Star Trek: Discovery (TV Series) Choose Your Pain (2017) User Reviews

Best I've seen so far.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 12 October 2020]

I've found this series a bit hit and miss so far, however this episode was actually very good, very energetic, past paced and entertaining. I liked the story, it was very well written, and flowed well.

Dazzling special effects once again, they have out together an incredibly well produced show, it looks so good, I'm just wondering if they'll face a foe other than the Klingons?

Has The Captain made an enemy? I do hope so.

I am a little frustrated by the character of Michael, she is becoming an insufferable know it all, and has been right about everything in every episode, they need to address this soon.

Very good, 8/10.

Better than the previous one.. i am still dubious though.

[plasm-1 · 7/10 · 16 October 2017]

This one was far better than the catastrophe that was 1x04 "The Butchers knife cares not for the Lambs cry". Even if i won't explain exactly what made it fun, believe me that it was. It is a solid 7/10 IMHO.

The character motivations were reasonable. The introductions of Harry Mudd and dubious_starfleet_officer_01 on the Klingon prison ship were "Meh!". Everything Klingon related continues to be "Meh!" really.

Stamets solution to the ethical dilemma the exploitation of the tardigrade/water bear presented was very trek-esque. I just have the feeling that this will just be used as a McGuffin for Lorka's future reasoning that this was reckless and self sacrificial(which it was).

Also freeing the water bear, while "good" in a karmic sense, will only and obviously be used to set Lorka off.

I am a pragmatist. I can see the reasoning behind the actions of someone like Lorka and the series set up a situation where someone like him is necessary, but they keep using him in a blunt way... like a sledgehammer. There is no finesse to him and the character would work so much better if he had some. He needs a few character traits of the early Admiral Thrawn(Star Wars).

On to this weeks screw ups:

(1)The federation is at war. Why do they *shuttle* high profile officers through contested space? Why do they shuttle personnel at all? It's dangerous, slow and stupid! Writers, if you need Lorka to get captured please come up with a more plausible way!

(2)They made an effort to explain that the water bear expelled 99% of the water contained in its body, when it entered it's the dormant stage. There was even some visual effects to emphasize that. Once the dormant tardigrade left the ship sprinkled with pixie dust(spores) it magically gets re-hydrated in vacuum. Yeah right!

The Language!

[mmcnair-97424 · 7/10 · 16 October 2017]

OK so they used language on this episode that boldly went where not Star Trek characters had gone before! I don't know about anyone else, but I almost fainted. LOL!

I get the show does not quite follow the usual Star Trek formula and it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but maybe it is time to break from the script a little and give a fresh feel to the franchise.

I too am willing to give it a little more time to find it's footing. It still has potential.

Not Trek, but an OK sci-fi show - though it needs to stop trying to be edgy

[wolfstar_imdb · 8/10 · 8 January 2018]

Discovery is starting to work better as drama, and this episode was helped a lot by the fact it was more of an ensemble piece; Saru and Lorca are carrying the show. I liked Saru's arc of confidence in his own decision-making by the end, no longer tempted to compare himself to others. The science is still awful though, and the creature rehydrating (without water) and teleporting off into the sunset was ridiculously cheesy - reminded me of Poochie's "return to his home planet" on The Simpsons.

I'm also not on board with the swearing and the more graphic violence, which seems mainly inserted for edginess as opposed to being necessary - Star Trek has always been a show for all ages, one you show your kids. I grew up watching The Next Generation, and I wouldn't watch Discovery with a kid under 10, not so much because of an occasional swear word they probably already know, but more because of the bloody violence and tone. Deep Space 9 had episodes that received over-15 certificates when released on video in the UK (To The Death, Empok Nor, Strange Bedfellows), but Discovery takes the gore effects too far, just for shallow edginess points. I also don't like the continued ISISification of the Klingons - the fact they rape, torture and publicly execute people (as well as the fact their energy weapons simply vaporize people).

Best episode yet

[benschlichter · 10/10 · 15 October 2017]

Its all starting to come to light - in this episode, 3 lights.

