Sonequa Martin-Green's Patient Wait to Take the Captain's Chair: A Story of Respect and Leadership
Discover the journey of Sonequa Martin-Green as she patiently waited for her turn to sit in the Captain's chair, recognizing the importance of leadership succession and respect within Star Trek Discovery.
Sonequa Martin-Green, the lead of the Star Trek: Discovery series, deliberately refrained from sitting in the USS Discovery's Captain's chair until the moment when Michael Burnham would become a Captain. As the show's fifth season premieres on Thursday, April 4, on Paramount+, it will bring closure to Burnham's journey spanning over 930 years in the Star Trek timeline, culminating in her rise to Captain of the USS Discovery at the end of season 3.
In an interview with the Television Academy (Emmys.com), Sonequa Martin-Green discussed her five seasons portraying Michael Burnham in Star Trek: Discovery. Despite knowing from the beginning that Burnham would eventually become a Captain, Martin-Green chose not to sit in the Captain's chair on the USS Discovery until the pivotal moment arrived, recognizing the significance of that moment in Burnham's journey.
I wasn't particularly enticed by it at all. I simply recall thinking, "When it's Michael's turn, it will be my turn. That's when I will claim the seat, just as she did." The significance of that moment for the character, myself as the actor, and for the overall story and legacy of Star Trek was not lost on me. Therefore, I made sure to experience it alongside Michael, and I am extremely pleased and fulfilled that I did.
Check out the Star Trek: Discovery season 5 trailer below:
Keeping Burnham's Star Trek: Discovery Captain Destiny A Secret Was Difficult For Sonequa Martin-Green
Discovery fans saw Burnham earn the Captain's chair
Star trek discovery season 1 captain michael burnham season 4 - Discovery fans saw Burnham earn the Captain's chair - Keeping Burnham's Star Trek: Discovery Captain Destiny A Secret Was Difficult For Sonequa Martin-Green
Sonequa Martin-Green struggled to keep quiet about Michael Burnham's eventual promotion to Captain during the early seasons of Star Trek: Discovery. Just like Benjamin Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Burnham didn't start off as a Captain but earned the title in the third season. As the first African-American female lead in a Star Trek series, Martin-Green revealed how she had to keep the exciting news under wraps to avoid spoiling the surprise for fans.
That was something that I couldn't share, obviously... And even speaking about it in the cultural context, what it means for the Black community specifically, I know a lot of folks were like, 'Yeah, but you're not the captain'. And I understood that. I understood that point of view. And I thought: 'I know it seems that way, it seems like a slight. But it's not. We're going to earn it. And you're going to be able to watch.
The USS Discovery saw several Captains take the center seat of the Crossfield Class starship, from Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs) to Captain Saru (Doug Jones). Since the series built up to Michael Burnham earning the big chair and her four pips, it's safe to conjecture that Michael will be the final Captain of the Discovery since the series ends with season 5. It won't be until years after Star Trek: Discovery is over, and the series is fully assessed, that the true importance and cultural impact of Captain Michael Burnham will be understood as she inspires future generations of fans.
Star Trek: Discovery season 5 premieres April 4 on Paramount+.
Source: Television Academy
Editor's P/S:
Sonequa Martin-Green's unwavering commitment to portraying Michael Burnham's journey authentically is both inspiring and heartwarming. Her decision to refrain from sitting in the Captain's chair until Burnham's moment of triumph demonstrates a profound understanding of the character's growth and the significance of that pivotal moment. The article's exploration of Martin-Green's struggle to maintain secrecy about Burnham's destiny adds a layer of intrigue, underscoring the anticipation that surrounded her eventual rise to Captain.
The article also highlights the cultural impact of Captain Michael Burnham as the first African-American female lead in a Star Trek series. Martin-Green's recognition of the importance of this representation and her determination to earn it through Burnham's journey is a testament to her passion for the role and her dedication to breaking down barriers. The article leaves readers eagerly awaiting the culmination of Burnham's journey in the upcoming season 5 premiere, promising a satisfying conclusion to her remarkable Star Trek legacy.
