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“Face the Strange,” the fourth episode of Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, turns a time-loop crisis into a character test. Its best moment comes when Captain Michael Burnham confronts the version of herself she used to be; meanwhile, Commander Rayner gets a practical demonstration of why Discovery’s collaborative crew works. The hour is entertaining and rich in callbacks, though its emotional lesson is more explicit than its contribution to the season’s Progenitors hunt.
What happens in “Face the Strange”?
As Discovery follows the next lead in its search for the Progenitors’ technology, Moll and L’ak’s time bug sabotages the ship. Discovery cycles through periods of its own history, leaving Burnham and Rayner outside the loop while Stamets can perceive what is happening. They have to understand the threat and stop it before the ship is lost in its own past.
The time bug is the episode’s engine and a way to revisit the series’ history—not a new clue in the treasure hunt. The episode moves through earlier eras of Discovery, including Burnham’s first days aboard and the crew’s journey to the 32nd century. Those returns give the loop a personal dimension: the ship’s changing history mirrors how much its captain has changed.
Why does Burnham meet her earlier self?
The episode’s emotional centerpiece is Burnham’s encounter with a version of herself from the period around her mutiny. The contrast makes her development visible rather than leaving it as something characters merely describe: the Burnham who once resisted Discovery’s command structure now has to face the person she was when she first came aboard.
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Sonequa Martin-Green, who plays Burnham and is an executive producer, called the encounter “a gift” and said, “You see the progression right there in front of your face.” The scene is a nostalgic return, but its purpose is more than recognition. It gives Burnham a chance to register how her experiences—and the relationships she has built—have changed her.
Does Rayner change, and what does he learn?
Rayner’s conflict with Burnham is about how a crew should function. He favors decisiveness and discipline; Burnham expects people to be involved, connected, and willing to speak up. Their disagreement is not simply a clash between a stern commander and a warm one: it asks whether collaboration can be an operational strength when the ship is in danger.
Rank #2
![Star Trek: Discovery - Season Five [Blu-ray] [Region A & B & C]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51m2qMmqqSL._SL160_.jpg)
- Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Drama
The crisis gives Rayner a reason to see Discovery’s bonds as useful, not merely sentimental. His skepticism is understandable, and the episode’s central contrast between his command habits and Burnham’s approach gives the time-loop story its second character track. But the lesson is stated plainly enough that the resolution can feel engineered to make the point, rather than discovered organically through the crisis.
Does the time-loop story work?
The loop provides a clear, enjoyable framework for moving between familiar periods of the show and putting Burnham and Rayner under pressure together. Stamets’ ability to perceive the loop helps establish that the ship’s repeated changes are not just visual callbacks; there is a concrete danger to solve. The strongest use of the device is the way it lets the episode put past and present Burnham in direct conversation.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe trade-off is that the hour’s attention stays with its character lesson and historical revisits. The episode offers little movement in the season-long search for the Progenitors’ technology, so viewers looking primarily for a new lead may find it more diverting than consequential. That restraint also keeps the installment focused: its main payoff is what Burnham and Rayner see about themselves, not what they uncover about the hunt.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verdict: a character-driven detour with a strong payoff
“Face the Strange” is a satisfying character episode when it lets the time loop turn Discovery’s history into a measure of Burnham’s growth and Rayner’s adaptation. Its callbacks have a clear emotional purpose, and the two commanders’ contrasting ideas of leadership give the crisis shape. The episode is less persuasive when it spells out its lesson, and it does little to move the treasure hunt forward. For viewers invested in the crew and Burnham’s journey, the personal payoff outweighs that slowdown.
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Best Value
![Star Trek: Discovery - Season Five Steelbook [Blu-ray] [Region A & B & C]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412aWuFIovL._SL160_.jpg)
- Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Drama
Rank #4
- Limited Edition Steelbook: This exclusive collectible edition features premium steelbook packaging, making it a must-have for Star Trek enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate high-quality physical media presentations
- Complete Season Four: Experience the entire fourth season of Star Trek: Discovery, following Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery as they navigate unprecedented challenges and face threats unlike anything encountered before
- Epic Storyline: Watch as the crew confronts a mysterious threat that impacts both Federation and non-Federation worlds, requiring unprecedented cooperation and determination to secure a hopeful future for all civilizations
- Physical TV Series: Own a tangible copy of this critically acclaimed science fiction series, allowing you to enjoy the adventures of the U.S.S. Discovery crew without relying on streaming services or internet connectivity
- Collector's Item: The steelbook format provides enhanced durability and distinctive shelf appeal, featuring unique artwork and design elements that distinguish this limited edition release from standard home video releases
Episode details
- Series: Star Trek: Discovery, Season 5, Episode 4
- Title: “Face the Strange” (Paramount+ styles it “Face The Strange”)
- Writer: Sean Cochran
- Director: Lee Rose
- Paramount+ listing: April 11, 2024. Paramount+ identifies the episode as watchable on its service; availability may vary by region.
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