It really wasnt that bad...Made no sense...Felt like a christmas special where the Angel comes down and shows scrooge the error of his ways. Except in star trek format
83 Reviews
One of the most boring mirror Episodes
tkissling18 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The plot of this 97min 2 part episode could have been easely reduced to 1 episode.
It was a boring plot with lots of filler material (circue du soleil, minute long sobering and whispering scenes). Clearly this 2 part episode was conceived to fullfill 3 purposes:
-create an exit for Georgiou to continue in her own section 31series (if thats still a thing)
-cost reducing bottlepisodes (the hole 2 parter) to save up some money for the rest of the season or recoup some budget the have blown in the first couple episodes (probably more that reason)
This mirror episode failed on many different topics -one of the most boring mirror arcs i have seen. The season 1 arc at least was partially entertaining -the plot is kind of stupid and Georgiou is totally out of character and unbelievable. Yes it is rectified in the end with the explanation of the guardian, but still, come on? -the guardian of the edge of forever was kind of wasted as an exit -so, what happens now in the mirror universe? Couldn't they at least be consistent with their own canon? Or is this a further correction of the timeline messed up in season one? How can Georgiou still switch to the prime timeline in season one, if she dies months before in this timeline? Jesus, i know timetravel always is a mess but the could have at least tried....
I saw The Expanse S5x01 yesterday. Please Kurzmann and Paradise: Please get professional help in the writing and planing department. If would continue to measure Star Trek and the expanse (or other good written shows) by the same standard (without added Star Trek benefits) i would need to rate most episodes with 1 or 2 instead of 4 to 6
This mirror episode failed on many different topics -one of the most boring mirror arcs i have seen. The season 1 arc at least was partially entertaining -the plot is kind of stupid and Georgiou is totally out of character and unbelievable. Yes it is rectified in the end with the explanation of the guardian, but still, come on? -the guardian of the edge of forever was kind of wasted as an exit -so, what happens now in the mirror universe? Couldn't they at least be consistent with their own canon? Or is this a further correction of the timeline messed up in season one? How can Georgiou still switch to the prime timeline in season one, if she dies months before in this timeline? Jesus, i know timetravel always is a mess but the could have at least tried....
I saw The Expanse S5x01 yesterday. Please Kurzmann and Paradise: Please get professional help in the writing and planing department. If would continue to measure Star Trek and the expanse (or other good written shows) by the same standard (without added Star Trek benefits) i would need to rate most episodes with 1 or 2 instead of 4 to 6
It was an ok episode
misterproper18 December 2020
For all the micro-situations that happened this season, this one was the best. Focusing on a few characters all the time is not to my liking when thinking about Star Trek... I only had to skip about 30 seconds of this episode due to boring emotional crap - much better than other episodes this season.
Hope this show finds its way, for the sake of the name Star Trek, and I hope other episodes go up from here.
Hope this show finds its way, for the sake of the name Star Trek, and I hope other episodes go up from here.
Not as bad as it seems
JeanBou27 December 2020
Not sure this is as bad as the bulk of reviews indicate. Am I captivated? No. Am I interested? Yes. I am not looking forward to every episode, I just catch up from time to time. Visually spectacular. Premises are pretty good. Nice winks to TOS (Guardian of Forever - I think they even used the same voice from TOS-, Mirror Universe, et tutti quanti). Acting is OK, but some crew members have no character development whatsoever, which makes it difficult for actors to develop any acting skills. I agree that there is way to much crying and whispering going on. Interestingly enough, I think Tilly is probably the best character/actor in the bunch. Everyone agrees that she "shouldn't be in charge", which indicates how good she is acting-wise... pretty sure that was the intent of the writers. All in all, I'll keep watching, just for the visual spectacle and to check out which vintage curveballs they'll be throwing at us.
Just not good
britik-7068418 December 2020
This is such a shame.
It has obviously had a lot of money spent on it, it can look great and the actors can be good.
Unfortunately they are given dreadful lines to speak and the direction and even the way shots and situations are set up is awful. Really amateurish.
