Discover the Hidden Gems: Unveiling 11 Exclusive Star Trek Features in Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery revolutionized the Star Trek franchise with its introduction of unique concepts and characters, most notably Captain Michael Burnham portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green. Serving as a successful relaunch of the television series in 2017, Discovery marked a significant milestone, bridging the twelve-year gap since the cancellation of Star Trek: Enterprise. Its impact on Paramount+ has been monumental, propelling a remarkable revitalization of Star Trek and pushing the boundaries of innovation and progress. Notably, Discovery has surpassed its predecessors by featuring a greater representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Interestingly, Star Trek: Discovery initially intended to be an anthology series. However, due to creative differences, creator Bryan Fuller departed from the show, resulting in a change of direction. Contrary to the original plan, Discovery made history by centering the story around Michael Burnham, the first Black female lead in a Star Trek series. Moreover, in a bold move, the show shifted from its original mid-23rd century setting and propelled itself into the 32nd century by the end of season 2. Consequently, Burnham's adventures on her eponymous starship now take place at the furthest point in the Star Trek timeline, adding another layer of uniqueness to Star Trek: Discovery.

Here are 11 exclusive aspects that can only be witnessed in Star Trek: Discovery.

11 Kelpiens

10 The Spore Drive

The introduction of the Kelpiens in Star Trek: Discovery marked the arrival of a new extraterrestrial species. Originating from an agrarian, pre-warp civilization, the Kelpiens were a highly fearful species who endured years of subjugation by the Ba'ul on their home planet of Kaminar. However, everything changed when Commander Saru, serving aboard the USS Discovery, underwent a transformative biological process known as Vahar'ai, which revealed that Kelpiens were destined to overcome their fear. With the assistance of Saru and the Discovery crew, Kaminar was liberated from the oppressive rule of the Ba'ul. As a result, the Kelpiens experienced a rapid evolution, embracing technological advancements and venturing into space as an advanced race. Presently, in the 32nd century, Kaminar is a peaceful coexistence between the Kelpiens and the Ba'ul. It is worth noting that the Kelpiens have yet to make an appearance in any other Star Trek series apart from Discovery.

Star Trek: Discovery's most brilliant technological innovation is the displacement-activated spore hub drive. The spore drive enables the USS Discovery to enter Black Alert and instantly teleport to a desired location through the mycelial network. While previous Star Trek series had introduced faster warp drives, the spore drive represented a significant breakthrough. Nevertheless, its existence in the mid-23rd century stirred controversy as it contradicted established Star Trek canon. However, in the 32nd century, the spore drive has become an invaluable asset to a post-Burn Starfleet undergoing reconstruction. As it stands, the USS Discovery remains the sole starship in the Star Trek universe with a reliable, fully functional spore drive.

9 Discovery’s Klingons

Star Trek: Discovery season 1 revolutionized the depiction of Klingons to exhibit a more primal and extraterrestrial nature. The exploration of Klingon identity served as a central theme throughout the season, as this warrior race engaged in a conflict with the United Federation of Planets. However, Discovery's portrayal of the Klingons incited a wave of criticism from fans, resulting in their absence from the Star Trek franchise for a significant period of time. Consequently, after their hiatus, the Klingons returned in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, adopting a visual design more reminiscent of the beloved depiction in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

8 Vulcan & Romulan Unification

In the 24th century, the legendary Ambassador Spock, portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, dedicated his life to accomplishing the unification of Vulcans and Romulans. These two groups had been separated for thousands of years. However, upon their arrival in the 32nd century, Commander Michael Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery were thrilled to discover that Spock's dream had indeed become a reality.

The devastating supernova that occurred in the 24th century resulted in the destruction of the Romulan homeworld. In the aftermath, the Romulans returned to their original homeworld. This shared planet was then renamed Ni'Var. It is now home to both Vulcans and Romulans, as well as the Qowat Milat sect of Romulan warrior nuns introduced in Star Trek: Picard. Remarkably, Star Trek: Discovery is the only show where Vulcans and Romulans coexist harmoniously.

7 Zora

6 Discovery’s Starfleet Uniforms

Star Trek has always included artificial intelligence (A.I.) and voice-operated computers, but Star Trek: Discovery took it a step further by introducing the first fully sentient starship computer. In the Star Trek: Short Treks episode "Calypso," viewers were introduced to Zora, the USS Discovery's computer. Zora became fused with an astounding 100,000 years of galactic data from the Sphere during Star Trek: Discovery season 2. This fusion resulted in Zora evolving into a female persona who now looks after the well-being of the USS Discovery's crew. In Star Trek: Discovery season 4, Zora even acquired the rank of Specialist, officially becoming a member of Starfleet.

