trek al 4

The All-New Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Gets a Half-Pound Lighter with More Room for Tires

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Now on its fourth iteration, the Trek Domane AL is packed with updates, a lighter frame, and room for larger tires. The new Gen 4 Domane comes in economical offerings for the most bang for the buck and looks like a gateway bike for other disciplines.

The Domane AL is Trek’s entry-level do-it-all road bike boasts the most versatility in its lineup. The frame is aluminum, the fork is carbon, and the accessory mounts are plentiful, meaning this bike can do much more than a local fondo.

Whats New — Trek Domane AL Gen 4

The Trek Domane AL is entering a new life in Gen 4, and it’s getting bigger all-road tire clearance (up to 38mm), a sleeker frame design with internal cable routing.

New Frame and Fork Material

Trek says the new Domane AL (complete bike) is around half a pound lighter than the previous Domane AL Disc model.

How? Mainly from the redesigned frame made with Trek’s 100 Series Alpha Aluminum and a new full-carbon fork.

Can it double as a gravel bike? Yes — Word from Trek is that the max tire size is 38mm, which seems true for most tires, though it depends on your rim width. We had zero problems getting a 40mm Maxxis Reaver tire rolling in the frame, but the chainstay clearance is slightly tight. It’s good that Bontrager makes the GR1 in a 35mm width; that tire on this bike would be fast and fun.

Don’t let the carbon fork fool you; it doesn’t make this bike less of an all-arounder. The fork and newly designed frame come with plenty of mounts for fenders, bag (top tube), and anything you can think of to improve your commuter or race.

Universal Derailleur Hanger

For the first time, Domane AL comes with a new thru-axle for Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility. This design is the same UDH on Trek mountain bikes. This means fewer hangers around the basement and more cross-category compatibility with other bikes.

What’s That Handlebar?

The front end is more modern on the new Domane, thanks partly to the headset’s internal cable routing and an updated bar. The Trek Domane AL Gen 4 gets a modern road bar with a shorter reach and a 4mm flare between the hoods and drops.

Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Geometry

The geometry remains unchanged for the Domane AL from previous versions. The setup is the Trek endurance geometry, which isn’t too aggressive and laid back enough for newer riders to feel comfortable.

Available Sizes : 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60cm

Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Models and Pricing

The new Trek Domane AL Gen 4 comes in three different build options, starting at $1,200 and tops out at $2,000. All have the same updated 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame and a new full-carbon fork.

The difference is in the components and hubs. All three bikes feature the same handlebar/stem, saddle, rims, and seatpost.

Where they differ is the top-end 105 version gets Bontrager Alloy sealed bearing hubs, and the Claris and Tiagra versions get Formula RX-512 alloy hubs.

Top Level Domane AL 5 Gen 4

• Groupset: Shimano 105
• Weight: N/A
• Price: $2,000

Mid Level Domane AL 4 Gen 4

• Groupset: Shimano Tiagra
• Weight: 22.82lbs/10.35kg
• Price: $1,700

Entry Level Domane AL 2 Gen 4

• Groupset: Shimano Claris
• Weight: 23.26lbs/10.50kg
• Price:$1,200

Trek Domane AL Availability

Those looking to test ride or purchase a Domane AL are currently available globally on Trekbikes.com and through Trek’s global network of retail partners.

Look for a review of the Trek Domane AL 3 shortly as we put it through the paces this fall alongside the new Bontrager Aeolus Pro 49V wheels.

Jordan Villella is the Racing Tech Editor for BikeRumor.com, specializing in cross-country mountain, gravel, road, and cyclocross. He has written about bicycles and bike culture for over fifteen years with no signs of stopping.

Before BikeRumor, Jordan raced professionally and wrote for MTBR and the now-defunct Dirt Rag Magazine. He’s covered the World Championships, World Cups, and everything in between — where he loves to report what people are riding.

Based in Pittsburgh, PA,  Jordan coaches cyclists of all abilities with  Cycle-Smart ; you can find him racing bikes around North America and adventuring with his family.

For an inside look at his review rides follow him on Strava .

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How about dropping weights in metric too. Can’t be that difficult.

Just added – thanks!

The “brake bridge” in the photos is for mounting fenders and need not be installed for normal use…the formed headtube is also not new, my 2018 Emonda ALR has a hydroformed headtube, also. Glad Trek is still making aluminum road bikes, though.

This formed headtube is a new formed headtube. I think even the first gen Domane AL had a hydroformed headtube too. But they’ve updated it with every iteration.

Pretty great that there’s a $1200 bike, even if it’s Sora

Crazy, over 23#!. my 30 year old steel slim chance is 19#, my aluminum co-motion tandem is only a pound heavier. I was selling Centurion Ironmans 30 years ago, steel, and only 20# at $550! Progress?

I stopped reading when it said headset cable routing.

Cables passing through the headset at this price level – INSANITY! The owner will never want to pay what it will cost to replace the bearings. A quick note, you wrote that it has: “a modern road bar with a shorter reach and a 4mm flare between the hoods and drops” I know you guys struggle with metric, but I assume you mean 4 degrees, because 4 mm is effectively nothing there.

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2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Review

Trek has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality bikes for over 40 years. With their latest release, the Domane AL 4 Disc, they have once again raised the bar for road bikes.

In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc, examining its features, performance, and overall value.

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, this bike has something to offer for everyone.

So, let’s get started and see what makes the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc stand out from the competition.

If you’re in the market for a new road bike, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc might just be the perfect fit for you.

With its impressive features and sleek design, this bike is sure to turn heads on your next ride.

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is a high-performance road bike that is designed for endurance riding and long-distance cycling.

This bike features a lightweight and durable aluminum frame with a carbon fork for enhanced stability and control.

The Domane AL 4 Disc also comes equipped with a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain that provides smooth and reliable shifting, as well as hydraulic disc brakes for powerful and consistent stopping power in any weather conditions.

– Lightweight and durable 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with a carbon fork

– Shimano Tiagra 2×10-speed drivetrain featuring a 11-32t cassette and 50/34t chainrings for smooth and reliable shifting

– Hydraulic disc brakes for powerful and consistent stopping power

– Wide 700x32c Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tires for added stability and comfort on rough roads

– Compatible with DuoTrap S for easy integration with your cycling computer

– Rack and fender mounts for added versatility

– Perfect for endurance riding, long-distance cycling, and commuting.

Frame and Fork

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc boasts an 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with a carbon fork, making it both lightweight and durable.

The frame is designed with Trek’s Endurance Geometry, which provides a comfortable and stable ride, even on longer rides.

Brakes and Drivetrain

Equipped with Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes, this bike offers reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.

The 2×10 Shimano Tiagra drivetrain provides a wide range of gears from its 11-32t cassette and 50/34t chainrings for tackling any terrain, and the compact crankset makes climbing hills a breeze.

Wheels and Tires

The Domane AL 4 Disc comes with tubeless ready Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels and 700x32c Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tires, which provide a smooth and stable ride on both paved and unpaved roads.

Additional Features and Conclusion

This bike also comes with a number of additional features that make it stand out from the competition.

The bike also has hidden fender and rack mounts, making it easy to add fenders for rainy day rides or racks for commuting.

Overall, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable road bike.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this bike is sure to impress.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Domane AL review: Blurring the line

Big tire clearance and lower weight give trek’s aluminum all-road bike credibility both on road and on dirt..

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The Trek Domane serves as the entry point not only to Trek’s road bike lineup for many but also to road cycling as a whole. Many of these cyclists will go with the Trek Domane AL a road bike that has to wear many hats. Some want it to be a swift recreational ride. Others want it as a potential commuter. Somehow, the Domane AL has managed to competently do both. 

As versatile a package as the previous Domane AL disc was, this latest fourth-generation Domane AL can realistically serve as someone’s gravel bike now, with some caveats.

As such, the Domane AL (pronounced ‘dough-MA-knee’) has been updated to offer even more options for the prospective cyclist who is looking for one bike to be both a road bike and a gravel bike.

Trek Domane AL updates

The updated Trek Domane AL is built with Trek’s Alpha 100-series aluminum. There isn’t much to it: standard alloy tubes, plain welds, and all of that. Despite the lack of serious tube shaping, there is a passing semblance between this bike and the Domane SL carbon bike I’ve ridden as well as the high-end Domane SLR road bike . Paired with that is a new full-carbon fork that offers loads of tire clearance.

Trek claims the updated Domane AL frame and fork is around a half pound lighter (approx 225 grams) than the previous Domane AL Disc. 

The Domane AL is updated to include internal cable routing from the headset down to clean up the cables. While this looks clean and it works well for the most part, replacing shift housing and fixing hydraulic brake lines will likely be a more expensive proposition when compared to the previous-generation Domane AL Disc.

There’s a standard 27.2 mm seat post and English threaded bottom bracket like before, but the bottom bracket area is updated to include a chain catcher that’s integrated into the frame. Additionally, the Domane AL features a rack mount at the rear for commuting. Fender mounts there to keep you dry on your ride, with the rear featuring a removable seat stay bridge too.

The Domane Al receives a Sram Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). While the UDH spec makes finding a new derailleur hanger an inexpensive and simple proposition, the Domane AL is also one of the first road bikes I’ve seen with it.

And perhaps most interestingly, the price of the Domane AL has gone down, at least in the U.S. Our Domane AL 4 shown here is $100 US cheaper than previously. Prices in other markets remain consistent.

