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Season One of 'Star Trek Discovery' Lacks a Bit on the Sci-Fi, but Has Laid a Strong Foundation

Big Things Lay Ahead for 'Discovery'

By Rich MonettiPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Photo by CBS Television Studios

I watched Star Trek Discovery in the only manner in which the 23rd century is meant to be viewed—on a TV set. So I just got the DVD from the library, I'm all caught up, and I’ll send payment to CBS at a later date. Maybe not but my commentary is more in accordance with a review and hopefully doesn't spoil. I don’t want to ruin it for those who also doubt the fluidity of streaming and paying for Star Trek.

If you're not aware, the 24 Klingon houses are in disarray and a young leader has emerged to stop the squabbling. His plan: Attack the Federation and unify the Empire.

On the other side, our main character believes that large scale war can be averted by meeting aggression with aggression, and she commits mutiny to do so.

Sonequa Martin-Green plays Michael Burnham, and she is the first officer on the USS Shenzhou. But the adopted daughter of Sarek doesn't quite get the chance to follow through, so when diplomacy fails, the Klingons gear up to save their race.

The Shenzhou destroyed and her captain killed, the massive loss of life pales in comparison to the all out war that ensues. Even so, the ends of her attempted usurpation really play no part in the catastrophe. But Burnham gets the blame, and the uncontested mutiny verdict draws a life sentence.

Not Your Father’s Klingons

Fortunately, the extreme situation gives cause for extreme measures, and Discovery’s Captain gets a hold of her to serve the war effort.

Gabrielle Lorca (Jason Isaacs) is kick ass in a very Jim Kirk kind of a way, and he also has some pretty cool tools. Post Archer and in Pike's timeframe, Starfleet has found a molecular link between biology and physics. As such, Discovery has gained access to the very fabric of space (or something like that), and the yield is called spore travel. So when Discovery goes Code Black, the ship can suddenly appear anywhere in the universe.

The research and the actual travel has risks, and Lorca often pushes beyond Starfleet's comfort zone, but these aren't Jim Kirk's Klingons. “Klingons have tasted your blood. Conquer us, or we will never relent,” Commander L’Rell levies the distinction.

Starfleet Ideals: A Strength or Weakness?

So herein lies season one's moral, philosophical, sci-fi conundrum. Is Starfleet’s idealism a strength or a weakness? A question, for example, that has an easy answer from one character who's more inclined to the dark side. “Starfleet is a failed social experiment,” she assures Burnham.

Either way, the burden falls heavily on Burnham to carry. She does an admirable job fighting not only her own survival instincts but all the characters who must also weigh the compromises.

Burnham does, though, fall short in comparison to Captain Saru. As the main alien, Doug Jones probably has the most humanity of anyone on board, and it’s a continuous back and forth. Their often contentious relationship provides the story arc with a conscience as the gut wrenching moral decisions pile up.

Character Driven

The interpersonal discovery on their part is pure Star Trek. The relationship grows and strengthens through conflict and would make Gene Roddenberry proud.

There’s also more good news on the character curve. Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) provides wonder as the spore wiz, and his quirky genius has all the makings of the Star Trek humor we love.

Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly helps fill that billing too. Flighty and imperfect, her learning curve lightens the load and leaves inspiring room for improvement.

A Foundation Laid

There's also couple of plot twists that are going to blow you away, but what of providing the type of science fiction that has made Star Trek universe endless. Yes, we have Burnham's journey, and it is a ever present debate for humanity. But there really are no “Have you ever read Milton?” moments.

Nonetheless, I have every faith that they are on the way. Discovery is not a Star Wars like leap for action and adventure. The production goes about delivering the drama in a serious manner, and as a result, a foundation has been laid. This leaves the show in position to explore the human soul in a manner that has made the franchise endure.

So enjoy season two and I'll catch up with you next year.

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Author can be reached at [email protected]

star trek
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About the Creator

Rich Monetti

I am, I write.

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