EXCLUSIVE: Star Trek: Discovery's Sonequa Martin-Green reflects on Michael Burnham's epic journey

Sonequa Martin-Green shares her insights on Michael Burnham's transformative journey in Star Trek: Discovery's final season - a legacy of evolution.
Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ © 2021 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.
Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ © 2021 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved. /
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Amidst the swirling nebulae and the unfathomable depths of space, I had the absolute pleasure (and luck) of chatting with the incomparably talented Sonequa Martin-Green, the shining star at the helm of the USS Discovery.

As we bid farewell to Star Trek: Discovery, we stand on the cusp of a new dawn, armed with the lessons of the past and the hope of the future. Sonequa Martin-Green, through her portrayal of Michael Burnham, has gifted us a character whose journey is a beacon for all who navigate the often turbulent journey of self-discovery - something that's heavily relatable to most of us.

You can watch my conversation with Sonequa below:

Our conversation started by mirroring the fiery trail of a starship speeding through the cosmos. Sonequa, with a warmth that could thaw even the coldest reaches of space, greeted us all at the round table like a beacon of light guiding us through the dark.

As we delved into the essence of her character Michael Burnham's epic saga, Sonequa illuminated the profound journey of her character, a journey that reflects the odyssey of Discovery itself. Michael's transformation - from battling inner demons to embracing her destiny as a beacon of hope - echoes the very soul of everything Star Trek embodies.

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Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham; of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. /

Michael Burnham: from fear to faith, from pain to purpose

Sonequa, with the grace of a true Starfleet officer, reflected on Michael's evolution. "It's sometimes hard to remember how far you've come," she shared, a sentiment that resonates not just with Michael but with each one of us. Through trials and tribulations, Michael has navigated the tumultuous waters of space and self, emerging as a leader who leads with grace, digs gold out of everyone around her, and embodies the very essence of Starfleet's ideals.

This final season, as Sonequa eloquently put it, encapsulates Michael's journey from fear to faith, from pain to purpose. It's a narrative that doesn't just chart the course of a character but sets a new standard for storytelling within the Star Trek universe. Discovery's legacy, as Sonequa hopes, will be one of profound character evolution, where the journey to becoming who you're meant to be is front and center.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5
L-R David Ajala as Book, Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham and Wilson Cruz as Culber in Star Trek: Discovery, season 5, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Credit: Marni Grossman /Paramount+ /

A journey beyond the stars: Sonequa's reflections

But what about the incredible actor behind the character? Sonequa's reflections on her time portraying Michael Burnham reveal a journey just as transformative off-screen. "I'm blessed beyond measure," she expressed, her gratitude eclipsing the brightest stars in the sky. For Sonequa, the role of Michael Burnham has been more than just a character to portray; it's been a journey of artistic fulfillment, a testament to the power of storytelling, and an opportunity to explore the vast expanse of human (and beyond) experience.

So, as the final season unfolds, let's join Michael and the crew of the USS Discovery one last time, charting a course through the unknown, with the knowledge that the journey is just as important as the destination.

In the words of Sonequa, may we all go from fear to faith, from pain to purpose, and leave a legacy as enduring as the stars themselves.

Let's fly.