Can a Trek Domane AL be a gravel bike? Mostly, yes

The updated feature set comes with Trek’s eyes set not only on the road but for gravel too. Official tire clearance is for 700c x 38 mm tires, but the Domane AL fits 40 mm knobby gravel tires front and rear without an issue. More importantly, the tires cleared the Shimano Tiagra front derailleur, meaning you won’t have to swap a front derailleur and crankset to have proper tire clearance with a gravel tire.

Further, the bottom bracket bottle cage mount and the top tube bag mount are distinct features once reserved for gravel bikes.

Trek has also updated the Domane AL with new handlebars. While Trek hesitates to call them flared handlebars, the bars do flare out to be wider in the drops than at the brake levers. My size 52 cm bike featured bars with a 40 mm width at the tops, but a 44 cm width at the drops. 

Is a handlebar a big deal in the grand scheme of things? No, but it goes a long way toward right-sizing handlebars for cyclists. Further, the wider drops offer a sense of greater control while in the drops. That’s huge for anyone, and good to see Trek thinking about that at this price point.

Importantly, this added capability makes the Trek Domane AL a worthwhile choice for someone looking to dabble in both road bike and gravel bikes. While the bike is still a road bike at heart, its features make it capable enough to ride lighter gravel frequently.

Updated geometry

The Domane AL geometry hasn’t changed compared to the previous generation, but that’s not a bad thing. The Domane might just be the poster child of an upright road bike, with geometry that always leans on the upright as opposed to aggressive scale.

Further, the slack head angle, longer fork offset, 420 mm chainstays, and low 80 mm bottom bracket drop across sizes further lean into the bike’s mission of being approachable for riding long distances.

One thing to note is that the bike’s handling isn’t languid or sluggish: rather, the trail figures here indicate a bike that turns won’t quite feel like a boat on the road.

Riding the Trek Domane AL

My bike is essentially a Trek Domane AL 4. It features a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes. The rest of the build comes from Bontrager: Paradigm SL wheels, a Verse Comp saddle, and R1 Hardcase Lite tires in a 32 mm width.

My size 52 cm Trek Domane AL 4 weighed in at 22.27 pounds (10.1 kg) set up with tubes in the tires.

The updated Domane AL is exactly what you’d expect from the Domane lineup: comfort-first body positioning and predictable handling. Part of that comes down to the low bottom bracket; the 80 mm bottom bracket drop on my bike brings the center of gravity ever so slightly lower. Doing so makes the bike feel more stable and confidence-inspiring through the corners, at least theoretically. 

In reality, that low bottom bracket and the 32 mm tires as this bike was built make the bike feel really stable through corners. There’s plenty of grip, sure, but the confidence makes you feel willing to push the bike further on the road.

On gravel? The Domane AL rides along without complaint. The low bottom bracket offers good stability riding through chunk even with 40 mm tires. And while the trail figures are a little quicker than an average gravel bike at this price point, it feels quick and sporty on gravel. It would be an easy choice to ride on smooth gravel at events like SBT, but probably not the right bike for an event like Unbound. 

The Trek Domane AL 4 features a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain with hydraulic brakes. While the groupset isn’t especially lightweight, the shifts are consistently crisp. Further, the braking is strong, consistent, and a worthwhile upgrade over most mechanical disc brakes. 

Trek’s in-house component line, Bontrager, fills in the rest of the gaps here. The wheelset rode along without complaint, and its tubeless-ready profile makes it an easy wheelset to hold onto in the future. They are heavy wheels, however, weighing in at 2130 grams without tires. 

While the Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 32 mm tires are known to be hard-wearing and durable, they aren’t quick-rolling. They’re heavy too; swapping them for a set of 32 mm Teravail Telegraph tires made the bike feel noticeably more spry. Ride through them if you’d like, but swapping these tires is an easy upgrade to the Domane AL’s overall ride.

I would’ve liked to see Centerlock compatible hubs here rather than 6-bolt so the end user can choose between 6-bolt and Centerlock rotors, but I suspect 6-bolt rotors were less expensive. Nonetheless, the brakes stopped reliably and brake rotor replacements will be cheaper down the line.

One more nitpick, particularly for folks riding a smaller frame: the seat tube water bottle cage mount is set too high. You can fit a 21 oz bottle here with a little room, but there is loads of space to mount it lower. I understand why Trek didn’t do it – the band-on front derailleur mount and integrated chain catcher need room – but smaller riders want bigger bottles, too!

The touch points on the bike – the bars and saddle work well. The handlebars are comfortable all over, with a slightly flattened profile at the tops and plenty of room to move around in the drops, partially thanks to the flare in the drops. Further, I get along well with the Bontrager Verse Comp saddle, a choice that feels right on bikes three times the price of this Domane AL.

I would call the Trek Domane AL safe. The bike doesn’t feel particularly urgent or excited to get up to speed, but it does feel confident and composed once there. The handling is predictable and smooth, but not especially sharp. They’re exactly what I expected from the Domane. But the gravel road capability surprised me, giving the Domane AL real all-road bike credibility.

The gravel bike tire clearance, mounts for racks and fenders, and full carbon fork are nice upgrades to a bike that I think will make a lot of people happy, whether they’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider alike.

Bike: Trek Domane AL 4 Gen 4

Price: $1,699.99 / £1,875 / €1,999

trekbikes.com

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Trek Domane AL 4 Disc

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 44cm, 49cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 61cm

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal routing, fender mounts, DuoTrap S compatible, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
• Fork Domane AL carbon, tapered alloy steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle
• Hubs Formula RX-142 alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle
• Wheels Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, Presta valve; Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Paradigm, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, Presta valve
• Spokes 14g stainless steel, black
• Tires Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x32c
• Chain Shimano Tiagra HG54, 10 speed
• Crank Size: 44, Shimano Tiagra 4700, 50/34, 165mm length; Size: 49, 52, Shimano Tiagra 4700, 50/34, 170mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano Tiagra 4700, 50/34, 172.5mm length; Size: 58, 61, Shimano Tiagra 4700, 50/34, 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket Shimano RS500, 68mm, threaded external
• Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra 4700, 31.8mm clamp
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra 4700, long cage, 34T max cog
• Shifters Shimano Tiagra R4725, short reach lever, 10 speed
• Brakeset Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc; Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, flat mount
• Handlebar Size: 44, 49, Bontrager Comp VR-S, alloy, 31.8mm, 81mm reach, 118mm drop, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Comp VR-S, alloy, 31.8mm, 81mm reach, 118mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 58, 61, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 44cm width
• Saddle Size: 44, 49, 52, Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 155mm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
• Seatpost Size: 44, 49, Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 250mm length; Size: 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem Size: 44, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 49, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 61, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length
• Headset FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: How much is a 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc?

A 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is typically priced around $1,799 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc?

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc should I get?

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• Domane AL 4 Disc

Trek Domane AL 4 Disc

Domane AL 4 Disc combines the smooth, comfortable qualities of an advanced alloy frame with the performance of higher-quality parts. It features an upgraded drivetrain and crisp hydraulic disc brakes for a fast road bike perfect for competitive group rides and even races. It's right for you if... You plan to hop on your bike as much as possible, and even train for races and long charity rides. You want to invest in higher-quality performance parts that will keep pace with you as you continue to hone your road cycling skills. The tech you get A 2x10 (20 speed) Shimano Tiagra drivetrain has a wide range of gears for riding on any terrain. The lightweight aluminum frame has fender mounts and a stable Endurance Geometry for a confident ride, and a carbon fork that absorbs road vibration. Plus, tubeless ready rims and hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power in any conditions. The final word A solid, comfort-first road bike with upgrades on the parts that matter—like the drivetrain and brakes. Domane AL 4 Disc is built for miles of fun, fast riding on pavement and even light gravel. Why you'll love it - A light, comfortable frame and quality parts make it an awesome platform for long, fast group rides - The unique IsoSpeed Carbon fork, which swoops forward toward the dropouts, absorbs vibrations from the road so your arms won't fatigue as quickly - Hydraulic disc brakes give you more precise and consistent stopping power in any conditions - Bigger tire clearance lets you run wider tires for more traction and stability on rail trails and other light gravel roads - DuoTrap S compatibility makes it easy to wirelessly track your rides, so you can set goals and watch yourself reach them

Pedals sold separately

Due to supply-chain issues, specs are subject to change without notice..

* Subject to change without notice.

Is Trek Domane AL 4 Disc A Good Bike? [Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Review]

Table of Contents

Trek Domane AL 4 Disc

• Price : $1915
• Wheels : 700c
• Tire : clearance 35c
• Drivetrain : 2 × 10

What we like about i t: Higher performance and faster pedaling the Trek Domane AL4 Disc with Shimano 2×10 drivetrain with efficient hydraulic disc brakes, undaunted even by the rigors of competition!

What don’t we like about it : It will be less quiet due to the efficient operation of the body.

Rating (4.7/5)

Introducrion

The trek brand with its race pedigree has led generations of champions to fulfill their dreams. And the newly launched classic endurance bike Trek Domane AL 4 Disc gives me enough expectation that it does better on a very good standard. Lighter and stronger 100 series alpha aluminum body combination Bontrager, 700x35c puncture-resistant tires, equipped with Shimano 2×10 speed combination Shimano Tiagra 4700, 50/34 crank drivetrain, and exclusive IsoSpeed damping technology takes you to ride faster and see more of the landscape.

You don’t need to worry if you can ride this great horse enough, all models are paired with specific size components. You can feel about tailor-made comfortable riding. Even though it is an endurance bike with a racing pedigree. If you want to know more about the riding experience, please stay tuned and subscribe, I will bring more reviews.

