How Star Trek: Discovery's Culber Will Change After His Traumatic Experience, According To Wilson Cruz

Culber Star Trek: Discovery CBS All Access

Warning! The following contains spoilers for Star Trek: Discovery Season 2. Read at your own risk!

Star Trek: Discovery brought back Hugh Culber last week for the first time since he was killed and, surprisingly, the Lt. Commander was resurrected and brought back to the Discovery. This week's episode picked up with Culber's recovery, which showed him out of sorts, though looking normal. Better than normal, medically speaking, but Culber can't shake the feeling that something is off. Wilson Cruz spoke about his character's recent changes, and teased what could be up with him going forward.

I think anyone who goes through a traumatic experience, a near-death experience, faces a life-threatening disease and is given a second chance; I think they're forced to take a look at their lives and say, 'What worked? What didn't work before? And what am I willing to change now? Or what needs to change now?' And I think we really explore those questions, and Hugh really goes on this journey this season.

So when Culber was out of sorts while Stamets chatted up the doctor on the operating table, it may not have been because something was wrong physically. Judging from Wilson Cruz's statements, the trauma from his time in the Mycelial Network paired with the trauma of his death will have some lasting effects. Cruz told Syfywire the rest of Season 2 will see him work through that trauma, and said it's going to lead to some things.

Judging from his quote, it sounds like Hugh Culber might have some issues should he cross paths with Ash Tyler on the Discovery. That's a seemingly normal reaction seeing as the last time they saw each other Ash snapped Culber's neck. Given his delicate mental state, this could put him in a bad place really quick. The question is, will he shut down when he sees the Section 31 crew member, or will he snap and try to get revenge?

It was a plan, Wilson Cruz admitted, he's been aware of ever since his character was killed off in Season 1. Cruz wasn't just aware of what was in store for his Season 2 arc either, as the actor teased the road ahead for Star Trek: Discovery is something that will surprise a few people.

I could not be more satisfied with how the second season played out. And I am even more excited about what is planned for season three, and I mean that, because it's gonna blow people's minds.

Find out what happens next with Culber and the rest with new episodes. Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 is rolling strong on CBS All Access Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET. Keep tabs on what else is coming to television in 2019 by visiting our midseason premiere guide.

Mick Joest
Content Producer

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.