission to the Ten-C planet, pleased that he now gets to do the same for them. Stamets expresses his reluctant pride, but assures them both that they will be fine. Zora's voice calls out over the comm system, notifying Adira that they are expected in the Shuttlebay. Adira beams out, supplying Culber with a moment to give Stamets a loving kiss and a comforting embrace.

On the Bridge, Rayner rallies his command crew — Tilly, Jemison, Asha, and Lieutenants Linus, Christopher, and Naya. Tilly steps back to Christopher's station, whispering her observation that the Kellerun first officer never sits in the captain's chair. Christopher confirms her analysis, as they've all noticed he avoids it like the plague. With Discovery still cloaked, the shuttle launches with Book at the helm and Burnham, Adira, and Rhys — all in Breen suits — aboard. Shields are raised, but Adira determines that the exhaust ports will fire at a temperature of at least 3,000 degrees Kelvin. However, the heat will camouflage their transporter signals so they can beam in undetected. Shields will give them sixty seconds before the shuttle burns to a crisp, but the craft is rocked by thermal radiation as Book endeavors to maneuver them into position.

Adira alerts them to an issue, but as they try to explain the complication, Captain Burnham orders, "Science later, problem now!" Shouting over the turbulent flight, Adira states that there are two Breen lifesigns where they have to beam in. Rhys asks why they can't beam in elsewhere, leading Adira to answer with Burnham's "science later, problem now" declaration — they just can't! The computer informs them that a hull breach is imminent, prompting Burnham to tell the crew to put on their Breen helmets and transport over to the Dreadnaught.

The four Discovery crew members land on the deck with unsteady feet, barely able to get their bearings before the two Breen turn a corner and approach them. The Breen guards confront the newcomers in their metallic machine language, but the Starfleet replica suits need a moment before they will begin translating in real time. The deciphered inquiry is piped into their helmets, as the guard demands they justify themselves. Burnham bursts into a rage, calling one of her undercover subordinates a pathetic achworm and chastising them for setting the transporter to the wrong sector. She shifts her ire to one of the Breen guards, slapping his weapon to the side and noting that his dishonorable conduct would disgust their Scion. The convincing ruse fools the Breen, and they continue on their patrol. Having succeeded in infiltrating the enemy vessel, Alpha and Bravo Teams split up to pursue their tasks.

Back at Federation HQ, President Rillak narrates a message to Primarch Tahal of the Third Flight and appeals for a meeting on a matter of utmost urgency. A communications officer indicates that the Breen received the message, but once again, no response was sent in return. T'Rina, Saru, and Attaché Mia Greer are also present, and Ni'Var's president concludes that Tahal is ignoring the communiques. In need of a way to stop Tahal's fleet, T'Rina suggests that the U.S.S. Mitchell could use its pathway drive to intercept them. Fearing the arrival of a Federation starship would escalate the situation, Saru recommends they dispatch a harmless shuttle instead. One was outfitted with the new propulsion system when the Pathway program began. The small craft couldn't be perceived as a threat to Tahal, but it might be able to force the face-to-face dialogue necessary to slow her down. If misunderstood, the trip could be a suicide mission.  

Greer weighs in, urging Rillak to stay at Fed HQ for last-minute negotiations should the shuttle gesture fail. T'Rina offers to draw up a list of suitable candidates who could be Rillak's delegate. Saru interjects, citing his tactical and diplomatic experience — as well as the fact that he used to serve on Discovery — as reasons he should pilot the shuttle to Tahal. Rillak considers it for a moment, ultimately opting to sanction his plan. Rillak and the others clear the room, providing Saru and T'Rina with a moment alone. Ni'Var's president shakes her head before departing herself.

In a hallway on the Dreadnaught, Burnham and Book encounter another armed Breen. The soldier speaks to them but uses words that aren't in the database. The captain recognizes the term sarkaress as a Breen feast day, venturing that the best response would be to agree to join the festivities. The soldier nods in appreciation and moves on. With their path now clear thanks to xenoanthropology — the gift that keeps on giving — Book senses Michael might be worried about the mission. She pulls him aside to tell him the real reason for her disposition, quietly explaining that the mindscape forced her to look at some things about herself and their relationship. Burnham let them drift apart because she felt like she'd failed, and it seemed easier to turn away. She apologizes, but Book confesses he did the same thing for the same reason. Book’s apology is cut short by the rhythm of boots marching on the deck, heralding the arrival of a heavily-armed Breen squad. Realizing that it's probably a shift change, Burnham and Book resolve to finish their assignment and push ahead.