Learn More: Trek Domane AL 2 Review – Is It The New All-Rounder?

Road Riding

For the vast majority of Domane 4 purchasers, that heart-pounding excitement is probably not what they are currently looking for. We prefer to enjoy the more varied scenery that riding brings.

At the start of the ride, I straddled the bike that has a stiff 73.7° seat tube angle. This is relatively common for most road bikes, and I have to say it was an encouraging start for the novice. The road I chose to test the Bontrager 700x35c acceleration on was a multi-terrain stacked section of urban edge, not just smooth roads. This was evident as I passed through the more crowded lanes of downtown, and I didn’t fall behind most people by riding.

On the contrary, with the trail length at 59mm, the Domane seemed very agile in weaving through crowds and obstacles. The Shimano 2×10 drivetrain started quickly and I didn’t lose control of the bodywork for a short while. In addition, I don’t let that stop me from exploring the city. It’s important to know some of the bumpy brick-laying roads or cobblestone trails similar to an endurance course, which shows the domane’s strength.

I have to say that before the ride started, my knowledge of IsoSpeed carbon forks was lacking. Since I’ve been riding my trek top-fuel full shock for years, I thought that only a self-traveling model could handle the bumps efficiently. But as I followed the brick pavement along the riverbank and the cobblestone trails on both sides, the wide, perfectly coordinated fork flex ensured greater vertical agility. I didn’t feel the expected arm soreness and the bumps were handled very efficiently. In addition, besides my affirmation of IsoSpeed, I also noticed that the Domane design has a slight bend forward at the rear fork. This is more able to absorb road vibrations and protect the ride from fatigue.

Endurance Riding

For Domane’s outdoor rides, I wavered between gravel roads and classic tracks. In fact, from the bottom of my heart, I prefer the big hot gravel. But responsibly, I think the classic track is what shows its performance. Anyone familiar with this type of track knows that cobblestones, traps, and slabs are its characteristics and demand a high level of vibration filtering from the vehicle. The 100 series alpha aluminum frame is equipped with Bontrager, 60 tpi, 700x32c tires. It is more resistant to riding outdoors and can effectively resist the friction of some road bumps. Since we were not riding on gravel roads, some soft gravel roads are not as good as wider tires, such as the Marin DSX 2 series with 45c tires. But in terms of acceleration and launch response, it was certainly superior as well.

In terms of damping, as I described earlier, the Iso speed fork damping handles these frequent but not violent bumps very efficiently. I noticed the huge head tube at the front of the bike, which counteracts the vibrations through the built-in damping unit. So I think this is ingenuity that no other model can reach.

Also, on some of the rising climbs, I think the Shimano 2×10 speed far outperformed my city road riding, and it shined! Combining Shimano, and 50/34 crank technology, I was able to easily leave the competition behind and eat dust. And from my riding experience, you can challenge some low-difficulty forest road riding. After my 3h long ride, I burned through the Keenan 800CAL this weekend. Since the Bontrager Elite stem is compatible with installed Bluetooth speed and cadence sensors to connect to my phone, I look at every ride as a healthy workout and very purposeful.

Main Features

When we got this almost all-around enduro bike, I marveled at its texture of it. The seamlessly finished 100 series alpha aluminum body is almost carbon, and especially with this black domane I rode, I thought I was getting a lot of attention when I rode it. It’s a little bit of an eye-catcher.

Of course, in terms of outdoor friction resistance, I think the aluminum alloy balances light weight and sturdiness in one. In addition, because it is equipped with IsoSpeed damping so his head tube is huge for some bumpy rides or crashes caused by some sharp turns. This design can greatly improve the stiffness of the head tube and achieve precise handling. And I think it is also very necessary for the confidence of descending terrain.

I must also mention that for choosing a Domane, you can stop worrying about the limitations of body size. All models are paired with specific size components, such as stem, handlebars, and crank length. This is certainly the biggest help for riding comfort. In terms of detailing, such as efficient and neat internal alignment, both shifting and brakes are accessed through hidden alignment ports through the down tube five-way to the brake and shifting positions. Even when I’m in a hurry, I can effectively avoid the hose being dragged.

As I said, there’s nothing more inspiring than an easy start. Of course, the ease you can feel, besides the user-friendly frame geometry, is also inseparable from the steep 73.7° seat tube angle. It will make your sitting position closer to upright and you will be able to ride longer term.

In addition, if you are riding Domane, you will find that the steering is more responsive and the ride becomes sharper. Compared to the AL 2 of the same series, getting shorter on the wheelbase (59mm) will speed up this process. But you don’t need to worry too much about losing control at high speeds. The lower BB height (25.6cm) allows for a lower center of gravity when riding, allowing you to easily control the body. Don’t underestimate these geometry figures, just a small change will make a big difference to the ride.

Components and Specifications

Isospeed shock absorbing fork.

If you see the Domane series, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. Trek has incorporated more comfort into the Madone line. And in terms of damping, the Domane doesn’t passively change the shape or material of the geometry. Although I think that the 100 series Alpha aluminum has made a lot of efforts to absorb the vibration. But I still have to introduce the main character today – Isospeed damping.

Unlike the full-suspension line with full suspension, the IsoSpeed components are incorporated into a more massive head tube. In the process, the head tube is also reinforced. In addition, as with mountain bike fork and rear gut air pressure adjustment, this is extremely effective in increasing compliance for a smoother ride.

According to Trek, with this upgrade, the Domane can improve its suspension by 10% without sacrificing body control. The vehicle stays firmly on the ground during the ride, and there are no more of the old jitters that would bounce higher and higher the harder you pedaled on a classic track. You will still maintain an even forward direction.

Shimano Claris 2×10 Speed Drive train

I have to say, as much as I’d like to call the Domane an all-rounder, I still have to admit that the outdoor riding performance shines more than the inner-city commute. Like the Shimano Claris I’ve described, the 2×10 drivetraiin shows a lot of energy for some endurance rides.

Because of its wider gearing options, I know that most models are now subtracting from the drivetrain and favoring single-disc drives. But for endurance racing where the stamina has been preserved for a long time, I prefer 2x or 3x drivetrains.

You have to accept that it is not as quiet and easy to ride compared to a single-disc 1x drivetrain. But it must be admitted that at this price, you are buying a Shimano Claris-equipped race bike with a 2×10 drivetrain adapted to more difficult climbs.

Bontrager, 60 tpi, 700x32c

From the time I started riding the Trek Domane AL 4, it was obvious to me that it was more composed than the AL 2. This is due in large part to his wider 32c tires. Although it doesn’t handle air resistance as efficiently as the 28c, it can get you up to speed quickly.

Compared to many endurance bikes nowadays that opt for 40c or even bigger number tires, I think the Trek Domane AL 4 has been thought through more thoroughly. And because of the nature of the vacuum tire, coupled with the 60tpi density, when you ride outdoors, you don’t need to squeeze the tire too much even with drop-off drops. And when I ride on the forest road also do not need to worry about the risk of puncture. In addition, with the efficient operation of the Isospeed damping fork, and can be greater to absorb the vibration from the ground.

Other Versions Of Domane

The Domane AL 4 is not much different compared to the version of the Trek Domane AL 4 Disc. It continues the Domane classic. Because of my love for this series, I will compare this version of the AL 4 Disc in terms of several key values.

For a price in the frame of $2029, and regardless of whether the higher price can harness more components. From the drivetrain alone, the Trek Domane AL 4 Disc does have a richer tuning. But regardless of the brake components, both opt for more expensive hydraulic disc brakes. And both choose a 700x35c size on the wheelset, which neither sacrifices speed nor reduces friction for acceleration or outdoor riding.

I think this is an optimal size, so the Domane series carries thorough retention. In addition, both have a clear preference for the 100 series alpha aluminum combined with a carbon fork from the frame. So in terms of strength and lightweight performance, both are almost identical. Plus for trek’s unique Iso speed dampers added, it’s a faithful choice for endurance riding.

To sum up, I think we see more continuity in the version of Trek Domane AL 4.

What we like about it ?

• Classic endurance bike, you can hardly pick more flaws in the bar.
• In the face of a harsh riding environment, more abundant power support to take you farther to ride.
• Sharper tire components so you can quickly cross the speed limit.
• Lightweight but sturdy aluminum frame with a cost-effective carbon fork.
• Trek’s exclusive Iso speed shock absorbing fork makes your ride easier.
• Multi-size component options to give you the ability to create tailored needs.

What don’t we like about it ?

• Can’t do more within the existing price framework.
• No more beautiful colors to choose from.
• What is the tire size of the Trek Domane 4?

The tire size of the Trek Domane 4 is 700x35c.

• What is the Trek Domane 4 drivetrain?

The Trek Domane 4 drivetrain is Shimano 2×10 drivetrain.

• How do you recommend the Trek Domane 4 size chart?

The Trek Domane 4 size chart .

Comparison Table

Marin dsx fs vs trek domane al 4.

It’s a shame that the Trek Domane isn’t classified in this category compared to the recent gravel road bike craze. Compared to the Marin DSX FS that most people choose, the Domane’s 700x35c wheelset will accelerate and start faster than the Marin DSX. But in terms of grip, the Marin’s 45c is even better. Although this also means that it will struggle more against rising terrain. Without the exclusive IsoSpeed damping like the Domane, I don’t think the carbon fork material alone will provide much of a boost to a comfortable ride.

