Was there anything about the show you didn't like though?
I jest. I too felt the last season was lacking and it's just too Burnham-centric.
Of course, there's always been a pivotal character in Star Trek series which has usually been the Captain - Kirk/Picard/Janeway/etc. - but usually they felt like a compelling, commanding character at the centre of the show and around which the rest of the crew orbit (no pun intended). And through their interactions and characterisations, the characters in those series built up unique camraderie which allowed each member of the team to shine as an individual.
I don't get that from Discovery. It feels very much like the Burnham show, and the rest of the characters are just there to fill seats. Asides from a couple, all very much replaceable. They keep pushing the notion of them being a great team but it doesn't feel natural, it feels forced and implemented via dialogue from Burnham followed by long camera shots of determined looking crew all glancing at each other as if the audience must be force fed the idea that they have each other's backs.
I also think Burnham as a character lacks many of the important traits that other Captains have possessed. I'm not sure if this is just down to how the character is written or if it's also how Sonequa Martin-Green plays it.
Here it is...... in "Amok Time" Kirk and Spock visit Vulcan, because Spock is experiencing Pon Farr and is seriously unwell. I think Kirk is actually disobeying orders to save his friend.
Once on the planet a complication occurs when Spock's mate essentially rejects him for another. Kirk and Spock have to fight each other gladiator style in front of Vulcan's de facto queen - and Spock believes he's killed Kirk.
Luckily, due to some trickery from Bones, the day is saved .
There are great moments for all the main characters, the supporting cast are solid, and some amazingly quotable lines + a rare show of joy from Spock. Vulcan culture is explored respectfully.
Simply put, it's an incredible episode of Trek. Nice job to Gene and the boys.
Discovery visits Vulcan in s3. They're only allowed in because Burnham is Spock's sister - hmmm that retcon paid off ! When they get there Burnham has to win a nonsensical debate, in which her mother, who turns up as a warrior nun/debate coach, helps her by not helping her by making her talk about her feelings - because this is what everyone needs to hear. And the day is saved - and I think Tilly says a swear word and it's funny.
I think that sums up the difference between actual Star Trek and Everybody Loves Michael, aka Discovery.
If you want to compare Discovery to TNG, think about Picard ( the de facto main character) and the episodes "Chain of Command" or " Gambit"
If you want to compare with DS9, check out "In the Pale Moonlight" for Sisko's best episode.
Even Janeway in " Year of Hell" faces real tests, and fails as much as she succeeds.
It doesn't take much more than a cursory view to see why Burnham is such an unsatisfying character and how the stories written around her deviate from past Trek.
Having said that, there were a bunch of things I loved about season 1.
- the Lorca twist and the Ash twist, both were played out gradually and carefully. Not quite Fight Club, but still nicely played.
- the development of the spore drive, ridiculous but interesting.
Harry Mudd, what an *******, but entertaining.
Nostalgia: I lived in Canada in the 70s -early 90s. I worked at some of the exterior filming locations they used around Toronto, so that was neat when I saw them show up as alien worlds.
There was some other stuff too, I'll remember later
Cheers LLAP.
as usual so it was ok to me. Its been 4 years now and even though Burnham is Captain now they dont really change how she goes about things. I didnt understand why she (or the writers) took Booker down to that planet instead of some of her actual crew and any of those that are trained to interact with new lifeforms. He's more important to the show than anyone on the ship and it continues to annoy me.