Lieutenant Arisar reports to Moll on the Dreadnought's Bridge, informing her that their scientists have been unable to determine what's inside the gateway. The only way to get reliable data is to send someone through with the proper equipment. Unbeknownst to them, Rhys and Adira step into the vessel's command center with their disguises intact. Noticing a symbol on one soldier's arm which signals their status as the lowest-ranking bridge crew member, Rhys declares that trooper's console to be their mark. Or, as Adira puts it, everyone always picks on the ensign. Rhys commands the soldier to vacate his station, and a follow up from Adira sends the Breen into a retreat. Apprehension takes hold of Adira, but Rhys places a steadying hand on their arm. The ensign alerts Burnham that they're hacking into the shield systems.

On the Discovery -A's own Bridge, Rayner verifies that the ship will be ready to beam the team out and jump away as soon as the away team drops the Breen's shields. Shifting to his command crew, Rayner listens as each station checks in. The cloak and shields are nominal, and the Dreadnaught still doesn't seem to know the Federation ship is there. Lieutenant Gallo has all systems armed and ready at tactical, while Tilly updates the first officer on Tahal's fleet — it's less than two hours away. The updates complete, Tilly softly voices that Rayner's pacing is making everybody nervous. He's still hesitant to sit in the captain's chair, prompting Tilly to state that Burnham trusts him to lead Discovery , as they all do. Rayner responds by clarifying why he picked Tilly as his Number One — she's smart as hell and a good leader. If they were stuck in a foxhole together, Rayner wouldn't kill her… unless she gave him more of the "warm and fuzzy" encouragement that he doesn't need. Despite his words, they trade cautious grins.

Aboard the Dreadnaught, Burnham and Book get within visual range of the entrance to the Shuttlebay. Two Breen are guarding the door, and they watch as a Breen scientist's visor is scanned by the security system before they are permitted to enter the restricted area. Hoping their replicated suits will get them through, Book strides up to the scanner. The display flashes a harsh red, and the soldiers order him to vacate the corridor. Taking on the aura of a disgruntled Breen commander, Burnham yells at Book for forgetting to complete his clearance forms. The former courier leans into the ruse, aggressively pointing at Burnham. Their argument provides the perfect distraction, allowing them to jump the guards and incapacitate them. Burnham and Book hoist one of the Breen up to the door, gaining access by having the system scan the soldier's visor. They catch sight of the structure and begin concealing the guards' bodies.

Within the Shuttlebay, Burnham and Book watch as another Breen readies themself to enter the structure, this time with a cable connecting their suit to the ship’s deck. The additional safety measure makes no difference, and the Breen is sucked through the portal. Burnham reckons it must lead to the Progenitors’ tech, but is dismayed when the Breen raise a quarantine field around the structure. Book notes that the field draws power from a small box, and the captain adjusts her replicated suit to manifest a Breen science division symbol on her chest. She surprises Book by placing him on distraction duty and walks over to the Breen who is protecting the power source. Burnham covers herself with the claim that she’s performing maintenance, and Book tries to make idle conversation with the guard.

As Burnham successfully opens the power source, Book asks the Breen soldier about the sarkaress . The guard is receptive to the chat, so Book proposes that he and the soldier attend the feast together. Burnham is impressed by the flirting — a bold move — but things get too close for Book's comfort when the Breen offers to prepare a space for him in their oil bath. Burnham responds to Book’s concern with a playful demeanor before contacting Rhys and Adira on the Bridge. Adira finishes their work, happily declaring that shields are ready to drop. Moll receives a report from Arisar at a separate station situated across the expansive room, immediately growing suspicious upon learning that two guards are missing from their posts outside the Shuttlebay. Her eyes dart around the room, and she places the Shuttlebay on full lockdown — all credentials must be checked. Rhys starts to communicate this development to Burnham, but an alarm has already begun blaring throughout the storage area.

Meanwhile, Saru prepares for his dangerous rendezvous with the Breen by reviewing intelligence files on Primarch Tahal in his quarters at Federation Headquarters. T'Rina enters the room, announcing that the Kelpien's shuttle is ready and that she hopes the files she supplied will prove useful. Saru is appreciative but struggles to broach what's truly on his mind. He composes himself and stands close to his partner, explaining that he felt T'Rina was trying to protect him by offering to draw up a list of other candidates during the meeting with Rillak. T'Rina admits that her actual intention had been to protect the mission. She considers Saru's safety to be of critical importance but fears he will hesitate to take the necessary risks since they are so close to their wedding.