Also, if you notice the drivetrain piece of both, Domane’s Shimano 2×10 drivetrain is richer than the Marin DSX. Although for the novice, the single disc will be easier. But for more demanding terrain climbing, but also save you a lot of trouble to upgrade. In addition, the same hydraulic disc brakes take the two and played a tie in this aspect of braking.

All things considered, I think the Domane will be slightly better, both in terms of long-term riding considerations and in terms of its ability to adapt to more terrain.

learn more： Marin DSX 2 Review-Made for Fun Riding

BMC Roadmachine X AL, ONE vs Trek Domane AL 4

The slightly higher price of the BMC Roadmachine is a bit so unconscionable compared to the Domane, which can choose its component size. In addition, if you notice his huge wheelset, you will understand that the Roadmachine is designed to be more stable.

Whether in accelerated driving or climbing performance, I think the Domane 35c has more advantageous tires. Although in the drivetrain Roadmachine’s 2×11’s range of speed regulation will seem more abundant. But if riding in more demanding terrain, like more continuous ascending terrain or bumpy rock gardens, I don’t think you can ride farther and longer if you can’t have an IsoSpeed-damping fork like the trek exclusive. Although the seat tube angle of 74.0° gives the rider a more upright position. But without more technology, you’ll get bored quickly. All things considered, I would prefer the smarter domane.

learn more： BMC Roadmachine X Two Review – Taking You On The Ultimate Comfortable Road Enduro Ride

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – GRX 400 vs Trek Domane AL 4

In comparing the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 with the Trek domane, it is clear that the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 is slightly better in terms of liveliness, though.

But comparing the components you will see that it is really hard to tell the difference between the two. With the same size 700x35c wheelset, with expensive hydraulic disc brakes, and the same 2×10 speed drivetrain range options.

I prefer the Domane’s optional component sizes when looking at the details. It is more user-friendly for the rider’s ride and has an exclusive IsoSpeed damping fork. Facing more bumpy terrain or difficult climbs, the Donmanecan handle more aggressively.

If you look at it from the perspective of choosing the best of the best, I would say domane is more appropriate.

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Review – GRX 400 Review – Newest

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc vs Trek Domane AL 4

As much as I hate to admit it, it’s hard to be more innovative with the existing endurance bike framework. the Domane series’ unique IsoSpeed damping and the design of more size-selective components leave too much of a classic impression on me.

So much so that it’s hard for me to see more surprises in the Trek Domane AL 5, even though it’s already so good. It’s still a continuation of the classic: 100 series alpha aluminum with a carbon fork, 700x35c wheelset, and expensive hydraulic disc brakes. But on the drivetrain, he still made some upgrades to reach a value of 2×11 speed.

Compared to the Domane AL 4, the 2×10 drivetrain, not only is it an upgrade in components, but for the challenge of more difficult terrain, you can go completely further. So if you’re having a hard time deciding between the two, think about which step we as riders would prefer to take the challenge.

In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Have a great day!

Learn More: Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Endurance Bike Review– Would It Be The Endurance Bike You Want?

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• Rider Notes

2019 Trek Checkpoint AL 4

An aluminum frame gravel bike with mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes. Compare the full range

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Checkpoint AL 4

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Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Dec 2020 · Ben Delaney

Gravel bikes abound, but this one checks all the boxes, and at a great price.

Read Review

Jun 2020 · Laura Weislo

On early impressions, Trek's flagship gravel bike, the Checkpoint SL7, looks perfect for seekers of versatility and adventure

Lightweight, agile and responsive ride

IsoSpeed shock adds comfort

Underbody protection for the eye-popping paint job

SRAM Force eTap AXS 1X drive not suited to mixed road/gravel

Top tube is too wide near the seat tube

Toe overlap in the smallest size

Mar 2020 · Dale Tiessen

Out of the saddle putting down maximum power into the Checkpoint, it feels like a nice carbon road bike.

Feb 2020 · Robin Wilmott

All-road versatility with refined road manners for a fine riding machine

Frame design and mounts, hydraulic Tiagra groupset

Chirpy mudguards

Nov 2018 · Joe Cruz

Joe tested the Trek Checkpoint SL6 on weekly fast roadie coffee shop rides, a 10-hr dirt randonee, and VT gravel/singletrack explorations. Here's the review

Feels like a road race bike

IsoSpeed coupler absolutely smooths out jolts

Thoughtful design touches, including a variety of bosses for cages, armor under the downtube, bosses for a gas tank bag

Very capable on tarmac alongside its gravel prowess

650b conversion not recommended

Unusual routing can cause cable contact with knees depending on out of the saddle pedaling style; might also interfere with feed bags

Long inseam riders may reach the end of the saddle height adjustment

Purpose built for speed rather than maximal bikepacking versatility

Trek’s first real dedicated gravel bike, the Checkpoint is a pretty cool beast, with loads of unique frame designs to give it a very distinct feel to its road bike brethren, cyclocross cousins or anything else in the catalogue. But, after a few rides on the type of terrain that it is built for, we saw …

The new Trek Checkpoint gravel bike covers all the bases off road and on, making it a versatile, adjustable option that could replace several of your bikes.

Jul 2018 · Troy Templin

Better late than never, Trek’s Checkpoint has arrived

Last updated September 16 Not listed for 1,671 days

• April 12, 2024 | Interview: Wilson Cruz On How “Jinaal” Sets Up The Rest Of The Season For Culber On ‘Star Trek: Discovery’
• April 12, 2024 | ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed For Season 4; ‘Lower Decks’ To End With Season 5
• April 12, 2024 | Podcast: All Access Goes To Trill With ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ For “Jinaal”
• April 11, 2024 | Paramount Pictures Officially Confirms Star Trek Origin Movie For Its Upcoming Film Slate
• April 11, 2024 | Recap/Review: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Tries Too Many Connections In “Jinaal”

Recap/Review: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Tries Too Many Connections In “Jinaal”

| April 11, 2024 | By: Anthony Pascale 58 comments so far

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 3 – Debuted Thursday, April 11, 2024 Written by Kyle Jarrow & Lauren Wilkinson Directed by Andi Armaganian

Strong performances and fun moments of lightness and lore make up for a mixed bag of stories jumbled into a single episode.

Yes, you can come on the mission… to the friend zone.

WARNING: Spoilers below!

“Connection isn’t a skill, it’s a choice.”

As Discovery preps to head to Trill for the next quest clue, the crew settles into their season positions. Culber and Book brief the captain on the adversaries, with new details on Moll thanks to Book recognizing a personal connection in the previous episode. Michael’s felonious ex is trying hard to get his life back, so he really wants in on the Trill landing party even though he isn’t Starfleet—as if that has ever stopped them before. Adira and Tilly have identified a Trill spots pattern on the map puzzle piece found last week, leading them to a 24 th- century Trill named Jinaal (episode title alert), and maybe his Bix symbiont is still around. Former Captain—now Commander—Rayner comes aboard, and Burnham orders her new first officer to get to know the crew whether he likes it or not. As for Stamets, he continues to be a bit lost, so he’s focused on trying to unlock the secrets in Dr. Vellek’s old tricorder, ignoring Adira’s clear discombobulation over seeing Gray again. It takes Reno going full “woo-woo a-hole” to snap spacedad out of it. So things are more or less running smoothly until they arrive on Trill, when Guardian Xi goes full Monty Python bridge-keeper . Thankfully, Michael answers the riddle quickly (it’s Betazed!) and she pops down to the Caves of Mak’ala with Adira, Culber, and (of course) Book… where they meet what may be the oldest Trill ever.

Kalzara Bix tells the gang she has been waiting nearly her whole life for a “worthy seeker.” For more questions, they can ask Jinaal directly via that Trill ritual we all remember from DS9. Culber steps up as a temporary vessel since “Emotionally overwhelming is what I do best.” Et voilà, Hugh is a whole new man, who immediately comments about how he really works out (someone has been tracking his Gram ). This very jaunty Culber-Jinaal says the next clue is nearby, and today is a great day for a walk, so he takes Burnham and Book with him. Upon their arrival at the canyon, Jinaalber opens up with some exposition about himself, Dr. Vellek, and four other scientists who found the Progenitor tech but decided it was way too dangerous to hand over to the Federation in the middle of the Dominion War. So they created a fun quest, planting a “path” of clues to be followed. He’s skeptical the 32 nd century is ready for the awesome power (despite Starfleet’s snazzy new uniforms), but Michael makes the case that the good outweighs the bad. BTW, they are being hunted by giant “Intronok” predators, so the quasi Trill recommends phasers ready. Once they arrive at the clue’s location, a plasma-spewing monster gets in their way… and Hughbix peaces out. Dude!

You two go ahead… I’ll just strategically hide behind you.

“We literally used to be connected.”

Back at Starfleet HQ the newly minted Ambassador Saru is settling into his new office with a little help from his Vulcan fiancé. They plan their wedding announcement before heading into a resource meeting, where he successfully argues for more allocations to the small worlds he represents, forging a compromise with others who are worried about the Breen (hmm). T’Rina’s aide Duvin takes Saru aside to say he is concerned about how the wedding announcement will impact delicate Ni’Var politics, but when the Kelpien brings this up with his beloved, she doesn’t take it well. “What would have given you the impression that I am in need of a caretaker?” she asks. Ouch. Navigating Federation diplomacy (and a starship) was a lot easier than understanding a Vulcan heart.

