Star Trek: Short Treks Season 1 Episode 3 The Brightest Star

The episode titled The Brightest Star is the third installment of season one of Star Trek: Short Treks. Set in the Star Trek universe, this short story follows the character of Saru, a Kelpien alien, and his early life on his home planet.

The episode begins with a vivid look at the Kelpiens' everyday life, their village, and customs. Saru, who has always felt different from his peers, is inquisitive about the outside world and discovers that starships and outer space exist. His father, however, warns him that venturing too far from their home planet, Kaminar, is dangerous and forbidden by the Ba'ul, a predatory species that the Kelpiens have obeyed for centuries, fearing their wrath.

Saru longs for adventure and the possibility of living a different life awakens his curiosity. He secretly seeks to learn more about the space outside his home's confines. During a forbidden excursion in the forest, Saru encounters a group of Starfleet officers who landed on Kaminar. He is fascinated by the alien ship and the crew's technology and begins to understand the impact that the Starfleet's mission can have on various civilizations.

But the choices Saru has made lead to grave consequences, forcing him to decide between staying on his planet or leaving with the Starfleet crew. The Brightest Star is a masterful exploration of character development and the exploration of societal norms and boundaries. The episode is set against the backdrop of Saru's planet, which is beautifully realized through amazing visual effects.

Doug Jones, who portrays Saru with remarkable prosthetics and makeup, portrays the character's struggle and charm in a way that will undoubtedly resonate with Star Trek fans. The episode's pacing is flawless, creating an emotional connection between the viewer and the characters.

The Brightest Star is an excellent episode in the first season of Star Trek: Short Treks that explores Star Trek's core themes of exploration, curiosity, and the persistent need for discovery. Fans of Star Trek will enjoy this brief but memorable chapter of the Kelpien's history and hope to see more episodes of Saru's adventures in the future.