Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 7 Review: Erigah

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 7, “Erigah,” brings the Breen front and center as the Federation takes Moll and L’ak into custody. It’s an improvement from last week’s fare, to be sure, although it’s far from perfect. 

Erigah 

Moll and L’ak’s story has never been particularly compelling. That said, “Erigah” gives it a jolt of electricity even though L’ak dies. If anything, his death catalyzes the remainder of the seasonal narrative as we barrel toward the endgame. 

What makes it worse — heartbreaking, even — is watching these two characters make an impossible (and head-scratching) choice in a last-ditch effort to escape, resulting in L’ak dying in the U.S.S. Discovery‘s sick bay. 

Eve Harlow delivers her best work of the season thus far, mining Moll’s depths for vulnerability and searing heartbreak. We haven’t seen any other side to her besides the “tough girl” persona, so it’s nice to see a change in demeanor, even at the expense of her grief. 

Rayner and the Breen

Callum Keith Rennie does “gruff yet lovable curmudgeon” quite well. While Rayner’s uber-specific backstory tying into the Breen might feel too plot-convenient, Rennie’s performance sells it. This reviewer just wishes Burnham and the Federation would’ve listened to, you know, the one person with firsthand knowledge of the Breen. 

“Erigah” highlights one of Burnham’s flaws as a captain: writing off Rayner as a cranky Number One who shoots first and asks questions later. Sure, the Federation isn’t about shows of force, but sometimes, when dealing with a formidable race not known for playing nice, peaceful negotiating might be off the table. 

On the Edge of War 

That said, we actually feel the weight of the stakes in “Erigah” — a first in Star Trek: Discovery‘s final season. The Breen are legitimately terrifying and imposing in appearance and behavior. L’ak’s death will undoubtedly bring about a full-on battle as the Discovery crew scrambles to find the final clue leading them to the Progenitor tech. 

The fight sequences are well-choreographed, for the most part, even if Nhan versus Moll is a bit of a letdown. 

Another highlight of the episode is the inimitable Tig Notaro as Reno. Any time Reno appears, you know you’re in for a good time. She provides levity aplenty in a series that’s usually somber (most of the time). 

It’ll be interesting to see if the remaining three episodes can maintain the momentum established in “Erigah.” It would be a shame for Star Trek: Discovery to drop the ball now. They’ve set the stage for some fun Breen action, which might even eclipse the search for the Progenitor tech in terms of intrigue. 

Only time will tell… 

Stray Observations: 

• That Bopak III reference from Moll proves that Star Trek: Discovery‘s last hurrah is a big Deep Space Nine love fest. 
• The “Seven of Limes” line made me giggle. Someone needs to make a cocktail recipe for this in real life. 
• I’d watch a spin-off featuring Reno working various odd jobs. I’d also watch the hell out of Reno bartending in a Cheers-esque setting.  
• As excited as I am to see Rachael Ancheril back as Commander Nhan, I feel Moll shouldn’t have easily defeated her in combat. A Starfleet-trained commander who served as chief of security aboard the Enterprise and Discovery gets her ass handed to her by … Moll? *in robot voice* Does not compute. 
• I keep seeing folks comparing Rayner to Shaw, and you know what? I get it. This show said, “We need our own Shaw.” 
• So, Doug Jones has revealed why he’s been absent for most of Season 5, but I’m still hoping Saru reappears soon. His absence is keenly felt and is a big reason why much of this season feels off. 
• I love David Ajala; however, this season doesn’t know what to do with Book besides brood over Moll and go on missions with Burnham. 

What did you think of this episode of Star Trek: Discovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Star Trek: Discovery drops new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+. 

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