On the Disco, Saru’s replacement isn’t having it any easier. For some reason, temporary science consultant Tilly is organizing Rayner’s one-on-ones. He really doesn’t want to do them, but agrees for the sake of “crew cohesion” and gives everyone “20 words” to reveal something interesting about themselves. Cue the montage as we learn fun new tidbits for the folks at Memory Alpha to add to the pages for Rhys, Christopher, Linus, Pollard, et al. When Stamets shows up and actually shows some enthusiasm for the first time this season (he was able to crack Vellek’s PADD), Rayner practically ignores him and Tilly has finally had enough. She lets the new XO know he is being a giant… well she ran out of her 20 words so we will have to fill in the blank.

One person who misses out on this (not) quality time with Rayner is Adira. They are busy reconnecting with Gray on Trill, who is loving life as a trainee Guardian. Now that each of them has their own body, they realize they both have been growing apart and following separate paths. So season 5 gets its second breakup following Mike and Book… could T’Rina and Saru be next? Noooooo.

What do you mean, no diving?

“Analyzing is not the same as connecting.”

Back to the important stuff, Book tries his glowing forehead empathy connection but all he gets from the monster is that it’s “really pissed off.” Duh. In a replay of the action from last week, Book does some distracting under fire while Michael heads to the rock with the clue symbol on it to get the big prize. Things do not go as planned, and he gets hit. They are pinned down as a second monster shows up. But the creatures aren’t looking at the Starfleet duo as food, just protecting their nest of monster eggs. Aww. Time for Plan B. Michael again remembers her xenoanthropology and holsters her phaser, showing respect to the now calming Intronoks. Book does the same and communicates they just want to leave as they slowly back off… and soon enough they find Dr. Hugh Jinaal casually lounging on a rock, quipping, “I see you survived.” Michael sorts it out: He drew them to that nest after suggesting they arm phasers. By connecting instead of shooting, they passed another test. He was willing to let them die just to see if there was “goodness” in them, but they survived, so they win the prize: the clue and the second map piece, hidden under a totally different rock. Sneaky Trill.

After Culber gets swapped back he heads back to the ship to decompress from a big day of being possessed. Michael catches up to him in the lounge, where they contemplate the spiritual implications of the journey they are on, seeking the technology of the gods. Tilly is also there, and Rayner arrives to let her know he gets it—there is some value in showing respect to the people under his command. Oh and back at HQ, Saru apologizes to T’Rina for Kelpiensplaining Vulcan politics, and she’s totally cool about it, so they’re fine. Things wrap up in the Trill caves with Bix returning to the symbiont pool and Adira and Gray saying goodbye as well. But wait, what’s that? It’s Moll! Disguised as a Trill, she surreptitiously puts something onto Adira’s sleeve before the ensign beams back to the Disco. Dun dun duuun !

What about a four-shift rotation?

After two strong episodes, things are more mixed for episode 3. The blend of plot, character, and action was not as finely balanced, mostly due to carrying the load of four separate storylines. This kind of multi-POV storytelling has always been a challenge for Discovery , but there were some big highlights that kept the episode a winner overall. The MVP is Wilson Cruz, who finally got the opportunity to step out of his Hugh Culber and play a different character, a time-honored Trek tradition. His Jinaal was believably a unique individual, down to his speech pattern and gait, with a clear motivation. This storyline tied into all of the others with the not-very-subtle theme of connection; however, there was a more nuanced exploration for Culber and Burnham about the season’s bigger questions about science and faith that was more interesting. And the riddle for passage bit was a nice classic quest beat, evoking ancient adventures. The action sequences felt a bit repetitive after last week, but they made up for it with some fun as Sonequa Martin-Green and David Ajala again demonstrated their playful chemistry.

The Rayner storyline was also a high point.  He continues to be a great addition to the show, bringing all sorts of Jellico, Lorca, and even some Shaw vibes, but still being his own man (sorry, Kellerun ). Callum Keith Rennie and Mary Wiseman showed they have their own delightful dynamic. It may not have made sense for Tilly to act as HR for the ship (especially as she’s only on loan as a science advisor from the Academy), but all of these scenes were still refreshing as we got to add little bits of dimension to members of the crew from Linus’ pride over three clutches of eggs to Rhys lusting over the fine curves of old Constitution classes… and the gruff-off between Rayner and Reno was all too brief. But there was a point to all of this, showing welcome growth for both Rayner and Tilly and the rest of the gang too, although it is not clear why the new characters of Gallo and Asha had to sub in for Owo and Detmer.

Contemplating the meaning of life?… Or if he can skip leg day?

Things started going off the rails with the Saru and T’Rina storyline, which started to feel like an unnecessary distraction. Giving him this new post as ambassador is a good way to shake things up as well as to do some world-building for the show, something that may prove useful for the upcoming Academy series as well. But instead of Federation West Wing, things got more alien I Love Lucy with Ambassador Saru having some ‘splaining to do. Doug Jones and Tara Rosling did their best with the material but the rigmarole about their marriage announcement was low stakes at best, even if this bit about Vulcan purists is setting something up for later. As for the Gray and Adira storyline, it felt like this was mostly just going through the motions, but at least it established that Adira is now fully independent, confirming their new agency. Blu del Barrio’s performance was grounded, making all of this more relatable. But trying to balance these two extra storylines definitely did not help the episode when it came to pacing.

Even with all these character stories, there was some season plot development. We learned key bits about Moll, while L’ak remains a mystery, but that’s okay for now. The origins of the quest are also coming into focus with the story of the six scientists and a reasonable explanation for why they can’t just jump to the end. It feels like we will learn more about the other four scientists as we pick up more pieces of the map. And there was also a bit more worldbuilding as another hint of a coming Breen threat was mentioned. And dare we hope the mention of the Tzenkethi means we will finally see them in canon? Fans were rewarded with plenty of nods to lore, with the main plot structured around the Zhian’tara ritual from DS9’s “Facets,” and the addition of new Trill canon. Nods to Tongo and Bynars along with deeper cuts to Selay , Vavinit plants , cabrodine , Slug-o-Cola , bore worms , and more should have resulted in plenty of Rick Dalton meme moments , especially for Deep Space Nine fans. While it all seems like a lot, these were mostly Easter eggs to reward fans without turning into the dreaded “fan service.”

Now on the runway, Ambassador Saru sporting the new Diplomacy in Blue line.

Final thoughts

Even with all the juggling, episode 3 still was self-contained while carrying on the serialized story. While not as strong as the first two episodes, season 5 still remains entirely entertaining. The show has nicely pivoted with clearer themes, a fun tone, and better connections to lore while still servicing the characters and their emotional stories.

You can really taste the algae.

• A USS Locherer could be seen at Starfleet HQ, named in honor of camera operator J.P Locherer , who passed away in 2022.
• The previously unnamed bar lounge is called “Red’s,” possibly named for the Ferengi bartender, who got their first line in this episode.
• The Osnullus bridge officer’s name is Lt. Arev.
• Lt. Christopher confirmed that Lt. Commander Nilsson has been reassigned to the USS Voyager-J .
• Christopher also reassured Rayner his pet tribble (a gift from Nilsson) was neutered.
• The Trill canyon was shot at Lafarge Quarry , which Discovery (and Strange New Worlds ) have used before on a few occasions.
• Trill spots are as unique as human fingerprints, as are Saurian dorsal ridges.
• In addition to the Selay, the ambassador meeting also included a Facian .

The Selay ambassador is upset this committee doesn’t warrant those cool floating chairs.

More to come

Every Friday, the TrekMovie.com All Access Star Trek Podcast  covers the latest news in the Star Trek Universe and discusses the latest episode. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts ,  Spotify ,  Pocket Casts ,  Stitcher and is part of the TrekMovie Podcast Network.

The fifth and final season of  Discovery debuted with two episodes on Thursday, April 4 exclusively on Paramount+  in the U.S., the UK, Switzerland, South Korea, Latin America, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, and Austria.  Discovery  will also premiere on April 4 on Paramount+ in Canada and will be broadcast on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel in Canada. The rest of the 10-episode final season will be available to stream weekly on Thursdays. Season 5 debuts on SkyShowtime in select European countries on April 5.

Keep up with news about the  Star Trek Universe at TrekMovie.com .

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I really enjoyed this episode it had alot of character moments/growth and it was great to see the Trill again espicially gray as i miss his charcter.

Wilson Cruz was on fire this episode as he really pulled off the charcter of Jinaal.

Raynar is still a bit of a jerk but hopefully what Tilly said to him get through to him.

Looking forward to the next episode and i hope we get to see the Tzenkethi.

“ it was great to see the Trill again espicially gray as i miss his charcter. ”

Wow, you don’t read that very often .

This made me smile some. Thanks.

I enjoyed this one, but anyone else thinking animals that can cloak themselves are becoming a bit too common?

I think in this era, current showrunners meet and share an idea and are tempted to grab it for another show. Synths, Picard and Discovery. Copy and Paste Starships, Picard and Prodigy. From previous shows is more natural, but for current productions is amusing.

It was more of a “cut and paste” Trek story idea. They watched the Devil In The Dark..Oh yeah! they’re protecting the eggs! That’ll satisfy the dumb Trekkies.

And even there the Horta was not just some animal. Spock even commented that it was not behaving like one at all.

The thing is, these are animals. In fact, they came across as borderline insects. They should not be reacting like a sentient being would. They would only be operating on instinct. There is no reason whatsoever they would let Book and Burnham go. They simply wouldn’t comprehend anything beyond ‘these creatures are near our eggs’.

Now if they were a sentient being who share the planet with the Trill, that would be another matter. But that’s not how they were presented to us.