Due to the massive serialization of Star Trek Discovery, viewers have been left hanging on many unresolved issues, especially those asking if this is really Star Trek.

I think this episode goes a long way in answering at least some of the complaints and ends brilliantly.

ENT, TAS, and TOS are referenced in the episode, finally canonizing The Animated Series from the 1970's. Ethics concerning the tardigrade are a central part of the episode and result in a great near-end finish.

We find out a little bit about Klingons that can speak English well, and see Harry Mudd for the first (and only?) time.

The ending though... Forbodes of starting something very interesting as a result of a last-ditch decision made by Stamets. It will be very interesting to see how this one resolves.

Best episode ever? No, not by a long shot. But its the best of Discovery so far, and suggests its only going to get better.

Blast from the past

[Piglet-44 · 7/10 · 15 October 2017]

I have fond memories of Harry Mudd from ST-TOS. Rainn Wilson is probably one of the better choices for the role and I am hard pressed to think of someone that would have been better. He delivers on the cowardly scoundrel as I remember and love

I have seen other reviews that don't like the direction they are going but this isn't the kinder gentler Captain Picard years. This is war and real war isn't pretty or moral, something they often forgot in the previous series.

That being said Star Trek was always meant to be hopeful for the future and this is missing that hope. That may also be why ST Enterprise didn't last as long as the others.

As clear as Mudd

[ewaf58 · 8/10 · 16 October 2017]

It was lovely to see my old pal Harry Mudd reappear although he's going to need all his 'charm' to escape from his current predicament.

I can see that some reviewers hate this series - but Star Trek has to evolve and so the fans have to too. I've been watching it since 1969 (in the Uk) when it started out as a space adventure series initially focusing on the psychological effects of space travel and exploration on a crew - before developing into what we know today.

It's still finding its feet - but so was TOS for the first batch of episode. It is violent at times and has strong language including the dreaded 'f' word - obviously still the go to word for expressing anger or frustration even in the 23rd century.

Personally I'm looking forward to the episodes after the Klingon arc when hopefully they'll be out exploring the unknown. Let's pray the creative team have thought up some really nasty surprises amongst the new alien species they're going to meet.

So what are we going to find in episode 6? Well why don't you ask Harry - he's a man you can really trust - but can he answer the question of why Lt Stamets' reflection was left in the mirror when he walked away?

Choose Your Pain

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 17 October 2017]

If it was not for the two rapid use of the four letter word I would say this was the most traditional Trek like episode of Discovery.

Captain Lorca is travelling on a shuttle without much of an escort and is captured by the Klingons and tortured. They easily find out his eyes do not like bright lights. In the Klingon ship he encounters the untrustworthy Harry Mudd and Lt Ash Tyler (Shazad Latif) who been imprisoned in the ship for six months.

Saru is now tasked to locate and rescue Lorca but feels threatened by Burnham and he needs the ship working at full speed. This means the Tardigrade needs to function properly. Burnham realises that the Tardigrade is in pain and may even die if it has to continue propelling the ship.

Stamets who so far has appeared to be a bit of an arrogant douchebag actually gets some character development as he too shows concern about the Tardigrade but also makes a significant move in advancing the spore propulsion system. Stamets also has a close relationship with the ship's doctor despite their differences of opinion.

Saru is also different from the first episode where he appeared more to be the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz. Here as acting captain he is willing to breach Starfleet rules and even hurt a sentient being to rescue a Lorca. However did he ever think the state of the ship and Starfleet if the Tardigrade died?

Shazad Latif whose name has been on the titles from the first episode finally joins the cast but given he has survived torture for six months, was a favourite of the female Klingon on the ship, the audience certainly has to doubt his loyalties.

Getting' Better!

[ranhines · 8/10 · 16 October 2017]

Enjoying the series so far. I've heard the criticisms about whether this is Trek or not. I think it is. I have a friend who posits that the characters are actually in the Mirror Universe and are evil. No, there's no evil unless you're talking the evils of war and what humans, any of us, would do in a similar circumstance.

