Star Trek: Discovery star warns Booker and Burnham's relationship is set to be tested

Star Trek: Discovery season 4 spoilers follow.

Star Trek: Discovery's David Ajala has teased what is to come in season 4 of the sci-fi series as his character Cleveland Booker struggles in the aftermath of the destruction of his home planet Kwejian.

Booker has been dealing with deep grief following the harrowing twist earlier this season, something that is set to put a deep strain on his relationship with Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green).

Reflecting on his character in an exclusive chat with Digital Spy following episode four '...But to Connect', Ajala spoke about Booker's relationship with his late father.

"I think what is one of the most special things about this episode is seeing the effect Cleveland Booker's father has on him," he explained.

"I remember there was one scene that we were filming, and I felt like I was the 10-year-old version of my character, being chastised by my father.

"That's all a testament to the actor. He was brilliant. Sometimes we try and deviate from being the replica of our parents, but sometimes the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Related: Star Trek: Discovery – David Ajala on why Cleveland Booker's mental health journey is more important than ever

Speaking on what's to come for Booker, Ajala admitted that his grief will "test him", elaborating: "Booker's relationship, specifically with Michael Burnham, will be tested many times this season.

"We've already had some inklings into how that test could really affect their relationship, especially because of Cleveland Booker losing Kwejian, but now he will be tested because his father has a say so and what he thinks about Michael Burham, and what Burnham represents to Cleveland Booker, and how it's counterproductive for his growth as an individual.

Related: Star Trek: Discovery boss explains surprise season 4 exit

"Later down the line, there are two more, very pivotal moments, which deeply test the relationship between Cleveland Booker and Michael Burnham, but it gathers more momentum when Cleveland's father shows up," he added.

"One could have said the catalyst was losing Kwejian, I think it's the father's presence."

Star Trek: Discovery airs on Paramount+ in the US. In the UK, you can watch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 9pm on Pluto TV.

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