See, using Dax here would have been perfect. Imagine it; Jadzia Dax finding the Progenitor tech with Vellek.

I feel this season they want to avoid all kind of risks. I would also would love to see Dax. But for sure, critics will complain about it.

Hitchcock said, “What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out” – I think this was a wasted opportunity to not reintroduce the Dax symbiont and give Discovery an intimate connection to the greater Star Trek universe. For those who say it’d just be fan service: how does the ISS Enterprise get a pass , but a Dax at the Trill pools is jumping the shark? Just saying, it wouldn’t have been dull. And yes, if a quahog can live for hundreds of years in the ocean, I think Dax can survive 1,000 years in Hugh Hefner’s former grotto.

An unnamed Romulan played by an unknown extra being given more importance than Jadzia Dax is weird…

I don’t think that’s weird. It speaks to a greater universe than just the named characters in the opening credits of those shows we know. Those on the periphery, they’re people too.

After the way Jadzia was unceremoniously killed off, though, she deserved better. This was a chance to increase her importance.

Add to that that by having her in Discovery in one form or another it would have really tied up several Trek series since she was also present during TOS twice; once as the host of the Dax symbiont at the time and again during Trials and Tribble-lations.

With the potential era of the initial investigation being the Dominion War it would’ve been awesome for Dax to be revealed as one of the scientists. It’s give her a stronger legacy than being killed by possessed Dukat.

Exactly. Having her literally take the secret to the grave would have been perfect.

I’d love to see Dax too, but I think it would have just been to unbelievable for Jadzia to have taken a sabbatical from DS9 during the Dominion War (and right after her wedding) to go on a secret mission with a bunch of scientists to set up an elaborate quest.

What about after the Dominion took over DS9? That is a large-enough window of time for her to have been off on such a mission.

I can’t see her leaving the Defiant at such a critical time.

Or Starfleet letting one of its officers most experienced with the Dominion/Jem’Hadar go off on sabbatical in wartime. But then again, Sisko did exactly that a year later.

The timetable would have been hard to work, as Jadzia was seen throughout the Dominion War on DS9 and wasn’t off on some quest for weeks/months.

Great episode. I really enjoy the new tone/vibe/pace of the show. The script as well. Big improvement from previous seasons.

We used to watch these relationship dynamics in almost every episode of Star Trek, but what I watched in this episode, reminds me STNG and DS9, with Discovery fast pace.

Really like these relationship/character growth balance between scenes. Great lines for Tilly, the writers nailed it giving all characters exactly what they needed.

Three great episodes. Can’t wait for episode 4.

Totally missed to add…great GREAT ending. They are wrapping up each episode nicely!

Didn’t we see Lt. Commander Nilson in a Twitter post?

After the exciting first 2 episodes, this one was a letdown.

I have to agree that this episode turned out to be a “mixed bag of stories jumbled into a single episode”.

Also, I’m still not liking the very unprofessional vibe of Discovery’s crew. That ship literally has no command structure as evidenced by Tilly’s example. It really destroys any feeling that they are even a Starfleet crew. But this is Discovery so whatever, I guess.

I hope the next episode is more coherent.

but they connect and feel and live their own truth so – like, that’s just your opinion man….

I can only speak from my experience, but when I was an Air Force officer, our unit’s general vibe was pretty similar to what we see on Discovery . I wouldn’t go so far as to say we had “no command structure” but things were pretty loose. As a matter of fact, we tended to get a bit annoyed when someone acted “too military”. I can give you an example: myself and another second lieutenant were walking into our wing HQ building when we passed a guy who had just “pinned on” first lieutenant. He demanded we salute him and we just kind of told him “c’mon, man” and went our way, because there’s just no real distinction between a second lieutenant and a first lieutenant. Broadly, lieutenants and captains (at least the ones a few years out from making major) tend to view each other as peers.

I guess I am too used to what has previously been shown on TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY and ENT as the standard of professional behavior on Starfleet ships, that the loose and casual office behavior on DSC seems out of place.

I Get it can be relaxed, as Will is relating.. but it’s not always one or the other. I woul like to see more nuance in all characters. Tilly doesn’t always need to be always funny and freewheeling. I’d like to see her be more professional. Most people in any walk of life aren’t one way all the time. But most of these are written as charactures and not actual people.

It’s a fair point about Tilly. She’s a lieutenant with limited experience and she’s telling off a superior officer in a way that would make even Will Riker blush. Imagine her meeting Captain Jellico…

I get it, although it could ebb and flow. One of the things Roddenberry supposedly didn’t like about the Gene Coon era of TOS was the characters’ loose, familiar attitude. During the brief period of time he actively worked on the third season, he insisted on changing all that. The characters are much more formal in season 3.

See I disagree with the review- I thought the episode balanced its four plot strands really well and it was a wonderful character focused episode. Each to their own, I guess.

It was a bit meh, but still better than most of Season 4.

This was a connector episode, and not a lot happens. I go back to.. when you only have 10 episodes, you better make best use of your time. This was a relationship stuff… it would help if it covered relationships I cared about, but it’s just overly emotive junk that isn’t interesting to me at all. Which is funny when you consider one of those relationships features a Vulcan. While I like Sara and T’rina as a couple, they are boring. Gray and Adira, it’s just a lot of awkward teen stuff. I get it.. they’re having trouble.. just way too much time spent on that. At least Stulber has chemistry.. Book and Burnham have chemistry. But this was a waste of an episode.

Gray and Adira were miscast physically. I’d like to explain that DSC is a big visual show. When there is a wide shot, both Gray and Adira seem too small and too far away. We get to see their acting talents in the scenes where they are in a two-shot or a medium-shot. In my opinion, Blu’s acting is MUCH better this year. Ian Alexander’s acting is just too small for me. It must be difficult to frame the shots he is in, due to his physical size, which is a testament to the show’s production challenges. When you see how athletic Culber is compared to Gray? It’s just too jarring for me. His character doesn’t grab your attention. Let me be clear: I’m beyond happy about the LGBTQ representation DSC is showing. I’m glad the LGBTQ community can see themselves on TV. FWIW, I notice the same things in SNW. Peck and Mount are very athletic buff actors. In a wide shot, they can tend to dwarf smaller actors.

Sorry was not a big fan of this one at all. So many cringy moments and it went back to the usual stalling with barely any real plot at all. I had so many problems with this one but happy others liked it.

But per usual it moved at a snails pace with a lot of mostly forgetful dialogue.

And when did Trill turn into the cave and quarry planet? It’s a very developed planet with cities and people living in houses. But the two episodes we seen of it on this show you would think Trill is one big national park or something.

I think Trill’s budget was spent on the cloaking monsters.

Yeah I think that segment ran a bit too long for me. I feel like the point about the cloaking monsters could have been made sooner and they could have spent their time on giving some screen time to others.

Overall, this episode definitely struggled with too many plot points. The individual pieces weren’t bad but together they didn’t always form a cohesive whole. I like Rayner as a character and I like his more professional take on being a Captain vs. Burnham’s more personal take. Neither is inherently wrong, just different. I feel Tilly etc are too quick to judge him. He clearly had a reason for his 20 words or less and I got what that was. Although I didn’t like that the background actors only got some throwaway facts told about them. Then again they usually don’t get that! Culber did a great job portraying Jinal. He really felt like a different person. Adira and Grey wrapped up which I think is a good thing. They are better apart than they are together. I am still not sure about Book’s loyalty to the ship and its crew. Glad Saru and T’Rina are moving forward and we are getting some more backstory to this time period.

Stalling is a great way to put it. I think it boils down to if you like the characters and relationships they’re focusing on. If you’re going to focus on character, it had better be compelling but it was pretty banal and uninteresting. Saru and T’rina are focused on a wedding.. seriously? Gray and Adira are having your normal teenager type trouble. Both sets of circumstances were so blah.. if this were the best they can do with portraying whats happening with young people, Academy is in serious trouble.

Yeah this one frustrated me a bit. I am fine with a character episode but the character work was too telegraphed (Gray browbeating the theme of the episode at the end and Stamet’s ongoing arc where he obsesses over his legacy were feeling especially contrived). At least the Rayner scenes worked for me and made for a better use of Tilly than usual.

…although if they lead to Rayner just embracing the tactic of being an emotional support First Officer, I’ll be annoyed. Butting heads with Tilly worked, I just am probably on the losing side of, “His POV is valid and they could all learn a little from him. Not every connection needs to come from laying bare emotional trauma and being super chummy.” Characters who keep a professional distance but have personal depths that shine through are compelling and a Trek staple.

I actually liked this episode better than the first two. It felt more like a story and less like a bunch of action setpieces strung together.

I’m afraid I have to disagree with our eminent reviewer where he says, “ It may not have made sense for Tilly to act as HR for the ship (especially as she’s only on loan as a science advisor from the Academy).” No, that’s EXACTLY why it makes sense for HER to be the one to let Rayner know his style won’t work with this particular crew. She won’t have to work with him in the future, so she’s the one who can tell him he’s being a jerk without poisoning their future relationship.

I REALLY liked it that the true test wasn’t “Can you hike this canyon” but rather “Can you empathize with the creatures who live in it?” Very Star Trekky!

I loved the Saru/T’Rina stuff, both her standing her ground when Saru tried to be protective, since she’s the PRESIDENT of a freaking PLANET, for heaven’s sake. And also her saying that conflict was inevitable and not to be feared.

Wilson Cruz! So good! More of him, please.