To say there's no precedence for these characters' behaviors is not to understand a few episodes across the Trek universe that were considered classics: DS9's "In the Pale Moonlight" where Sisko looks the other way while Garak assassinates the Romulan Senator Vreenak under false pretenses to bring the Romulans into the war with the Dominion. DS9, where Nog lost his leg, surrounded by Star Fleet officers who had the months-long task of holding their position against impossible odds -- those weren't your typical "Roddenberry" types. "Yesterday's Enterprise" where they were at war with the Klingons. Is anyone seeing a pattern here?

When Quark rightly spoke the following (paraphrased): Federation (Roddenberry) ideals are fine while your belly is full. Take that away and you really see who people are. Discovery is showing humanity for all it's worth...the good and the bad...in times of FREAKING WAR! That's real. That's appropriate.

I'll bet if Roddenberry were alive today, he would be onboard. Hey, even his son is.

If there had been an episode in any of the previous Treks where some character spoke a throwaway line that "there's only been one instance of mutiny in the history of Starfleet", I think the same critics would be onboard then.

And in spite of all this criticism, last eve's episode was a paean to so much Star Trek lore it was delicious...and to setup conflict via the tardigrade and resolve that same conflict in glorious "Roddenberry" fashion at the end was a beautiful thing. It's far more compelling to be in a dark place to eventually get to that Federation ideal we love so much...that's the conflict...that's the struggle...that's the tension. That's GOOD writing! It will make getting to that Utopia all the more sweet when it comes.

So, people, be realistic. Be reasonable. There's little more human than what was depicted in this episode. Chill out!

Choose Your Pain

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 21 December 2017]

An enjoyable episode here that for the first time took the setting off Discovery and went elsewhere. I know some people will hate it because it sort of was less Star Trek and more USA Network drama, but as a whole it worked.

Rainn Wilson's character was a great addition and we finally saw a clear, and not overly sci-fi premise. The original Star Trek featured episodes like this, so those complaining are missing the point.

Excellent!

[jasoncullen-22430 · 15 October 2017]

The best episode so far! Amazing characters. The NYTimes also gave a rave review. Definitely worth watching! The first few episodes focused on the lead, but now the story is spread out among an ensemble cast. And there's even just a bit of humor. I would definitely recommend this to fans of DS9.

Doug Jones sits down in the captain's Chair

[XweAponX · 10/10 · 1 November 2017]

I have loved Doug Jones work in the Guillermo del Toro films. People might remember him more as Abe Sapien and the several characters he plays in Hellboy. But here, he's the Captain.

He still has an ax to grind when it comes to Michael. He refers to her as a dangerous predator. In reality, she is the only other crew member that thinks the same way as Captain Lorca.

Lorca is paying an unwanted visit to the Klingons, where he meets an Original Series character named Harcourt Fenton Mudd (Riann Wilson, a good representation, a Mudd with all of the selfishness of Roger C Carmel's version). Also, a star-fleet officer named Ash Tyler, who has been "enjoying" a prolonged visit to a Klingon Brig.

The problem with Discovery at this moment, is that the "Ripper" creature that serves as the Spore Drive's Supercomputer, can't tolerate repeated ventures into Spore Space.

Saru's solution as captain is to work the creature to death, bring it back to life, then abuse it more. Whereas Michael and Stamets see a different solution. Problem is, that would be a prohibited genetic experiment.

Saru needs to jump in, save the Captain, then jump out. Jumping in is doable, it's the getting away that is problematic. And his orders seem Cruel, but as standard orders go, he doesn't have many other options. He sets up a program to rate his work as Captain, comparing himself to "Jonathon Archer and Robert April"- Two familiar names from Trek Canon.

As far as Ash Tyler, "escaping was always a two-man operation" - He was just waiting for the right man. Lorca leaves his mark on the Klingon Captain.

In the end, Saru comes as close to apologizing to Micheal as his species can. There may still be tension between him and Michael, but at least an understanding has developed. Saru speaks about some of his deep resentments, opportunities he never got to exploit because of what happened at the Battle of the Binary Stars. But he is of course, first officer of Discovery.

