10 Best Episodes Of Star Trek: Discovery, Ranked

Despite sparking a lot of discussion, Star Trek: Discovery provided viewers with some truly great science fiction television. The show, which ran for five seasons on Paramount+, differed from traditional Star Trek by focusing its story on a single character, Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green. It emphasized action and had a generally more serious and somber feel than earlier Star Trek series.

Despite its flaws, the newer Star Trek series have given us memorable villains, strong acting, and impressive visuals. Though the shows aren’t always consistent with established storylines, the best episodes of Discovery demonstrate that it remains true to the spirit of Star Trek, and these ten episodes have solidified its place in the official Star Trek universe.

10) “An Obol for Charon”

The crew of the Discovery comes across a strange, failing sphere attempting to reach out, forcing them to consider what it means to understand another being. At the same time, Saru becomes seriously ill, and Burnham fears she’s about to lose a dear friend.

This episode stands out as a top 10 contender, largely due to its incredible use of multiple languages – the crew speaks over 50 different language fragments! Beyond that, the episode skillfully builds suspense around Saru’s potential departure, and Michael Burnham’s powerful performance of the Klingon language truly makes this episode a memorable one.

9) “People of Earth”

This episode of season 3 sees Burnham reconnect with her crewmates after a year of separation. She quickly learns that the Federation is falling apart, and Earth has isolated itself from the rest of the galaxy. Like many classic Star Trek stories, what should have been a joyful reunion turns into a stark reminder of how fear can tear even advanced civilizations apart.

“People of Earth” is a particularly meaningful episode, cleverly using the show’s hopeful spirit to explore themes of nationalism – and specifically, the issues surrounding Brexit. It successfully conveys its message without sacrificing genuine emotional connection, and Sonequa Martin-Green gives a fantastic performance.

8) “Unification III”

One of the best episodes in season 3 features Burnham going to Ni’Var, the planet formerly known as Vulcan, on a mission to recover important data. She discovers that Spock’s long-held dream of uniting Vulcans and Romulans has finally come true. The episode is beautifully done and includes old footage of Leonard Nimoy, which is sure to move any fan of Star Trek.

Seeing Burnham experience the fulfillment of her brother’s legacy, so many years after he’s gone, is truly powerful. It’s especially rewarding for fans who remember the episodes “Unification I” and “II” from The Next Generation. Ethan Peck’s performance as Spock is particularly meaningful as Burnham connects with her family history and the long tradition of Star Trek.

7) “Vaulting Ambition”

The first season takes viewers to the Mirror Universe, where Michael Burnham has a tense confrontation with Emperor Georgiou, a darker version of her former mentor. At the same time, the true reasons behind Captain Lorca’s actions are exposed, revealing a major secret about the starship Discovery.

I was absolutely blown away by Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou! She brought such a unique, almost theatrical, sense of menace to the role, and the way she played both versions of the character really made the Mirror Universe storyline incredibly gripping. Then Jason Isaacs’ reveal as Lorca? Total game-changer! It completely flipped the season on its head. And honestly, the visual differences between the Terran Empire and the regular universe of Discovery were stunning. It’s still a topic fans are debating and discussing online, and it’s easy to see why – it was a truly unforgettable episode.

6) “If Memory Serves”

In a beloved episode from season 2, Burnham and Spock revisit the famous planet Talos IV to help Spock recover from a mental trauma. This moving story connects the events of Discovery to the original Star Trek pilot, ‘The Cage,’ and features some of the series’ most compelling and personal character moments.

Similar to ‘Unification III,’ ‘If Memory Serves’ connects the history of Star Trek with its current stories, even referencing the original ‘The Cage’ with familiar sets and black-and-white clips. The episode opens with a compelling montage that smoothly transitions from footage of Jeffrey Hunter in 1965 to scenes with Martin-Green and Peck. Later, the connection between Peck and Martin-Green is particularly strong, especially when Burnham confesses her regret about their time apart.

5) “New Eden”

Season 2 features a standout episode called “New Eden.” The crew follows a strange red signal to a faraway planet where they find human colonists who’ve lost contact with Earth. The team then faces a difficult choice: should they reveal the truth about Earth and potentially disrupt the colonists’ beliefs, or leave them to continue as they are?