I thought Rayner’s twenty-words thing was a little over the top; it made him seem like a parody of a crusty old guy, rather than a real person. I don’t mind being emotionally manipulated by Star Trek, but the wires shouldn’t be quite THAT visible. :-)

So, how could Moll possibly have gotten to Trill long enough before the Discovery to go undercover as one of those red-robed people? She and La’k didn’t dig up the thingy that gave them the fifth line of the poem until long after Burnham and Saru did, so how did they even know to go to Trill, much less get there so fast? Doesn’t Discovery’s spore drive get them places MUCH faster than any other ship?

The one thing I really didn’t like was that the lighting in the canyon was so dark that I couldn’t SEE anything during that whole scene. I’m glad the dialogue told me enough about what was happening that I didn’t have to actually see it to know what was going on.

Very astute observations Corylea, and well stated as usual. Couldn’t agree more!

Aw, thanks so much!

Oh.. and the repeat of the Fal Tor Pan ceremony really was annoying. They really could have mixed it up q lot better. It felt like a cliche.

Engaged couple bickering over their wedding announcement… This is exactly the sort of thing that’s kept me tuning in to Trek for all these decades…

And I don’t care how exaggeratedly mean the Rayner character is written, there is no way in real life that a Lieutenant speaks to a Commander/superior officer the way Tilly did. Totally strains credulity.

Starfleet is different from modern militaries. Starfleet officers’ feelings aren’t so fragile that they get upset when a subordinate speaks impolitely to them.

I think TMP nailed how these interactions are supposed to go down and it avoids this perception of insubordination: “Permission to speak freely, sir?” Done and done. The answer is almost always going to be yes.

I thought this was a very strong episode…and I didn’t like the first two of the season at all!

The character dynamics almost all worked for me this time. Burnham seemed like a real person rather than a screenplay with limbs; Rayner was great; Culber, who I have loved even when this series was at its worst, was great. Heck, I even liked Tilly this week, which is not typical. I got some chuckles out of Saru stepping in it, too.

I’ve loved and defended Disco since day one, but I have to say I’m having a hard time getting excited about this season’s Big Hunt For The Puzzle Pieces. But I was thrilled to see Wilson Cruz get to really shine as an actor in this one.

I believe this is the standard now, and it’s very very low .. the story is starting to be so boring .. always the same cave .. everybody keep sharing their emotions in every scene .. and the stubborn unfriendly character destined to change.

If only there wasn’t the “Star Trek:” in front of the series title I would had bailed long ago.

I am really loving this season. The latest episode really took on a lot, but it delivered for me. The pacing was good for each story and keep the mystery alive. Loved the adventure on Trill. Wilson Cruze did an amazing job in the episode with his portrayal of Jinaal. I absolutely love the addition of Rayner – the opposites of Rayner’s tough command style and the way Discovery is – works for me. Already looking forward to the next episode.

Yes, a very scattered episode. The twenty-word bit with Rayner was a poor writing choice. I don’t see how someone would rise to Captain without listening to his senior crew.

I think the bar scene got across that he was astute in learning about his crews quickly. He just didn’t hold their hands and talk about how much of a family they all are.

In other words, Discovery discusses their feelings ad nauseum yet again

I have never posted on one of these comment boards so I hope it is okay to share guesses for what might happen this season. I just wondered if it still canon that no one has ever seen a Breen (sans helmet). If that is true, and considering the dialog about helmets in the first episode of this season, I wonder if L’ak could be at least part Breen. Just a theory.

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Screen Rant

5 great lessons star trek: discovery learned from picard season 3.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 learned all the right lessons from Star Trek: Picard season 3, and seems poised to end the show on a high note.

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery season 5.

• Star Trek: Discovery season 5 takes a fun turn with space exploration, embracing the adventurous nature of Star Trek.
• Building on TNG and DS9, season 5 introduces new characters like Captain Rayner to shake things up.
• Discovery season 5 offers compelling villains like Moll and L'ak, adding mystery and tension to the galactic treasure hunt.

Star Trek: Discovery's fifth and final season learned all the right lessons from Star Trek: Picard season 3. Following the adventures of the USS Discovery and Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), Discovery has been many things throughout its four seasons. After the titular ship jumped to the 32nd century at the end of Discovery season 2, the show began exploring the Federation of the far future. While Discovery has often focused on dark and emotional storytelling, season 5 finally embraces the fun of space exploration. Between the latter half of Discovery season 4 and the first few episodes of season 5, the show has finally found a formula that really works.

Star Trek: Picard also told darker stories in its first two seasons, but Picard season 3 leaned more into nostalgia and fun. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) reunited with his Star Trek: The Next Generation crew for one last galaxy-saving adventure that involved big revelations and connections to the past. Picard season 3 became a resounding success , and many fans have been clamoring for the proposed spinoff, Star Trek: Legacy , ever since. Star Trek: Discovery season 5 seems to have learned a thing or two from Picard's success, and is shaping up to be the best season of the show thus far.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Returning Cast & New Character Guide

5 star trek: discovery season 5 builds on star trek's long history, both discovery season 5 & picard season 3 continued stories that began on tng..

The Star Trek franchise has been captivating audiences since the premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, and with that comes a lot of history and lore. Star Trek: Discovery has always been connected to TOS , but Discovery season 5 has been building more directly on stories that were established in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . The main plot line of Discovery season 5 serves as a direct follow-up to TNG season 6, episode 20, "The Chase," and has sent Captain Burnham and the USS Discovery on a galactic treasure hunt.

Star Trek : Discovery's 32nd century finally feels more connected to the rest of Star Trek 's timeline.

As Burnham and Discovery search for the ancient and powerful technology of the Progenitors, they also seek to learn more about themselves and answer the biggest questions about life, itself. Discovery 's treasure hunt has already taken them to the planet Trill where Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) participated in a Trill ritual first introduced on DS9 . Aside from obvious connections to DS9 and TNG , Discovery season 5 has also included numerous shout-outs to previously established aliens and planets. Star Trek : Discovery's 32nd century finally feels more connected to the rest of Star Trek 's timeline.

4 Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Embraces Nostalgia

Picard season 3 saw more returning characters, but discovery season 5 tells a classic trek story..

Not only has Star Trek: Discovery season 5 been building on established Star Trek history, but it has also embraced the nostalgia many fans have for TNG -era Trek in particular. Discovery season 5 may be set too far in the future to bring back characters like Star Trek: Picard season 3 did, but the show has still managed to feel more like classic Trek . Not only did the Discovery season 5 premiere show a photo of Captain Picard, but the episode also introduced a Soong-type android named Fred (J. Adam Brown), who bore a striking resemblance to Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner).

While Star Trek: Discovery season 5 still has many serialized elements, each episode also tells its own story, often taking Burnham and her crew to a new planet. In Discovery season 5, episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons," Captain Burnham and Mr. Saru (Doug Jones) find themselves under attack by automated drones, in a plot taken straight from TNG . Whether or not Discovery will have its own USS Enterprise-D moment like Picard season 3 remains to be seen, but the season has certainly leaned into its connections to the past more than any previous seasons.

Many of the new characters, like the android Fred and Captain Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie), wouldn't feel out of place on TNG or DS9.

3 Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Introduces New Characters To Shake Things Up

Captain liam shaw & captain rayner have a lot in common..

Much like Star Trek: Picard season 3 introduced Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick) to challenge Admiral Picard and Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Star Trek: Discovery season 5 introduced Callum Keith Rennie's Captain Rayner to test the patience of Captain Burnham and Discovery's crew. After Rayner makes a bad call on Q'Mau in the season premiere, he gets demoted to Commander, and Burnham recruits him to be the USS Discovery's First Officer. When Lt. Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman) pushes Rayner to get to know the crew, he pushes back, pointing out that he has more important things to worry about.

Like Shaw, Rayner has a gruff personality that doesn't quite gel with the rest of the USS Discovery crew.

When Michael first asks Rayner to be her Number One, she acknowledges that she needs someone who will sometimes challenge her. This will likely come up in the episodes to come, as Discovery gets closer and closer to the Progenitors' treasure. Rayner has already hinted that he has a past with couriers Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis), and his main goal is to find them and stop whatever it is they're planning. Over the course of Star Trek: Picard season 3, Captain Shaw became a fan favorite as more was revealed about his backstory, and it seems likely that Rayner will get similar results.

Why I'm On Rayner's Side In Star Trek: Discovery Season 5

2 star trek: discovery season 5 has compelling villains, moll & l'ak may not be as menacing as vadic, but they all have compelling backstories..

Star Trek: Picard season 3 introduced one of Star Trek's best new villains in Amanda Plummer's Vadic, a Changeling with a grudge against the Federation. While much about Moll and L'ak remains a mystery at this point, the hints that have been dropped about them are interesting and suggest they have a compelling backstory. Rayner seems to know more about them than he's letting on, and Cleveland Booker (David Ajala) has a connection with Moll that has yet to be explored. Moll and L'ak are Star Trek's version of Bonnie and Clyde, but it's possible an even bigger bad hired them to steal the Progenitor technology.

It's possible a more powerful threat could emerge before Star Trek : Discovery season 5 comes to an end.

With all the secrecy surrounding L'ak in particular, whose species is not even known, it's possible he could have connections to Star Trek's past that have not yet been revealed. Moll and L'ak may not have quite the menace of Vadic, but both villains have advanced technology and absolutely no interest in working with the Federation. The Borg Queen (Alice Krige) also made a return in Star Trek: Picard season 3 as the one pulling the strings, and with technology as seismic as the Progenitors' treasure, it's possible a more powerful threat could emerge before Star Trek : Discovery season 5 comes to an end.