Saru counters that he'd never allow personal considerations to interfere with professional obligations. As T'Rina emphasizes that he’d never consciously do so, Saru delicately points out that Vulcans are not the only species capable of choosing logic and duty over emotion. The comment draws a slight grin from T'Rina. They've both chosen lives of service, and balancing those jobs with their love for one another will never be easy — but at least they can face that struggle together. T'Rina states that it would be illogical for her to request that he promise to return, so she instead asks him to try. Saru steps forward and hugs her in a reassuring manner, confirming that he'll see her when he returns. T'Rina lovingly touches her partner's chin, and then Saru exits to head to his shuttle.

On the Dreadnaught, the Breen soldiers present in the Shuttlebay gather to have their credentials scanned. Captain Burnham still needs a few more minutes to get the containment field down, so Rayner advises her that he has a risky idea. Before he can describe his plan, Burnham expresses her trust in him and orders him to initiate his strategy without hesitation. Rayner addresses the crew on Discovery 's Bridge — nothing grabs the attention like an unwelcome guest, especially one that they think is dead. He instructs Lieutenant Christopher to hail their enemy, an act which catches Moll off guard and momentarily stops her from leaving the Breen vessel's Bridge. Moll evaluates the predicament then directs Arisar to put the Dreadnaught on alert and arm weapons.

Thunderous alarms and pulsating lights bathe the Dreadnaught’s Bridge with a sense of urgency, and Moll answers Rayner's hail. Moll wonders why Rayner is the one hailing her, so he claims that Captain Burnham was killed during the attack at The Archive. A defiant Moll insists that Primarch Ruhn was responsible for the devastation, but he's dead now. Although Moll has the Progenitors' tech, Rayner relays that Primarch Tahal is on her way to draft Ruhn's ship into her own fleet. If Moll turns herself in and hands the Progenitors' technology over to Discovery , Rayner promises the Federation will protect her. Moll rejects the offer in an emphatic tone and closes the channel. His idea foiled, Rayner hears a report from Adira — Moll is leaving the Bridge. The Kellerun informs Burnham that she’s running out of time.

Fortunately, the captain wraps up her work on the power source in the Breen Dreadnaught's Shuttlebay. The quarantine field surrounding the structure drops, but weapons fire erupts around Burnham and Book before they accomplish their goal of securing the transpo-lock to it. They turn and find themselves encircled by Moll and a contingent of Breen soldiers. Cornered, they retract their helmets and face Moll without their disguises. Aware of Bravo Team's capture, Rayner contacts Adira and Rhys, commanding them to lower the Dreadnaught's shields once Burnham delivers a signal. They all listen in on the captain's open comm line as Moll questions her prisoners. Book refuses to share how they got on board — a good courier never reveals their secrets. The captain tries to appeal to Moll's love for L'ak but draws an angry response from her opponent. Committed to throwing them in the brig, Moll plans to go to warp before Tahal's arrival.

Rayner reacts by having Jemison ready Discovery 's transporters, but Burnham attracts their attention by yelling, "Wait!" Making it seem like she's conversing with Moll, the captain claims she hasn't gotten a chance to give her grum of osikod . The reference to a Kellerun saying perplexes Moll, but Rayner realizes it means Burnham is actually directing her words towards him. Burnham speaks to Moll, harkening back to her spacewalk on the hull of Moll and L'ak's ship — when she also first met Rayner. The captain had been flying out there all alone in space, but she always knew her crew would come for her. Just like they'll come for her now. Unimpressed, Moll orders her troops to put the prisoners in the brig — they'll drop them off somewhere once they’re in the clear.

On Discovery 's Bridge, Rayner smiles with enlightenment as the captain's message sinks in. On the other hand, Tilly does not. The lieutenant's confusion only deepens when Rayner remarks that they'll need to rip through the Breen Shuttlebay's containment field. He tasks Stamets with figuring out how to do it before reacting to Tilly's objection. Burnham and Book will be blasted out into space, but Rayner points out that is the captain's plan. Once outside of the Dreadnaught, the Discovery can beam Burnham, Book, and the structure aboard. Tilly covers her mouth to suppress her amazement. Rayner exudes confidence and dictates the crew's next actions — go to Red Alert, decloak, set course for the Breen Shuttlebay, and start firing with everything they've got.

