In an exclusive interview with Variety, Sonequa Martin-Green, the first Black woman to lead a series in the iconic "Star Trek" franchise, discussed her memories of watching the show as a child and the significance of her role as Michael Burnham on "Star Trek: Discovery." As the flagship series heads into its fifth and final season, Martin-Green reflects on the impact of "Star Trek" and the responsibility she felt to uphold its groundbreaking history.

Martin-Green recalls her early memories of watching "Star Trek" with her parents and being captivated by the character Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols. She acknowledges the importance of representation and how these portrayals influenced her as a young girl. She also mentions LeVar Burton as another influential figure from the franchise.

The conversation then shifts to Martin-Green's experience working on "Discovery" and the pressure she felt to meet the high expectations set by the show's trailblazing predecessors. She admits to initially taking on too much responsibility, leading to self-imposed pressure for perfection. However, she acknowledges the need to let go of those burdens and allow her creativity to thrive.

Paramount+ recently announced that Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" would be its final season. Although the decision came as a surprise to the cast, the streamer and CBS Studios granted them three extra days of shooting for a proper series finale. Jeff Grossman, EVP of Paramount+ programming, expresses gratitude to the producers for creating an extraordinary conclusion that honors the legacy of the series.

Variety, having screened the first four episodes of Season 5, notes a striking finality in their narratives, with characters making important life choices and the USS Discovery embarking on a season-long adventure that feels like a culmination of their previous experiences.

As the conversation turns to Martin-Green's interactions with fans, she reveals that "Discovery" has introduced many younger viewers to the "Star Trek" universe, with teenagers expressing gratitude for being their introduction to the franchise. Martin-Green finds it fulfilling to hear fans say, "You're my 'Trek'," as it reflects the impact of her role and the show's mission to connect with new audiences.

The interview also touches on Martin-Green's recent participation in the official "Star Trek" cruise, where she shared emotional moments with fans who expressed how the series brought families together and created cherished memories.

As "Star Trek: Discovery" approaches its final season, Martin-Green remains grateful for the opportunity to be part of the franchise's rich history. With the success of "Discovery," the "Star Trek" franchise continues to flourish with a robust slate of TV titles, including the upcoming spin-off "Starfleet Academy." The final season of "Star Trek: Discovery" premieres on April 4th, and fans can expect a fitting conclusion to this groundbreaking series.