Join me on a walk through the labyrinth for Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths.” We’ve got a mind palace, a riddle to solve, and some self-reflection to do. Plus we’ve got more Breen political maneuvering and an exciting space shoot out too! We’ve got to find our way out of this maze, so let’s dig into my thoughts on Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths.” Any other reviewer would be just as frustrating.
When in Doubt, Go to the Library
Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths” takes us to one of my favorite places to go—the library. But even further, it’s not just going to the space library. It’s a massive archive of physical media that exists in the 32nd century! As someone who refuses to give up her physical media collection—DVDs, Blu-rays, VHS, laserdisc, CDs, records…I could go on—I ADORE the idea of the endurance of physical media more than 1000 years into the future. (Don’t even get me started on the state of streaming right now).
I love even more that this massive archive moves around for safety and is a full-on space station in its own right. The aesthetics of The Archive are my speed as well. The dark wood grain, and the deep reds and greens all make me very happy. It feels like the space version of the library in Clue and I am here for it!
Aside from all these aesthetics, The Archive is a great setting for an episode called “Labyrinths.” A library is a place for learning and thoughtful introspection, as is a labyrinth, which is why it works well as a mind palace. I’ve got more thoughts about the use of a labyrinth in this episode, but I’ll save further discussion of that for later. Elena Juatco as the Space Librarian Hy’Rell is completely charming. I love her no-nonsense approach to handling the Breen. All science fiction could use more charming space librarians. I hope this isn’t our last visit to The Archive.
Walking the Labyrinth
The use of a labyrinth in Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths” is a perfect application of the original function of the device. And no, I don’t mean the delightful David Bowie movie from 1986. Labyrinths are historically used for prayer and personal reflection.
The winding path allows for the opportunity to reflect upon one’s self, which is appropriate for the necessary lesson. Michael can’t figure out what she must learn from this test because she’s literally up in her own head about it. Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths” has Michael literally mind-mapping to figure out this problem. It’s only when she reaches the end of the labyrinth that she realizes what she needs to do.
Know Yourself
Shakespeare said, “To thine own self be true.” Further, Lao Tzu says, “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.” Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths” has Michael learning this kind of wisdom. I will even go as far as to say that Sonequa Martin-Green delivers a monologue of self-reflection that is both about Michael and herself.
Sonequa Martin-Green has gotten a lot of crap since the start of Star Trek: Discovery. When her casting was announced, the Star Trek fandom learned that there were a lot of Star Trek “fans” who didn’t understand Star Trek. And yet, Sonequa pays her haters no mind and keeps moving forward. She possesses a grace that many, including myself, would not be capable of.
The question of “Am I good enough?” and the feeling of “I have to earn my place in this space” ring clear in Michael’s head, and frankly, probably Sonequa’s. I know they do in mine and probably every other woman on the planet. I don’t want to project on an actress that I do not know personally. However, there’s a definite sense in her performance here that those words are personal.
Sonequa’s performance here is the highlight of Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths.” It is also perhaps one of the best examples of Star Trek: Discovery’s overall theme of emotional intelligence. It feels appropriate as the series draws to a close to have our leading lady show us that in order to properly lead with benevolence, emotional intelligence is beyond vital.
Final Thoughts
Overall Star Trek: Discovery 5×08 “Labyrinths” gives us an interesting way to gain another clue. “Guide Book” as my We Are Starfleet cohost, Craig McKenzie calls him, is a delightful play for David Ajala. David gets to have a bit of whimsy in his performance, which is a nice side to see of him.
We’ve also got some drama with Moll taking out Primarch Ruhn and taking on leadership of that faction. We now also have the coordinates to the Progenitors’ technology. Will the Breen beat us there? I’m eager to watch the next episode and find out!
The next episode of Star Trek: Discovery will premiere on May 23, 2024, on Paramount+.