The Discovery -A races forward, targeting the Dreadnaught with an array of phasers and photon torpedoes. The Breen vessel fires back. Burnham and Book harness the much-needed distraction to take down the two soldiers guarding them. As the Federation ship takes damage, Rayner contacts Stamets in Engineering. The astromycologist outlines a strategy — the ship must fly at full impulse, tilted down at 35.2 degrees with modulating shields concentrated on the deflector dish in order to pierce the containment field and maintain structural integrity. Culber asks if he thinks it will actually work, and Stamets responds with conviction, "Math doesn't lie." They will get Adira and everyone else out.

In the Breen Shuttlebay, Book and Burnham seek cover and dodge weapons fire. On the Dreadnaught’s Bridge, Adira drops the vessel's shields and draws the attention of two Breen guards. Rhys intercepts them and engages in close quarters combat, and Adira moves to assist him. The Discovery -A beams Rhys and Adira away, continuing its charge towards the Shuttlebay. Moll stares at the approaching ship, reasoning that the Federation ship plans to blow the structure out into space. Believing she might as well be dead if she can't bring L'ak back, Moll is willing to risk going through the portal. Burnham spots Moll as she pulls toward the opening and rushes to stop her. The captain arrives a second too late, taking a pause to reflect on her next move. She exchanges an uncertain-but-knowing smile with Book and leaps into the portal. Book calls out to her as the Discovery -A pierces the Shuttlebay's containment field.

The breach sends the Shuttlebay's personnel and equipment flying, and the structure tumbles out into open space. The sequence ruptures the container, and the portal emerges from its confines to spread out into a much larger gateway. Having beamed to Discovery 's Bridge, Book advises the Starfleet crew that Burnham went through the portal. The structure's speed and the density of debris prevent Jemison from locking on with a tractor beam, and Tilly's scans don't indicate any sign of the captain within the portal — she's just gone. Book insists he can feel that she's still alive. Rayner strides toward the viewscreen with newfound resolve, pointing at the portal and declaring, "Our captain is in there. The Progenitors' tech is in there. We're getting them both back."

Failure is not an option, and his rousing speech elicits inspired expressions among his subordinates. Rayner steps to the captain's chair, straightens his uniform, and takes a seat. Tapping the chair's armrest, Rayner proclaims, "Let’s do this."

* " Relics " — While aboard the Jenolan , Will Riker, Geordi La Forge, and Worf learn that Captain Montgomery "Scotty" Scott was able to exist in the transporter's pattern buffer with almost no degradation for 75 years.

• Written by Sean Cochran & Ari Friedman
• Directed by Jonathan Frakes

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Jay Stobie (he/him) is a freelance writer, author, and consultant who has contributed articles to StarTrek.com, Star Trek Explorer, and Star Trek Magazine, as well as to Star Wars Insider and StarWars.com. Learn more about Jay by visiting JayStobie.com or finding him on Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms at @StobiesGalaxy.

Star Trek: Discovery Seasons 1-4 are streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Switzerland, South Korea, Latin America, Germany, France, Italy, Australia and Austria. Seasons 2 and 3 also are available on the Pluto TV “Star Trek” channel in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The series streams on Super Drama in Japan, TVNZ in New Zealand, and SkyShowtime in Spain, Portugal, Poland, The Nordics, The Netherlands, and Central and Eastern Europe and also airs on Cosmote TV in Greece. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Every episode of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 ranked from worst to best

T his past week, we watched the grand finale of Star Trek: Discovery , and what a ride it’s been. The series took us on an interstellar journey full of twists, turns, and emotional moments. Now that the final episode has aired, it’s time for the ultimate mission: ranking all of this fifth and final season’s episodes from worst to best.

As we climb the ranks, the episodes just get better and better. From emotional character arcs to epic space battles, each one brought something special to the table. The top episodes had us cheering, crying, and everything in between. They showcased the best of Discovery : strong leadership from Captain Burnham, heartwarming moments, and of course, jaw-dropping sci-fi spectacle.