The episode “New Eden” was almost universally praised for successfully capturing the spirit of Star Trek. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, a beloved figure from TNG and Star Trek history, it features stunning visuals, like the church filled with symbols from different religions and a dramatic storm that challenges Detmer’s flying ability. However, it’s the episode’s writing that truly makes it stand out – earning it a place among the best Star Trek episodes ever made. It offers a new and interesting look at the age-old conflict between science and religion, gives supporting characters like Owosekun and Detmer a chance to develop, and even includes some genuinely funny moments. In the end, the episode delivers an optimistic conclusion that stays true to the hopeful vision of Gene Roddenberry.

4) “Species 10-C”

Following a buildup of suspense around the DMA and who built it, the crew of the Discovery finally encounters Species 10-C – a civilization unlike any they’ve seen before, communicating through intricate combinations of chemicals and math. Now, with the entire galaxy at risk, Burnham and her team must figure out how to establish communication.

The episode “Species 10-C” is a standout first-contact story grounded in believable science and the study of language. The way the crew, especially Zora, communicates with the alien species through scents and lights is reminiscent of the classic Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Darmok.” What’s refreshing is the focus on teamwork and thoughtful solutions rather than dramatic action. We see Dr. Hirai’s scientific insight, Saru’s understanding, and Burnham’s diplomatic skills all working together, creating a truly memorable and modern Star Trek experience.

3) “Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2”

The second season of Star Trek: Discovery reaches its peak as the crews of the Discovery and Enterprise team up to defeat Control, a dangerous artificial intelligence. A large fleet of Starfleet ships joins a huge space battle, with Captain Pike, Spock, Number One, and Admiral Cornwell leading the charge from the bridge of the Enterprise.

“Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2” is arguably the most visually impressive episode of Discovery. From the exciting bridge battles to the striking time suit, the production design is phenomenal, and the special effects are some of the best in Star Trek. Beyond the spectacle, the episode really shines with its characters. We see a deeply emotional goodbye between Burnham and Spock, and Tilly demonstrates incredible bravery. The story also neatly concludes several key storylines, giving satisfying conclusions to Georgiou and Pike’s arcs before the time jump resets everything. It’s a powerful, visually captivating, and emotionally resonant episode that easily ranks among the show’s best.

2) “Brother”

I’m so excited about the new season of Discovery! It’s awesome to see Captain Pike and Jett Reno taking the lead as they try to figure out these weird red signals popping up everywhere. The season kicked off with the crew saving people from a wrecked ship on an asteroid, and honestly, it feels like a totally fresh start. It’s much brighter and more about exploring, which is exactly what I loved about Trek in the first place. It really feels like they’re recapturing that classic spirit!

The episode “Brother” was a significant improvement for the series. Anson Mount’s Captain Pike was a fantastic addition to the cast, bringing to mind the classic captains from the original Star Trek. The asteroid rescue scene featured impressive visual effects, particularly during Detmer’s intense piloting. The introduction of Jett Reno, played by Tig Notaro, added some welcome levity to the show’s often serious tone. Overall, the episode’s strong pacing, visuals, and sense of adventure made Discovery feel more aligned with classic Star Trek, potentially winning back some fans.

1) “Magic to Make the Sanest Man Go Mad”

I remember when Captain Lorca and the crew got stuck in this crazy time loop! It was so intense watching them repeat the same thirty minutes again and again, thanks to Harry Mudd. Stamets really had to push himself to figure out how to break it and save the ship. And honestly, it was a really unique episode – the science of the time loop combined with some surprising romantic moments made it one of my favorites from the first season!

The Discovery episode “Magic” is considered one of the best in modern Star Trek, and rivals some of the franchise’s all-time greats. Rainn Wilson delivers a standout performance as Harry Mudd, portraying him as humorous, cruel, and genuinely threatening – a significant departure from his more comical role in the original TOS. The episode received high praise for its editing and overall structure. Anthony Rapp’s portrayal of Stamets adds emotional depth amidst the complex technology. Even smaller scenes, like Burnham’s clumsy dance with Tyler and the lively disco party on Deck 5, brought a welcome sense of levity to the show. By skillfully using the time-loop concept, a Trek tradition, “Magic” stands out as the most enjoyable and rewatchable episode of Discovery.

What’s your favorite episode of Star Trek: Discovery? Share your pick in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-02 17:44