Starfleet uniforms have undergone numerous transformations over the years, with a significant shift occurring in Star Trek: Discovery's first season. This groundbreaking series introduced an entirely new Starfleet uniform, characterized by a sleek and monochromatic blue design. This distinctive style endured until season 3, when the USS Discovery transitioned seamlessly into the 32nd-century Starfleet. As the season concluded, Star Trek: Discovery further evolved its uniform aesthetic, transitioning to a refined monochromatic gray design. However, it wasn't until season 4 that the series bestowed Starfleet with color-coded uniforms. It is worth noting that this pioneering fashion trend of tailor-made Starfleet uniforms for each new Star Trek series was initiated by Star Trek: Discovery.

5 Programmable Matter

Programmable matter: A Game-Changing Technology in Star Trek

4 32nd Century Starfleet Ship Designs

Programmable matter, a groundbreaking concept introduced in Star Trek: Discovery, represents a remarkable advancement in Star Trek technology. Exclusive to the 32nd-century Star Trek universe, this revolutionary substance consists of nanomolecules capable of autonomously rearranging and adapting themselves into predetermined forms. Whether it's the futuristic starship control interfaces or the astounding shape-shifting starship belonging to Cleveland Booker (portrayed by David Ajala), programmable matter is an awe-inspiring innovation that sets Star Trek: Discovery apart from other sci-fi series.

Star Trek: Discovery's 32nd century brings a whole new era of Starfleet ship design. Gone are the traditional shapes and contours, as the futuristic Starfleet fully embraces a sleek and flattened aesthetic, accompanied by elegant organic curves. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of detached nacelles, a unique upgrade that sets these ships apart. Not only do the ships exhibit a transformed appearance, but even Federation headquarters itself has undergone a striking transformation, now taking the form of an intriguingly shaped space station that was once concealed by a powerful cloaking device.

In this bold new setting, the USS Discovery, which hailed from the 23rd century, found itself as a relic out of time when it arrived in the year 3189. However, rather than being disregarded, Michael Burnham's starship underwent a comprehensive refit that left no aspect untouched. Stem to stern, the USS Discovery was enhanced with the latest technology, including programmable matter, which allowed for remarkable adaptability. The ship also received detached nacelles, an upgraded spore drive interface, and was proudly rechristened as the USS Discovery-A.

3 The Burn

2 The Federation President As A Recurring Character

The United Federation, known for its resilience in the face of cosmic calamities, encountered a devastating event called The Burn in Star Trek. This catastrophe proved to be more destructive than any threat posed by the Borg, the Klingons, or the Romulans, as it shattered the very foundation of the Federation. The Burn occurred in the 31st century when every dilithium-powered warp capable drive in the entire galaxy exploded simultaneously. The resulting chaos led to the collapse of the Federation and a widespread embrace of isolationism throughout the galaxy. However, in Star Trek: Discovery season 3, Michael Burnham and the USS Discovery were able to uncover the cause of The Burn and restore warp travel to the Federation. Despite their efforts, the 32nd century Federation continues to grapple with the long-lasting effects and is now engaged in the arduous process of rebuilding, in an attempt to recover from the unimaginable damage inflicted by The Burn.

In the realm of Star Trek, various characters have assumed the role of President of the United Federation of Planets, predominantly appearing as guests. However, Star Trek: Discovery season 4 defied convention by featuring the Federation President as a recurring and impactful figure. President Laira Rillak, portrayed by Chelah Horsdal, is a unique blend of human, Cardassian, and Bajoran ancestry and adopts a hands-on approach to governing the Federation.

Throughout the Dark Matter Anomaly crisis in Star Trek: Discovery season 4, Rillak demonstrated a particular interest in Captain Burnham's investigation of the DMA. Although Rillak and Burnham initially worked together apprehensively, the President's unwelcome presence aboard the USS Discovery yielded positive results. It influenced Burnham, instilling within her the qualities of a stronger leader. Consequently, Rillak and Burnham emerged as allies, displaying mutual respect.

1 Species 10-C

In Star Trek: Discovery season 4, Captain Burnham leads the USS Discovery in a mission to cross the Galactic Barrier and locate the creators of the Dark Matter Anomaly. Upon entering a new galaxy, the Discovery makes First Contact with a species known as 10-C. Unlike the typical humanoid aliens seen in the Star Trek universe, Species 10-C is a truly extraterrestrial being with its own emotion-based language that the crew of the Discovery must decipher and learn. This introduction of Species 10-C in Star Trek: Discovery is a unique innovation to the franchise. Fans can look forward to the premiere of Star Trek Discovery season 5 on Paramount+ in 2024.