Let’s celebrate this incredible journey by reliving and ranking this last-ever chunk of episodes, starting, unfortunately, with the big finish:

10) Episode 10, "Life, Itself"

The series finale of Star Trek: Discovery aimed to wrap up the fifth season with a bang but fell short, landing it at the bottom of our rankings. The episode kicks off with Michael Burnham and Moll engaging in a dimension-hopping battle, trying to control the powerful Progenitor tech. Meanwhile, the Discovery crew faces imminent danger from Primarch Tahal's fleet, with Saru volunteering for a near-suicidal mission to save his shipmates. Despite the high stakes, the plot feels rushed and filled with forced twists, like Culber’s sudden spiritual insight and a simplistic puzzle Michael must solve. The climax fizzles out as Michael decides to destroy the tech, deeming it too dangerous, which undoes a season's worth of buildup. Even the final flash forward to Admiral Michael and Book's future with their son fails to deliver the emotional punch it wants to.

"Life, Itself" ranks last due to its convenient plot devices, rushed character arcs, anti-climactic resolution, and lack of emotional depth. While Star Trek: Discovery has delivered many thrilling adventures, this finale felt more like a misstep than a grand farewell.

9) Episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons"

"Under the Twin Moons," the second episode of season 5, takes us on a space adventure that's twistier than a barrel of Tribbles. Captain Burnham’s deep space musing sets the tone, but the episode starts off a bit slow with a hearing about Captain Rayner’s cowboy diplomacy. Not everyone’s impressed, and it drags a bit. The adventure kicks into gear on Lyric, a planet packed with history and Progenitor tech. Burnham and the crew are like space Indiana Jones, decoding riddles and dodging killer drones. This part is exciting and adds some much-needed thrills. Saru gets the nickname “Action Saru,” and it’s perfect. He and Burnham tackle ancient ruins and drone attacks like pros. The crew’s puzzle-solving feels a bit like a book club with higher stakes; it’s interesting but doesn’t quite match the action on Lyric. Book’s surprising (or convenient?) connection to Moll spices things up, but it’s a bit out of the blue. The race against Moll and L’ak is fun, but it feels a bit rushed. The episode’s metaphor about dualities — curiosity vs. preservation, adventure vs. respect — adds depth, reminding us of the complex nature of their mission. Despite the cool action scenes, the balance between excitement and downtime isn’t quite right.

"Under the Twin Moons" has its exciting moments and deep themes, but the slow start and uneven pacing hold it back. It’s a decent episode with some great action, but it could use a bit more zing. As it stands, it's in the second-to-last spot.

8) Episode 4, "Face the Strange"

"Face the Strange" takes us on a character-driven journey through time. The episode kicks off with a sneaky time bug that traps the Discovery in a time loop. This leads to our heroes popping up in iconic moments from the show's past, from battling the sinister AI known as Control and even seeing when the ship was constructed. It’s a nostalgic trip that’s fun but feels a bit like filler.

The episode shines a spotlight on Commander Rayner, who’s adjusting to his new role as first officer. His clashes with Captain Burnham’s emotional leadership style make for an interesting dynamic. By the end, Rayner learns the importance of emotional bonds and trust.

While the time loop and character moments are engaging, the episode’s pacing feels a bit slow. The plot involving villains Moll and L'ak doesn’t quite hit the mark; their motivations feel weak. "Face the Strange" is a filler episode with heart that sets the stage for more exciting adventures to come.

7) Episode 5, "Mirrors"

"Mirrors," the fifth episode of Season 5, has all the right ingredients but ends up being a bit of a middling meal. A mysterious wormhole, ghost ships, and a semi-destroyed USS Enterprise provide a spooky and intriguing setup. Book’s heartfelt reminiscing about his mentor and his attempts to pull Moll back from the dark side are touching if a bit plodding. Michael and Book’s space detective work inside the wormhole adds some excitement, but the episode could use more of it.

Despite the slow pace, we get some great character moments. Rayner stepping up and showing his leadership skills is a highlight. The villains in this episode don’t quite hit the mark. Moll and L'ak's backstory has potential, but the forbidden love story angle feels overused.

Overall, "Mirrors" has its moments but doesn’t quite hit the high notes we’ve come to expect from this show.

6) Episode 3, "Jinaal"

"Jinaal" gives us relationship drama, action, and some lessons on how not to be a jerk. Rayner’s character development is both frustrating and fascinating. He starts off as a bit of a bully, but Michael’s advice and Tilly’s tough love begin to break through his rough exterior. Watching Rayner learn to connect with the crew is both cringe-worthy and heartwarming.