In the last couple of days, I looked up "Tardigrade". And what I found out is that in distress, they actually do react like the "Ripper" does in this episode.

Fairly strong episode with some good character moments, but some of the writing feels lazy

[snoozejonc · 7/10 · 12 January 2021]

Lorca is captured by the Klingons.

I enjoyed this one for main plot involving the tardigrade, one good cameo and some of the character moments.

I thought the parts of story that takes place on Discovery were great and enjoyed it as I would any episode of Star Trek. It has a pretty positive resolution and some quite selfless character moments, particularly from one character, that fits right into the Trek moral code. It also has a quite traditional Trek moment of a character with a bit of self doubt stepping up to assume command. The Lorca sub-plot was a bit silly at times, but it did feature a strong cameo from a character we first met in the original series which I quite liked.

There were some moments of lazy writing with very exposition heavy dialogue dumped on some scenes. The resolution to the Klingon imprisonment feels way too easy to be plausible. The final scene felt a bit like it was done for no other reason than to show the world that two characters are in a romantic relationship and to make a point of how diverse the franchise has become.

I do agree with other reviewers on the point of the bad language and violence becoming excessive. I know that's what war is all about and it builds fear around the Klingons as an antagonist, but as someone who enjoyed Trek as a child, this now rules out Discovery as something I can watch with my children until they become age appropriate, which is unfortunate. If it's all for the sake of selling the product to a new type of audience, it's a bit of a sellout.

All performances were great, especially Doug Jones, Jason Issacs and Rainn Wilson. Visuals and effects were excellent as always.

I still have hope for this series, but it is waning fast...

[jojoleb · 3/10 · 15 October 2017]

My hope is starting to wane for this series. I figured that it might have a rocky start, but never thought that we'd be getting such lumps of coal for episodes. I really want to be more positive, because I really wanted to see some great Trek back on the small screen, but given what this series has put out so far, this is not likely.

Forgetting, for a moment, that this is Star Trek, this episode doesn't even have good story writing. The pace of the episode is slow, the plot is convoluted, and the escape from the Klingon ship was way too easy for Captain Lorca. Without giving away too much in spoilers, you really need to build tension to the maximum before you release the trigger. Episodes of the Iron Chef build tension better than this: my heart pumps faster wondering whether Bobby Flay will really get that last dollop of whipped cream on the plate just in time than it did for this episode. Whether this is bad scripting, bad directing, or bad editing, I don't know. There is no question in my mind where the apex of the episode was, but the build up was too fast. Predictably, you actually know exactly what is going to happen, and when it unsurprisingly went down there was not even a glimmer of that 'will-they-make-it-or-will-they-not' suspense. This was not even good for mediocre TV.

Then there is the sci-fi element here. Maybe I'm alone in this, but the mycelium blink drive/organic propulsion system is not only an out- there idea, it's lousy science fiction. Making it, again, the centerpiece of an episode really strained my nerves. When they added the giant, space water bear (tardigrade) into the equation, it really got implausible to the point of loony. This episode takes an further leap into the far-fetched and ludicrous. And again, this episode led to a terribly predictable plot point, although the sacrifice was made by different character than I expected... and that was not a good thing.

Which leads us to the major faux pas with this episode: our heroine Burnham was sidelined at some point in the episode and never really got into on the action. She's one of the stronger characters that they've created, so it's not clear why the writers hobbled themselves by taking her out of the equation. On the bright side, she didn't do anything monumentally rash/stupid this time.

I am not a purist and I don't really care that the Klingons look different from Klingons in TOS/the movies/Next Gen etc. But why are they covered with so much prosthetic makeup and stiff clothing that the actors can do little but speak their parts? It is virtually impossible for the actors to express themselves through all that stuff. Kudos to Doug Jones who ekes out as much expression as he can through his total face makeup and contact covered eyes. At least his body is unencumbered by wardrobe ballast.... (Big plus, this time, having an English speaking Klingon. This beats having the actors break their teeth on Klingonese and speak it so slowly you could read the subtitles twice and still have time to spare.)

