Paramount+ has published a (brief) season five synopsis

[Quinton]

This happened during Star Trek Day, according to TrekMovie, but it somehow flew past me entirely until last night. Was I blind? Probably, but I didn't see a thread on it, so hopefully this is okay.

In season five, Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncover a mystery that sends them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well… dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.

"An ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries" really has me wondering. How many centuries? And how ancient? This certainly strikes me as something that might have its roots in prior canon. On the other hand, if its existence has been successfully hidden from the Federation, maybe not so much.

I know there's not much to chew on here, but I figure it's worth a little friendly speculation.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Space treasure hunt! Sounds a little like the unmade Star Trek Into Oblivion, where an ancient device was capable of reshaping the universe. Vulcans wanted to restore their world, some baddie played by Bryan Cranston wanted to remake the universe in their own image. Kirk and Spock would have met Old Kirk and Old Spock somehow on their way to saving the day.

 

[Sakonna]

Sounds like an idea that plays to Disco's strengths. Their sweet spot is episodic serialization, when they have a larger mission with a lot of specific discrete pieces to provide episode arcs (first half of season 2, most of season 4).

So that couldn't be more perfect for a quest story. I find this an encouraging tease.

 

[shapeshifter]

Reminds me of TNG The Chase. And an ENT episode I cannot remember the name of but is about an ancient Romulan weapon.

The best aspect though, for my money, is the intentional use of the Discovery to go somewhere in the galaxy no other Trek can. God I love this ship!

 

[fireproof78]

Could be good.

 

[UssGlenn]

Reminds me of TNG The Chase

Indeed. I'm continually annoyed that the idea was wasted on a 2 parter. Who knows maybe this ancient power is the Progenitors. I could totally see their existence being covered up after the discovery in the 24th century. The timeline works with this description.

 

[The Wormhole]

Sounds promising, so long as they keep the Galactic Apocalypse(TM) out of it.

But I'm not holding my breath on that.

 

[Paul755]

Sounds promising, so long as they keep the Galactic Apocalypse(TM) out of it.

But I'm not holding my breath on that.

agreed. Make it a chase but not one where if they don’t beat the Klingons (for example) to it the Klingons will enslave the rest of the Galaxy or something.

 

[Timelord79 (he/him)]

Indeed. I'm continually annoyed that the idea was wasted on a 2 parter. Who knows maybe this ancient power is the Progenitors. I could totally see their existence being covered up after the discovery in the 24th century. The timeline works with this description.

The Chase wasn’t a two-parter. Just a regular length single episode. Though a lot happened in it.

 

[fireproof78]

agreed. Make it a chase but not one where if they don’t beat the Klingons (for example) to it the Klingons will enslave the rest of the Galaxy or something.

Kzin.

 

[Vger23]

Ok now THIS sounds like it would be my speed.

 

[Enterprise is Great]

Iconians maybe? Probably not. I’m guessing it’ll be something new.

 

[valkyrie013]

Learn for SNW.. Just make it fun, .. Not everything needs to be galaxy spanning probable apocalypse..

 

[UssGlenn]

The Chase wasn’t a two-parter. Just a regular length single episode. Though a lot happened in it.

That's even worse!

 

[Kamen Rider Blade]

So, a variant of "The Chase" mixed in with "The Amazing Race" and make it a season long mystery hunt?

Could be good.

But I still feel like 10 episodes isn't enough for a season.

Does anybody else feel like 10 eps are too short to be considered a season?

 

[Paul755]

The Chase wasn’t a two-parter. Just a regular length single episode. Though a lot happened in it.

Gambit was a 2-parter and covered similar ground. It had that great scene where Data has to dress down Worf for being an ass. Plus James Worthy as a Klingon.

 

[fireproof78]

 

[Lord Garth]

I've known about this one for a few days. I didn't share it here, intentionally. I'm excited about the premise and wanted to enjoy being excited.

 

[Saul]

In season five, Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncover a mystery

Oh Gods, another one?! Were seasons 2,3 & 4 not enough with the whole season long mystery?

 

[drt]

Oh Gods, another one?! Were seasons 2,3 & 4 not enough with the whole season long mystery?

I'd say if it's been in every season since the first, it's the show's format.

I guess it also makes sense in universe as well, based on how they solved the Burn and 10-C, Discovery has become the Federation's rapid response, mystery solving team.