Tilly and Adira’s mission to find Jinaal Bix, an ancient Trill, adds a fun and adventurous element to the episode. Their dynamic is entertaining, and their plan to talk to Jinaal through his newest host is classic Trek ingenuity. Wilson Cruz shines as Culber, especially when Jinaal’s consciousness temporarily takes over his body.

"Jinaal" blends relationship drama, character growth, and classic Star Trek adventure with heartfelt moments, thrilling action, and valuable lessons, keeping fans eagerly watching for what’s next.

5) Episode 1, "Red Directive"

"Red Directive," the season opener, kicks the season off with a bang and a bit of warp wave surfing! Captain Michael Burnham is on a mission to recover stolen goods from a vault, but things quickly go sideways.

The scenes where the cast socializes at Federation Headquarters are fun. It's great to see Burnham mingling with Stamets, Culber, and Tilly, who’s now a Starfleet Academy professor. The "Tonic 2161" cocktails add a nice touch of Trek nostalgia. The episode shifts into high gear with a chase across the desert planet Q’Mau. There’s a marketplace showdown, a sand runner chase, and an avalanche crisis that keeps the tension high. The tractor-beam tug-of-war is a standout moment. The Romulan puzzle box and its connection to the Progenitors is a brilliant nod to "The Chase" from Star Trek: The Next Generation . This season had so much potential.

Overall, "Red Directive" delivers a thrilling start with a perfect mix of action, nostalgia, and character development.

4) Episode 9, "Lagrange Point"

"Lagrange Point" is a thrilling ride that keeps you glued to the screen as Michael Burnham leads her team through high-stakes drama, epic space battles, and emotional moments. The tension is sky-high as the crew faces off against the Breen and tries to avoid getting pulled into merging black holes. Burnham's leadership shines and the action sequences are top-notch. Plus, the discovery of the mysterious Progenitor tech adds a twist that leaves you eagerly anticipating the finale. This episode perfectly blends action, suspense, and emotion, earning the number 4 spot in our rankings. If only the finale had been this good.

3) Episode 7, "Erigah"

"Erigah" is packed with political intrigue and heart-wrenching drama. It skillfully blends the spirit of classic Star Trek with fresh and modern ideas. The episode dives deep into Federation politics and the mysterious Breen. Commander Rayner steps up with a gut-wrenching backstory that makes you root for him. Rayner's dynamic with Burnham is electric. Their contrasting leadership styles create exciting tension. Moll and L'ak, our space Romeo and Juliet, find themselves in a cosmic pickle. L'ak's injury and eventual tragic overdose hit hard, leaving Moll alone and sad but determined to use Progenitor tech to bring him back.

"Erigah" blends heart-pounding drama, emotional depth, and classic Trek elements, making it a top-notch episode from this final season.

2) Episode 6, "Whistlespeak"

"Whistlespeak" is a standout episode of Star Trek: Discovery season 5. This one has everything that makes Star Trek awesome. Captain Michael Burnham and the ever-bubbly Lt. Sylvia Tilly beam down to the primitive planet Halem'no. Visiting Halem'no is like stepping back in time, with log-tossing and no tech in sight.

But things get intense quickly! Burnham and Tilly find themselves wrapped up in the planet’s strange and dangerous rituals, including a life-or-death race and a terrifying sacrificial chamber. The stakes are high, and Burnham has to work her magic to save Tilly and a local girl, Ravah, without breaking the Prime Directive...well, maybe just a little.

What makes "Whistlespeak" shine is how it channels the spirit of classic Star Trek . It's all about exploring strange new worlds, facing ethical dilemmas, and tackling social issues. The dialogue is sharp, the action is fast-paced, and it feels like a break from the usual galaxy-threatening crises. This episode challenges the crew’s morals and mirrors our own societal flaws through the lens of a primitive culture, just like the original series did. The emphasis on character interaction and clever storytelling captures the essence of what makes Star Trek special.

"Whistlespeak" beautifully connects Discovery to the roots of Star Trek , making it a nostalgic treat for fans. It’s an episode that entertains and makes you think, reminding you why you love the series.

