WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Star Trek: Discovery Season 3, Episode 3, "People of Earth," now streaming on CBS All Access.
"People of Earth," the third episode of Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 finally saw Commander Michael Burnham reunited with the crew of the Discovery. As emotional and satisfying as it was to see the whole crew together again in their strange new future, one long-lingering question finally found resolution. Commander Saru, at Burnham's suggestion and with the bridge crew's consent, was promoted to Captain and granted command of the Discovery.
This is a momentous occasion, not just for Saru, but for the series and the Star Trek franchise as a whole. The Discovery has been without a permanent Captain since the betrayal and subsequent death of the impostor Captain Lorca from the Mirror Universe. Season 2 saw the Enterprise's Captain Pike take temporary command to investigate the Red Angel and help Burnham find Spock, but he was never intended to be permanently assigned to the ship.
With the crew hurling themselves over 930 years into the future, there has been some question as to who would take command of the ship in this bleak future without a functioning Starfleet. Burnham and Saru were the most likely choices, both being commanders and therefore next in rank for promotion to captain. Burnham may have seemed like a given since she's the show's protagonist, but the truth is, while capable, Burnham has always been a rebellious officer.
Burnham's year alone in the future waiting for the Discovery had led her to the realization that she has changed, and while she loves the crew, she is not (and maybe never was) the officer they need as captain. Saru, on the other hand, has spent the entire series, especially Season 2, embarking on a journey of self-improvement. He's conquered his race's innate prey instinct and grown in confidence and boldness without losing the empathy that made him so precious and unique to Starfleet.
Once reunited on the bridge, the matter of command naturally comes up and all parties agree a new captain must be chosen. Saru suggests they have held a previously agreed upon chat to determine which of them takes the chair. However, Burnham insists "It's never been me," and steps back, making it clear the ship is Saru's to command.
Saru is hesitant, both not wanting to presume and also unsure if a ship filled with mostly humans would be willing to follow a Kelpien. But Burnham's declaration is met with unanimous support by the bridge crew, who acknowledge Saru as captain. Burnham gives him a field promotion on the spot and with a profound sense of gratitude, humility and sincerity, Saru pledges himself and the crew to each other.
Saru as captain makes perfect sense. He has continually displayed the necessary level-headed mentality required to respond under extreme pressure. His viability as captain was even hinted back in Season 2, with Captain Pike apologizing to Saru about commandeering the Discovery under such abrupt and dire circumstances. He said he didn't want to step on Saru's toes, implying that Pike was already under the impression Saru was to take command.
Star Trek: Discovery's third season is truly living up to its name. The series has taken the franchise where it has never been before. Not only featuring a new future but giving Trekkies the first series with an alien captain. It's a new boundary broken and well-deserved recognition for an officer of Saru's caliber.