And the overall story and structure of individual episodes is just bad - obviously written and overseen by committee rather than anyone with a vision.
It is simply expensive, good looking rubbish.
It has obviously had a lot of money spent on it, it can look great and the actors can be good.
Unfortunately they are given dreadful lines to speak and the direction and even the way shots and situations are set up is awful. Really amateurish.
And the overall story and structure of individual episodes is just bad - obviously written and overseen by committee rather than anyone with a vision.
It is simply expensive, good looking rubbish.
No, this series deserves better respect...
RealLiveClaude19 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is for all Star Trek bashers. Do not send this series to the "agonizer"...
This 2-part episode brought back the "Mirror" universe and at the end, the famous gate to "Forever", which was introduced in the Original Series. It was enjoyable, as the totalitarian universe of "Terra Firma" is gladly shown here.
However, sad to see Georgiou leave like this, this is her fate, as the jump to the Future was not healthy to her. It opens the gate to more possibilities. And to Burham (no she isn't whispering...), a new mission to possibly take down the Ring of Emerald with Captain Saru, her lover Book and the rest of the crew...
The 3 last episodes of the season will tell...
This 2-part episode brought back the "Mirror" universe and at the end, the famous gate to "Forever", which was introduced in the Original Series. It was enjoyable, as the totalitarian universe of "Terra Firma" is gladly shown here.
However, sad to see Georgiou leave like this, this is her fate, as the jump to the Future was not healthy to her. It opens the gate to more possibilities. And to Burham (no she isn't whispering...), a new mission to possibly take down the Ring of Emerald with Captain Saru, her lover Book and the rest of the crew...
The 3 last episodes of the season will tell...
What's worse than a one star story line? Part 2
mrtempestwood17 December 2020
Not For Everyone
ashtonlc24 December 2020
I can see how people would not like these episodes. They should have been only one episode, not enough happened to warrant two episodes. The actress that plays Burnham was mostly solid in her acting, but a couple of parts were overdone. I think the actress who plays Giorgio (spelling?) did great all the way through. Saru's actor did great all of the way through. The acting of the supporting cast was not good in this episode IMO.
Despite its pitfalls, I loved these episodes because I can so relate to the struggle of growing up in an environment that teaches you toxic ways of being, leaving and learning healthier ways of being, then returning to the toxic environment and seeing things so differently, lamenting that some people just cannot change and, beyond that, will continually try to cut you back down to where they are. In life we sometimes see this dynamic play out in families. The whole growth process is equally liberating and difficult. This aspect of the plot resonated with me.
Despite its pitfalls, I loved these episodes because I can so relate to the struggle of growing up in an environment that teaches you toxic ways of being, leaving and learning healthier ways of being, then returning to the toxic environment and seeing things so differently, lamenting that some people just cannot change and, beyond that, will continually try to cut you back down to where they are. In life we sometimes see this dynamic play out in families. The whole growth process is equally liberating and difficult. This aspect of the plot resonated with me.
SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH....
ruff196918 December 2020
Shhhh.... If you're going to talk about this show, you have to whisper. Like the actors do. And I think they whisper because they're afraid that if they talk too loud, everyone will know exactly HOW BAD THIS SHOW IS!!!
Why so low?
ma-johnson22 December 2020
I love mandalorian and discovery and find it strange so many seem to hate the latter. This episode was thought provoking and well shot, and a good twist. As a fan of Sci-fi I think the world is big enough for all of these great shows. Look forward to more of the same
The best episode of the series.
jessefelt18 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I have always seen the original Mirror Universe from TOS as merely a fun diversion for the sake of being a fun diversion that was taken FAR to seriously in later series. This two parter is the first time that I have found any modern mirror universe episodes even slightly entertaining.
This and the previous episode feel almost as if they were written by an entirely different team. So much of the god awful, amature writing appears mostly absent from this two parter. Further they seem to focus on actual character development for Georgiou, and an excellent sendoff of one of the fwe interesting and well acted characters in the show.
