Star Trek: Discovery could have followed in the footsteps of two great episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but it didn't. In its fifth and final season, Discovery sent Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) on an adventure that spanned the Star Trek timeline. Discovery may have received mixed reviews from fans, but the show introduced some amazing new characters and ultimately revitalized the Star Trek franchise. Discovery's final season incorporated numerous elements and references to past Trek but missed an opportunity to capitalize on a particular kind of story.
Doug Jones' Saru became one of Star Trek: Discovery's most beloved characters as his story arc was one of its most compelling. Saru singlehandedly changed the Kelpiens' way of life, and his profound kindness affected everyone he met. Although Saru had never shown an inclination toward romantic attachments, this changed when he met Ni'Var President T'Rina (Tara Rosling). The two began what can best be described as a courtship in Discovery season 4, and quickly became the show's most adorable couple. They married in Discovery's series finale, but the show could have dedicated an entire episode to their stunning ceremony.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Should Have Ended With An Episode About Saru’s Wedding
Discovery Could've Dedicated An Entire Episode To Saru & T'Rina's Wedding
Star Trek: Discovery beautifully staged Saru and T'Rina's wedding, but missed an opportunity by not devoting an entire episode to the event. Discovery season 5 followed an action-packed storyline that took Michael Burnham and her crew to some fascinating new places, as they raced to stop a potentially devastating weapon from falling into the wrong hands. With such high stakes and fast-paced storytelling, an episode dedicated to Saru and T'Rina's wedding would have been a nice way to wind down the series.
One of Star Trek: Discovery's greatest strengths was always its characters. A wedding-centric episode would have allowed the show to focus more on the characters and their relationships as it brought their stories to a close. It would have been fun to see Saru, T'Rina, and their friends preparing for the wedding, as they were finally able to relax after saving the galaxy (again). Star Trek: Discovery's series finale had a lot of story threads to wrap up, unfortunately reducing Saru and T'Rina's wedding to a couple of scenes, but their relationship remains one of the show's highlights.
Star Trek Rarely Does Wedding Episodes (But They’re Always Great)
Star Trek Should Absolutely Do More Wedding-Focused Episodes
While Star Trek has not done many wedding episodes, the ones it has done have been great. Star Trek: The Next Generation season 4, episode 11, "Data's Day," may center on the experience of Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), but his day revolves around the wedding of Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) and Keiko (Rosalind Chao). Data spends his day learning to dance from Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and acting as a go-between between Miles and Keiko. "Data's Day" is an incredibly fun and sweet episode that perfectly celebrates the family that Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew have become.
Star Trek: Discovery unfortunately missed the opportunity to add another wedding episode to Star Trek's repertoire.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine also did a wedding-centered episode, in season 6, episode 7, "You Are Cordially Invited." The story centers on Lt. Commanders Worf (Michael Dorn) and Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) as they prepare for their wedding. Complete with a Klingon bachelor party and a temporary last-minute cancelation, "You Are Cordially Invited" celebrates one of Star Trek's best couples and offers the characters (and the viewers) a break from the ongoing Dominion War. Star Trek: Discovery, unfortunately, missed the opportunity to add another wedding episode to Star Trek's repertoire, but gave Saru and T'Rina a lovely happy ending.
