Star Trek: Ranking The Short Treks From Worst To Best

"Calypso", Star Trek: Picard writer Michael Chabon's first contribution to the Star Trek Universe, is one of the best installments in the franchise in years and easily the best of the CBS All Access-era.

Set aboard some version of the USS Discovery, lost and abandoned 900s years in the future, "Calypso" has no interest in the larger narrative of Star Trek: Discovery or even the Star Trek Universe, but still manages to feel like Trek; even the best of Trek.

A one man show about Craft (Aldis Hodge) forging a relationship with Discovery's now sentient computer, Zora, "Calypso" is the rare AI story that humanizes both the human and the non-human in equal parts. This all culminates in an expression of affection, even love between the two characters that's romantic, memorable, and beautifully staged. The bridge of the USS Discovery is turned into a dance floor and there's not a hint of irony, just genuine pathos.

"Calypso" is an isolated story that finds real emotion in its characters, a rewarding watch that makes the most of its Star Trek setting without the baggage of canon or backstory or technobabble. It's a promising sign that Star Trek can still achieve the heights of its glory days.