The bright leaf on the pavement here was Rainn Wilson's Harry Mudd. Rather than channel TOS actor Roger C. Carmel, Wilson gives a great performance making Mudd far less jolly but more of a chaotic neutral opportunist with a comedic edge. It would have helped if the writers could have given him a little more in the way of cogent dialogue, but Wilson has the acting chops to add dimension to this character where little was written here.

So far, Discovery has Starfleet, starships, recognizable uniforms and insignias, Klingons, etc., but it really doesn't yet have much of that Star Trek flavor. While the writers spend their time writing disjointed action scenes and over-intellectualizing bad sci-fi concepts, we are desperately lacking a Star Trek message here. I get the darker tone- -we had that with DS9, but even on DS9 there was a glimmer of optimism that shot through. Where is the notion that we have an optimistic future ahead of us filled with excitement and wonder? If you want apocalyptic sci-fi you might as well tune in to just about any other series produced today.

Lets hope this is just the beginning jitters and that there is something better afoot. If not, I'll be canceling my CBS subscription. I'll give them another month. And while we're at it, it would be great to start rounding out the characters, mapping out real plot lines, and adding at least some semblance of pathos. (Note to writing staff: adding a couple F-bombs is not a substitute for pathos.) CBS is clearly paying a bundle for this series--they'd be better off dialing it back on the special effects and getting some decent writing. Heck, I'll even settle for something with less Trek but more tangible Sci-fi and some relatable characters...

(If you want a more sugar-coated view of the episode, tune into After Trek. This is the post Discovery talk show where CBS gives itself a congratulatory slap on the back after each episode. Note to CBS: you wouldn't have to screen all your 'guests' on the post-Trek show if you put out a quality episode. Ramp it up and you will have real fans giving real praise...)

This is not star trek

[zidangus · 16 October 2017]

They said the word f*ck ! This is not star trek, it's some mashed up version of multiple sci-fi series and non sci-fi series, with added gore and bad language. It really is depressing watching the star trek brand being trashed by this alternative trek reality these writers have created.

Brilliant story telling

[Jack-of-all-trades122 · 9/10 · 23 October 2017]

I just can't believe how underrated this series is. The storytelling is great and has many dimensions that people don't seem to notice. For example in this episode the overarching theme of war between humans and klingons was present but still there was an interesting one-episode theme about the rights of animals, whether they feel pain and what is the sustainable price for that pain. This was connected to the overarching theme by having klingons use pain and choice of pain as a torture method and way of disrupting trust between prisoners. It was actually brilliant story writing. However people dismiss the series because "the technology looks better than in OST although it is supposed to happen earlier". Finally there is a thought provoking, well written, philosophical Star Trek series. Not to mention it has a great female lead. It's not Orville, it's not Fox. It's what modern sci- fi is all about.

One complaint with another otherwise great episode:

[MacCampbell · 8/10 · 22 October 2017]

Shame on CBS for the petty censorship of a clever and effective bonding moment between Michael and Tilly that should not have been cut. Other than that, this is another great episode in a consistently fantastic series, especially for featuring a woman, the excellent Sonequa Martin-Green as the central character. Jason Isaacs is wonderfully Bond-like as Captain Lorca. This is the first Star Trek series that's on a par with the superb Battlestar Galactica remake.

Introducing Mudd

[Nominahorn · 6/10 · 12 February 2020]

Captain Lorca is captured by the Klingons and finds himself aboard a prison ship with two other people, Lt. Tyler (who will go on to become a series regular), and a familiar name to fans of TOS: Harcourt Fenton Mudd. Meanwhile, on the Discovery, Saru is left in charge and must find and recover the captain while also struggling with his own self doubt and the troubling presence of Burnham.

The yo-yo pattern of quality continues with this episode, which is slightly above average--a large step up in quality from the previous one. The best part is probably the introduction of Mudd. I love Rainn Wilson as an actor and I love Mudd as a character, though I have issues with how they intersect on DSC. I will save my full analysis for a later ep that features him more, but for now it's enough to say he brings a fun and energetic quality to the show that has been seriously lacking up to this point.

