# Starfleet Academy EP5 - KEEPS GETTING WORSE! - Angry Review Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxQiEowcx-U Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/lxQiEowcx-U Generated: 2026-02-06T17:45:53.911+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The reviewers heavily criticize Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 5, "A Life Cut Short," rating it a 1/10, primarily due to its perceived poor writing, especially regarding the character development of the younger cadets and the unnecessary inclusion of the B-plot involving the romantic subplot between Cadet T'Vrell and another cadet, which they found cringe-worthy and insulting to Star Trek lore. **Key Points:** - The episode received a low rating of 1/10 from the reviewers, with the right-side reviewer expressing extreme dislike for the writing. - The primary criticism targets the subplot involving the young cadets, which the reviewers found cringe-worthy, citing scenes like a cadet vomiting glitter and another cadet being told to 'shut the fuck up'. - The characters of the young cadets, particularly the blue-skinned Khionian, are deemed poorly written and lacking depth, feeling like shallow attempts to cater to modern audiences. - The A-plot involving the mystery of Benjamin Sisko's fate is considered the only redeeming element, though it was undercut by the poor writing elsewhere. - The episode features a scene where a cadet vomits glitter (09:15), which the reviewers found emblematic of the show's poor quality and lack of seriousness. - The reviewers mock the perceived forced attempt to include political correctness, such as the mention of Jaden Smith wearing skirts, contrasting it with genuine Star Trek themes. - The episode fails to make the characters emotionally impactful, despite attempting to force dramatic moments like the one involving the character 'Aki' (32:32). ![Screenshot at 45:40: The main reviewer expresses extreme frustration and a low rating of 1/10 for the episode, highlighting the overall poor quality despite the presence of a good A-plot.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lxQiEowcx-U/00-45-40.jpg) **Context:** The video features three reviewers from 'The Angry Joe Show' reacting to and reviewing the fifth episode of the final season of Star Trek: Discovery, titled 'A Life Cut Short.' The review focuses heavily on the perceived decline in writing quality, particularly criticizing the handling of the younger cadet characters and their interpersonal drama, contrasting it unfavorably with the show's main plotline concerning the fate of Benjamin Sisko. ## Detailed Analysis The reviewers universally despised Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 5, giving it a 1/10 rating, with the main reviewer stating he hated the episode and that the writing was 'fucking bad' and 'cringey' on nearly every level. The primary source of frustration stemmed from the focus on the younger cadet characters (e.g., Jaden, the blue-skinned Khionian, and the character 'Aki'), whose subplot was deemed irritating and poorly executed. Specific cringe moments cited include a cadet vomiting glitter (09:15) and another cadet being told to 'shut the fuck up' (48:48). The reviewers felt the episode prioritized awkward or forced emotional beats over meaningful storytelling, such as the supposed romantic subplot between the blue alien and the cadet. The main saving grace mentioned was the A-plot concerning the mystery of Benjamin Sisko's fate (00:03, 03:04, 03:53), which one reviewer admitted he liked, but this was overshadowed by the poor B-plot execution. The reviewers mock the writing for trying to force complex themes while failing to deliver basic character development or emotional resonance, concluding that the episode was a failure across the board, especially compared to classic Star Trek narratives. ### Reviewer Reaction - The lead reviewer expresses extreme disappointment and disgust, rating the episode 1/10 and calling the writing 'fucking bad'; one co-host hides his face in despair (00:11, 37:48, 45:54). ### Cadet Subplot Criticism - The subplot involving the young cadets, particularly Jaden and the blue alien Aki, is heavily criticized for being cringe-worthy and poorly written, exemplified by the glitter-vomiting scene (09:15). ### Sisko A-Plot - The main mystery regarding 'The Fate of Benjamin Sisko' (03:04, 03:53) is noted as the only redeeming element of the episode. ### Writing Quality - Reviewers lambast the writing for being simplistic, failing to explore deeper themes, and relying on awkward, forced emotional moments instead of genuine character development (40:37, 41:15). ### TNG Comparisons - The episode is unfavorably compared to 'The Measure of a Man' (01:54) and the 'Bork' story (16:01), suggesting the current writers lack the skill to handle complex moral dilemmas. ### Jaden Smith Parody - The reviewers bring up Jaden Smith wearing skirts to mock the episode's perceived pandering or attempt at progressive themes, calling it 'shoehorned' (17:16). ![Screenshot at 00:00: Opening title card for 'Streaming Turbo' with 80s grid aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lxQiEowcx-U/00-00-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:11: The three reviewers show clear displeasure: one resting his head, one looking down, and one covering his face in despair.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lxQiEowcx-U/00-00-11.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:17: Cadet Tilly introduces herself confidently to a group of students in a brightly lit, futuristic setting.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lxQiEowcx-U/00-00-17.jpg) ![Screenshot at 03:04: A young man violently coughs up a cloud of multi-colored glitter in a formal setting, shocking onlookers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lxQiEowcx-U/00-03-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 48:08: The main reviewer humorously mimics the episode's characters reacting to the B-plot by holding his hands up in exasperation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/lxQiEowcx-U/00-48-08.jpg)