1 Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Is Fun

Picard season 3 & discovery season 5 both remembered that star trek should be fun..

And last, but certainly not least, Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is simply more fun than any previous season. The latter half of Discovery season 4 showed hints of this, but season 5 has embraced the adventurous nature of exploration. With desert bike chases and automated weapons and invisible aliens, each episode of Discovery season 5 so far has had a least one big, high-energy action sequence. Like Star Trek: Picard season 3, Discovery season 5 has also found time for humor and laughter shared among friends even when the stakes are high.

It's unfortunate Star Trek: Discovery is coming to an end so soon after it found a winning formula, but at least the show will end on a high note.

Captain Burnham and the Discovery crew have been through a lot since season 1, and Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is finally letting them have fun. They may have to keep the Progenitors' technology out of the wrong hands, but they still get to embark on a massive treasure hunt centuries in the making. Saru has found love with Ni'Var President T'Rina (Tara Rosling), Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) is rediscovering his love of science, and even Tilly has gotten back in on the fun of it all. It's unfortunate Star Trek: Discovery is coming to an end so soon after it found a winning formula, but at least the show will end on a high note.

New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery stream Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

Star trek: picard.

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Kishida cracks jokes and invokes ‘Star Trek’ as he and Biden toast US-Japan alliance at state dinner

President Joe Biden listens as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks ahead of a toast during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden makes a toast with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden, center right, and first lady Jill Biden, right, welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center left, and his wife Yuko Kishida for a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Kristi Yamaguchi, right, and Yukiko Saegusa arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose for a photo with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida by the Grand Staircase in the Cross Hall of the White House during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Evan Ryan, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary, arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Tables are decorated during a press preview at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, for the State Dinner for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

FILE - This April 2, 2012 file photo shows singer Paul Simon performing at Avery Fisher Hall in New York, April 2, 2012. Simon will sing for guests at Wednesday’s White House state dinner for Japan. The White House says he’s one of first lady Jill Biden’s favorite musicians. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)

Former President Bill Clinton listens to toast by President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida exchanged warm toasts to each other and the close alliance between their nations as top figures from business, sports and politics looked on during Wednesday night’s state dinner.

Top figures from business, sports and politics turned up for a lavish state dinner honoring Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The White House on Wednesday served up a maximum dose of pomp to honor the close U.S. ally.

After a day of wide-ranging talks and a joint news conference, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and wife Yuko Kishida back to the White House Wednesday evening for a lavish state dinner.

US President Joe Biden and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida enjoyed a dinner out in Washington DC on Tuesday evening.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cracked jokes and invoked a touchstone of American culture as he quoted from “Star Trek” at Wednesday’s state dinner , telling guests at the White House that he hoped the “unshakable relationship” between his country and the U.S. would “boldly go where no one had gone before.”

“I would like to propose a toast to our voyage to the frontier of the Japan-U.S. relationship with this word: boldly go,” Kishida said, quoting the iconic opening monologue of the original “Star Trek” series.

Kishida, who spoke in English, and President Joe Biden exchanged warm toasts to each other and the decades-long, alliance between their nations as top figures from business, sports and politics — including an ex-president — looked on. The two leaders, who expressed a genuine friendship, pledged to continue to knit together their countries’ interests in the face of global challenges.

Biden , 81, said he and Kishida, 66, came of age as their countries forged a strong bond in the decades after they were pitted against each other in World War II.

“We both remember the choices that were made to forge a friendship,” Biden said. “We both remember the hard work, what it has done to find healing.”

“Tonight,” Biden continued, “We pledge to keep going.”

As the White House served up a maximum dose of pomp to honor its close U.S. ally, notable guests included Bill and Hillary Clinton, who were on familiar turf for the event. The former president declared it “feels great” to be back before casting an appreciative eye at a portrait of his wife from her first lady days that was on display nearby.

Guests in bright spring colors and lots of shimmery gowns chatted politics and talked shop as they strolled in — that meant eclipse chatter from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson (“fabulous” view in Ohio!) and an assessment of Biden’s electoral prospects in Wisconsin from Gov. Tony Evers (looking good!).

But on a day when the inflation news from Washington was less than encouraging, Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell shot past reporters without stopping to chat. Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, in a purple gown, said she didn’t expect to be out campaigning for Biden but nonetheless seemed bullish on his reelection. Actor Robert De Niro supplied the night’s Hollywood quotient and seemed to channel one of his tough-talking characters when he was asked for his thoughts about the 2024 election.

“What do you think?” he retorted.

On a warm spring evening, the Bidens came stepped onto the North Portico to welcome Kishida and his wife, Yuko, who stood out in a flowing royal blue gown on the red carpet.

Inside, Jill Biden , wearing a beaded sapphire gown, had transformed the State Floor of the White House into what she called a “vibrant spring garden” for the evening. The floor of the famous Cross Hall was decorated with images giving the nearly 230 guests the feel of walking over a koi pond, a nod to fish that symbolize “friendship, peace, luck and perseverance,” the first lady said at a media preview Tuesday.

Guests at the head table with the Bidens and Kishidas included the Clintons, De Niro and Japanese pop duo Yoasobi.

Kishida, in his toast at the dinner, enthused over the splendor.

“First and foremost, to be honest my breath is taken and I’m speechless in front of such a huge number of prominent American and Japanese guests,” he said.

A state dinner is a tool of U.S. diplomacy, an honor doled out sparingly and only to America’s closest allies. In the case of Japan, the president has granted that honor for just the fifth time to an ally that he sees as a cornerstone of his policy toward the Indo-Pacific region.

Kishida is on an official visit to the United States this week. The state dinner is Biden’s first this year.

The guests included plenty of Biden family members, including granddaughter Naomi and her husband, Peter Neal. Business moguls also were in force, including JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Labor luminaries United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and United Steelworkers President David McCall were also in attenddance. Both unions have endorsed Biden for reelection.

Dry-aged rib eye steak, cherry blossoms and the music of Paul Simon were also part of the evening. Simon opened his after-dinner performance by playing guitar and singing two of his major hits, “Graceland” and “Slip Slidin’ Away.”

Guests dined on a meal that was designed to highlight the “bounty of spring” in Japan and the United States: a first course of house-cured salmon that was inspired by a California roll and an entree of rib eye with shishito pepper butter, fava beans, mushrooms and onions. Dessert was salted caramel pistachio cake with a matcha ganache and cherry ice cream.

Some of Jill Biden’s favorite flowers, including sweet peas, roses and peonies, were arranged alongside imported cherry blossoms to decorate a mix of round and rectangular dinner tables in the East Room in shades of pink. A few floral centerpieces topped out at 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Tables were set with a mix of place settings representing the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush. Glass and silk butterflies danced over the tables.

Simon is one of Jill Biden’s favorite artists, the White House said, adding that she chose him as a special tribute to Kishida because the prime minister also admires his music.

Simon’s career spans six decades, including performing as part of a duo with his childhood friend Art Garfunkel. The 82-year-old New Jersey native has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammys and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Kishida is the fifth world leader Biden has honored with a state dinner following counterparts from France , South Korea , India and Australia .

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When you have William Shatner , aka Captain James T. Kirk, on your show, you get to ask the Star Trek questions you’ve always wanted answered.

That’s what Bill Maher managed to do on Friday’s Real Time , as he probed one of pop culture’s most interesting moments — the interracial kiss between Captain Kirk and Lt. Uhura.

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Maher also marveled how far Shatner fell from grace after the first run of Star Trek was canceled after three seasons. Shatner talked about watching the actual moon landing from a pasture while in his truck, his base of operations after a divorce and a lull in work.

How did you fall so fast? Maher asked. “With great precision,” Shatner joked, adding that it was just “circumstances of life.”

Of course, those days are gone for Shatner. He is the subject of the new documentary,  You Can Call Me Bill, and the artist behind the upcoming digital album, So Fragile, So Blue, which he recorded live with the National Symphony Orchestra.

He’s also planning a trip to Antarctica, another of his efforts to explore and spotlight his efforts in climate change.

Of the latter, “There’s no way out except through technology,” Shatner said. “There’s a wave coming.” It’s one reason he may consider once again going into space, he said, as a way to “promulgate the idea that there’s so much going on by science and scientists to correct global warming.” He added, “There’s an element of hope I will cling to.”

Maher wrapped up the segment with a mention of Shatner’s age (93) and compliments on how well he looks.

“I don’t mind when you say my age,” Shatner said. “But when they clap…”

After Shatner, Maher had a panel discussion with Piers Morgan ,  New York Post  columnist and host of the YouTube channel’s P iers Morgan Uncensored , and  Gillian Tett , provost of King’s College, Cambridge, and columnist at the  Financial Times .

They also talked about a protest in Dearborn Michigan that featured chants of “Death to America.” Maher pushed back on those at the protest who said, “The entire system has to go.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Maher countered. “I like our system. I’ve always liked America and thought death to it was bad.”

In Maher’s “New Rules” editorial, he pointed out the falsehoods about Canada and some progressive European countries where the idyllic myth doesn’t jibe with reality, resulting in what Maher termed “zombie lies.”

Maher pointed out several ways that these countries are faring worse in housing, health care, and on immigration issues

“I need to cite you as a cautionary tale: yes, you can move too far left, and you push others to the extreme right,” he said. “Calling something racist doesn’t solve the problem,” Maher said. That opens the door to someone conservative who will act, and “Who I promise, you’re not going to like.”

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