WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery’s finale, “Life, Itself”
Summary
Star Trek: Discovery’s ending beautifully illustrated just how much Saru (Doug Jones) had changed for the better since season 1. Saru has been part ofDiscovery’s cast of characterssince the beginning, making his debut in the series premiere episode, “The Vulcan Hello.“As the first Kelpian to join Starfleet, Saru introduced the race toStar Trekcanonand helped make them one of the most popular and interesting races of any new franchise show to date.
As a main character onDiscovery, Saru saw some massive shifts in terms of his arc throughout the show’s five seasons. ByDiscoveryseason 5’s ending, every member ofDiscovery’s main crew showed immense growth and change when compared to their original incarnation in season 1.However, Saru arguably experienced the biggest transformation for a variety of reasons, and a particular scene inDiscovery’s series finale, “Life, Itself” demonstrated the character’s shift well.
Why Discovery Is Ending With Season 5 & What It Means For Star Trek
Star Trek: Discovery ending with season 5 came as a surprise. Here’s what we know about why the flagship Star Trek series is wrapping up.
Saru’s Star Trek: Discovery Transformation Was Beautifully Demonstrated By His Series Finale Triumph
Saru became a completely different person by Discovery’s final episode
Saru’s triumph over Breen Primarch Tahal (Patricia Summersett) inDiscovery’s finale was the perfect illustration of his complete character transformation, especially when compared to a similar scene in the show’s pilot. One of the most memorable moments in “Life, Itself” was Saru successfully forcing Tahal away from the Progenitor’s technology, includinghis brutal intimidation of the Primarch when he stated that he’d analyzed her as a predator analyzes prey. Saru’s refusal to back down saved the lives ofDiscovery’s crew, but his speech was also a reminder of just how much he had learned about himself and his species.
Season 1 Saru would never have been able to accomplish the intimidation of Tahal, but the scene inDiscovery’s finale brought home just how much he had transformed from someone who was nearly constantly frightened to someone who could stare down a Breen Primarch and not blink.
When Kelpians were first introduced inDiscoveryseason 1, Saru toldMichael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green)that they were like Earth’s “livestock of old,” bred only to “sense the coming of death.” The reveal that Kelpians were actually the predators of their home planet Kaminar inDiscoveryseason 2 resulted in one of Saru’s biggest character shifts.Season 1 Saru would never have been able to accomplish the intimidation of Tahal, but the scene inDiscovery’s finale brought home just how much he had transformedfrom someone who was nearly constantly frightened to someone who could stare down a Breen Primarch and not blink.
What’s Next For Saru After Star Trek: Discovery’s Ending?
Where and when will Saru appear next in the Star Trek franchise?
Luckily, there are many possibilities for Saru’s return to theStar Trekfranchise now thatDiscoveryhas ended. Of course,ifDiscoveryever gets a movie or season 6somewhere down the line, Saru will undoubtedly return to the main cast, as the series would not be the same without him.However, the most likely place for the franchise to use Saru next isStar Trek: Starfleet Academy, the upcoming series that will focus on cadets at the Academy in the 32nd century.
Given thatStarfleet Academyis looking more and more like aDiscoveryspin-off, Saru’s inclusion in the series only makes sense. As ofDiscovery’s finale,Saru was not only a Federation Ambassador but also an Admiral in Starfleet. Saru’s distinguished position, popularity as a character, and potential for storylines like exploring his married life with President T’Rina (Tara Rosling) make him an ideal candidate to return inStarfleet Academy, alongside otherStar Trek: Discoverycharacters like Slyvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman).
All episodes of Star Trek: Discovery are now available to stream on Paramount+.
Star Trek: Discovery
Cast
Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.