Trek is a franchise that is more or less defined by its eagerness to tackle questions of ethics and morality, and this episode does exactly that by forcing the crew to choose between harming the tardigrade or allowing the captain to remain a prisoner. These sorts of episodes usually come down to a conflict between the rights of an individual and the needs of the community. In this case, the individual is the tardigrade and the community is the ship and the entire Federation, since the war effort relies so heavily on that one ship. The essential question is: can it be morally permissible to use, abuse, or harm an individual or small group of persons in order to benefit the greater good? This is a classic case of utilitarianism vs. Kantianism.

The problem is that it is never defined in any ST media that I am aware of which system of ethics the Federation follows. The fact that it is presented as essentially being a socialist utopia would imply that utilitarianism is the guiding ethical principle, since socialism is a system for which suppressing the rights of individuals for the "greater good" is a core tenet. However, there are countless examples, particularly in TNG, of a Federation captain choosing to protect the rights of the individual or small group over the "greater good." Picard does this over and over, with one of the more memorable examples being from the movie Insurrection and his unwillingness to go along with the ethnic cleansing of a few that would benefit billions. Yet in many other ST shows and movies, the captains take a utilitarian approach. Janeway in particular seems to almost always choose the greater good over the individual's rights. This is problematic because a society as advanced and developed as the Federation would need to have a guiding set of principles that all of its officers must adhere to. If every captain just gets to make up their own morality as they go, there is no cohesion and no order. Military officers have very strict and clearly defined rules of engagement that dictate how they must handle certain situations. An organization like Starfleet would need to have the same, and yet it does not seem to.

I understand why the Federation's system of ethics has never been clearly defined; it would be seen as far too restrictive on the writers. Some writers would rather have their hero choose one system and some another. Not to mention it would alienate some fans if they disagree with that system. But I still have a lot of trouble with episodes like this one because what Saru decides to do (purposely harm the tardigrade for the sake of the ship and captain), I find morally reprehensible. But according to Federation ethics it may or may not be the correct decision, and since we don't know, it makes the whole moral dilemma feel rather pointless.

THE GOOD

-Rainn/Mudd (ha!)

-Saru is quickly developing into one of the better characters. He is a classic Trek character in that he seems to care deeply about doing the right thing and being the best version of himself that he can be--qualities that none of the other Discovery crew members have displayed yet. His decision to intentionally harm the tardigrade I find despicable, but as noted above it may have been the correct one to make according to Federation ethics.

THE BAD

-Lorca's capture stretches my suspension of disbelief too much. How are the Klingons showing up in Federation space uncontested? Do they not have patrols or border security during a time of war?

THE UGLY

-First use of the f word I can remember in a ST show. I'm not sure it really needs to be here and since I plan to one day watch ST with my own children as my parents did with me, it makes that an awkward plan. Then again, the entire tone of DSC has been too dark for children so I guess it will not be included in their early introduction to the franchise regardless.

This is not important.

[phonequa-martin_breen-64128 · 10/10 · 20 February 2019]

For a series with only half of the episodes of the other series,this episode is a waste of time,because it doesn't add nothing to the story,even if this episode looks good .Another thing i don't understand is why Star Trek still has fat or gay characters when it should be just like Avatar,a series full of well trained young characters,because it will lok good even forn 20 or 30 years from now on.I have also have a suggestion : they should remove the silver and gold stripes from the pants and make them more dark colored.

Enjoyed the Escape

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 6 February 2020]

Rain Wilson was pretty good. He's a good slime bag. Harry Mudd was always trouble. Anyway, I am hanging in there. I know it's not great, but the problem has more to do with all the battle scenes. Star Trek has always banked on something more cerebral and scientific. This war mongering stuff is pretty dull. Too video gamey. Too many explosions. I did enjoy he escape but there needed to be a much better setup for it.

Finally finding itself a bit

[benpitt · 8/10 · 5 September 2019]

I legitimately love that there's a Star Trek series that's able to drop an f-bomb.