1) Episode 8, "Labyrinths"

"Labyrinths" takes the crown as the best episode of season 5, and it's easy to see why. This episode dives deep into Michael Burnham's character, showing her vulnerabilities, fears, and regrets. Her emotional journey is touching and deeply human. The mind-bending plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as Michael faces a life-or-death puzzle in a virtual liminal space. The suspense and twists are pure Star Trek magic. Michael and Book's relationship adds depth to the story, and their scenes together are both tense and tender. While Michael solves puzzles, the rest of the crew kicks butt against the Breen. Lt. Gen Rhys shows his command skills, and Adira and Stamets' scientific genius saves the day. The action is top-notch and keeps the adrenaline pumping.

This episode channels the original spirit of Star Trek with its themes of humanity, diplomacy, and preservation of life. The nods to The Next Generation are a treat for long-time Trekkies, bringing a sense of nostalgia and continuity. Michael's heart-to-heart with the entity is unforgettable. Her fears and anxieties about being a good captain, friend, and partner are laid bare, making her incredibly relatable. This scene alone makes the episode a must-watch.

With stunning visuals, a gripping narrative and emotional depth, "Labyrinths" is a perfect blend of what makes Discovery great. It's an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you eager for the series' conclusion.

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This article was originally published on winteriscoming.com as Every episode of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 ranked from worst to best .

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Costume Designer Breaks Down Wedding Outfits, Progenitors Looks and New Starfleet Uniforms

By Scott Mantz

Scott Mantz

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After 65 episodes, “ Star Trek: Discovery ” boldly wrapped up its ambitious five-season run with “Life, Itself,” in which Captain Michael Burnham ( Sonequa Martin-Green) finally found the technology of the Progenitors that she and her crew had searched for, only to let it stay hidden after deeming that it too powerful to be in the hands of one civilization.

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After they were first introduced in a 1993 episode of “The Next Generation,” the Progenitors were finally revealed in “Life, Itself,” though with updated attire. As Tran explains, “I think costumes from the older shows look like they’re from the time from when the show originated, so our Progenitor had to feel a bit more ethereal. It became a lot about the materials we used, which had some metallic flax in it. That made it feel kind of amorphous, and the way it was cut was meant to be modern with a little cape, which also made it feel a little angelic. But the overall goal was just to make it feel as timeless as possible.”

As for the royal 32nd Century wedding between Saru and T’Rina, Tran found inspiration from another royal wedding, this one from the 20th Century. “My main reference point was Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier. He was wearing his traditional thing, and then she came from Hollywood wearing her traditional thing.”

When it came to T’Rina’s wedding gown, which weighed 27 pounds, Tran went much further back into “Star Trek’s” past. “We looked at Vulcan weddings from ‘Star Trek’ canon. We looked at T’Pring times two. There’s T’Pring from ‘The Original Series’ [from the 1967 episode ‘Amok Time’] and there’s T’Pring from ‘Strange New Worlds’ [from the 2023 episode ‘Charades’]. In the ’60s show, there was a metallic trim that ran down her dress, and then a similar idea that was updated for “Strange New Worlds.”

Tran further explains, “We also looked at ‘Enterprise,’ where the character T’Pol also had a Vulcan wedding [in the 2004 episode ‘Home’]. She had a veil perched on her head, but our version is much more dramatic and sculptural, and we used tent wire to make it as big as possible. Otherwise, the dress was very much inspired by Grace Kelly’s wedding dress. It’s just the 32nd Century version of that mixed with Vulcan.”

Soon after filming wrapped on the fifth season in November of 2022, Tran got a call from “Discovery” showrunner Michelle Paradise. “She said that this is going to be our final season, but we’re coming back, and we’re shooting this coda that will flash forward to the future. I’m going to send you the script pages, and then you’ll get to work. I had a little over a month to prep for that.”

About a third of Tran’s 65-person wardrobe department returned for the coda, which was filmed over just three days in the spring of 2023. A new time frame meant new Starfleet uniforms for now-Admiral Michael Burnham and her son, Captain Leto. “You can’t alter the look of the uniforms too much, and you can’t really change the color,” says Tran. “You also can’t do much with the silhouette. The shape is what it is, so it became more about putting it together in a way that felt interesting.”

Tran did just that by drawing inspiration from the look of two classic “Star Trek” eras. “We really wanted to honor ‘Discovery,’ but we also wanted to pay tribute to the ‘Star Trek’ legacy as a whole, so I looked at other uniforms. One was from ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,’ those red uniforms. That was definitely the reference for Burnham, and we wanted it to be as bold as possible. We did two shades in our version. One is a darker shade, and there’s a lighter shade, just to give it some contrast, especially with the way we were sewing it.”

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