Lorca is a fascinating Captain, utterly unique to the franchise to date. My favorite character at this point.

I feel like we can witness Sonequa Martin-Green get more comfortable playing Burnham in each episode,which at least bodes well for the rest of the series to come.

Saru plays an extremely flawed acting captain--clearly falling into the traps of his own insecurities. Excellent work from Doug Jones.

A Great Episode That Makes History!

[gab-14712 · 9/10 · 25 April 2022]

"Choose Your Pain" is a very promising episode of Star Trek: Discovery. I liked the title and how it is applied in the episode. Essentially, the name comes from a Klingon torture practice where prisoners choose amongst their own who will be beaten. Given the shows fast pace, it could have been explored more here, but it is still a powerful, forceful concept. Star Trek fans may have been rightfully surprised when Tilly used the "f" word, the first time any Trek character did so. Welcome to the 21st century television. Burnham takes a backseat here, but still plays an important role in terms of the audience getting to know who she is...someone who will do the right thing, no matter the cost. The episode does a good job in developing characters not named Burnham. We see how Saru adjusts to captain life as he tries to save Lorca from the Klingons, we learn pivotal information about Lorca's dark past and how his last ship blew up under his command, and we get confirmation that Stamets and Dr. Culber are dating. There is plenty of promising development. Some scenes, such as the argument between Saru and Burnham (which ended with her confined to quarters), seem a tad artificial. For every artificial moment comes twice the amount of authenticity. Also, Rainn Wilson is a fantastic guest star as Harry Mudd, a name fans of the original series may be familiar with. For such a serious show, I am glad we get someone with a sense of humor.

In this episode, Lorca is kidnapped by the Klingons and is trapped on their prison ship. Saru takes over command to try and rescue the captain. There is little for Burnham to do, so she concentrates her efforts on the well-keeping of the tardigrade. When used to activate the spore drive, the animal is in so much pain. Burnham discovers that the poor guy is no beast after all. That puts her at conflict with Saru, who needs to use the spore drive to rescue the captain. On the prison ship, Lorca discovers he is not the only prisoner. In addition to Harry Mudd (whom is later left behind), we meet Ash Tyler (played by Shazad Latif). It seems like he will be a central figure in the series moving forward.

Overall, I was somewhat taken aback with how dark the episode was. There was some humor sprinkled here and there (especially when Wilson was in the picture). The character development of the side characters is important, and I think director Lee Rose was mostly successful. We did learn more about the captain and a dark past that would be bound to haunt anyone. I was on board here, and I am ready for what's next.

My Grade: A-

Not getting better

[Xillx · 5/10 · 16 October 2017]

Seriously I thought it would get better but now we have some officers swearing and unrealistic action scenes.. It's not getting better.

They forgot that Star Trek is supposed to have humor. If they keep going like this season 2 will be like Game of Thrones in space with Star Wars mindless pew pew battles.

It's not all bad, at lot is done well, but it's not what it should be.

Where are the people of Earth in this show?

[mnorthco-1 · 17 October 2017]

Just put someone in the show that isn't from the US. I can usually suspend belief in a SciFi show where everyone speaks with an American accent eg Killjoy and Dark Matter because the universe they create is far away from Earth in either time or distance but for a show about the Federation of Earth and the member planets in a few hundred years this stupid decision made the show unbelievable.

It MUST have some people from outside the US to make sense.

I still don't get it

[doug_bones-75827 · 10/10 · 27 July 2018]

I still don't get it.The producers want to fight for social justice,that good,but why they chosed the people for a certain sexual preference ? I mean ,there are more imporant things ,like the problem of the enviroment ,the problem of american natives or australian natives,the children's hunger from Africa ,the diseases,and yet they only dicuss about sexual preference of a smaller number of people who wants to be treated equally but who can't stand to be criticised in any way ,without getting a violent answer,for god's sake they are more defended even than POTUS himself or even than the normal children,they and the mass media will smash you if you want to say something negative about them,even if you are treating them as your equal .I think there are more important social issues waiting to be debated than a showing kiss betwen two men or two women.