I didn't even mind them playing fanservice bingo with the Guardian of Forever. It didn't feel shoehorned in like so many of their previous attempts at garnering nostalgia likes, and made perfect sense within the established story.
It was these two episodes when it finally clicked with me that the Mirror Universe Michael is the real Michael, rather than the emotionally immature "space jesus" character that we have in the prime universe. It was actually interesting to see that character actually behave in a consistent, motivated, and active character, rather than the inconsistent passive character that is unfortunately this show's main character. Even Sonequa Martin-Green's terrible acting didn't manage to ruin Mirror Michael.
I feel like these two episodes really drive home the point that had this series not tried to leverage the Star Trek label in an attempt to bolster initial fans, and had instead created its own identity, it would have been significantly better, even if the writing and producers were still just as awful. It's unfortunate that Star Trek was handed to a group that doesn't have any respect or understanding for the IP and their best episodes were two that didn't even come close to dealing with this season's story, or really Star Trek in general, outside of some labels and costume/set design.
This and the previous episode feel almost as if they were written by an entirely different team. So much of the god awful, amature writing appears mostly absent from this two parter. Further they seem to focus on actual character development for Georgiou, and an excellent sendoff of one of the fwe interesting and well acted characters in the show.
I didn't even mind them playing fanservice bingo with the Guardian of Forever. It didn't feel shoehorned in like so many of their previous attempts at garnering nostalgia likes, and made perfect sense within the established story.
It was these two episodes when it finally clicked with me that the Mirror Universe Michael is the real Michael, rather than the emotionally immature "space jesus" character that we have in the prime universe. It was actually interesting to see that character actually behave in a consistent, motivated, and active character, rather than the inconsistent passive character that is unfortunately this show's main character. Even Sonequa Martin-Green's terrible acting didn't manage to ruin Mirror Michael.
I feel like these two episodes really drive home the point that had this series not tried to leverage the Star Trek label in an attempt to bolster initial fans, and had instead created its own identity, it would have been significantly better, even if the writing and producers were still just as awful. It's unfortunate that Star Trek was handed to a group that doesn't have any respect or understanding for the IP and their best episodes were two that didn't even come close to dealing with this season's story, or really Star Trek in general, outside of some labels and costume/set design.
Sack everyone, start again
philhemstock-1178219 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
These people cannot act! Burnham is just so bad, in either universe!
And we just lost the one good character in Geoghiou.
Where do the 'critics' get their score ratings for this show? Seriously, check the user reviews on every episode from season 3, WE HATE IT!
Huge plot fail too. If she is sent back to the start of where the Terran universe started to split, surely this would have been with the intent to fix it before it went bad? Clearly she must have failed or otherwise you can throw out all the established Canon from previous Treks when we encounter them!
And we just lost the one good character in Geoghiou.
Where do the 'critics' get their score ratings for this show? Seriously, check the user reviews on every episode from season 3, WE HATE IT!
Huge plot fail too. If she is sent back to the start of where the Terran universe started to split, surely this would have been with the intent to fix it before it went bad? Clearly she must have failed or otherwise you can throw out all the established Canon from previous Treks when we encounter them!
I had just finished watching the epic Mandalorian season finale episode...
rsvp32119 December 2020
...then I watched this directionless mess. Sad! I knew STD was a fail, but didn't realize by how much.
This whisper season is already in the can so there's no hope for improvement, but seeing that STD is financed for another season, I beg whoever is in charge - fire all these writers, banish all these directors, recast every character!
This is the only way STD can avoid having the embarrassment as worst Star Trek anything, ever.
**If you're curious, read the IMDb reviews for The Mandalorian, S2E8, and see what appreciation for good writing, acting, and directing results in.
This whisper season is already in the can so there's no hope for improvement, but seeing that STD is financed for another season, I beg whoever is in charge - fire all these writers, banish all these directors, recast every character!
This is the only way STD can avoid having the embarrassment as worst Star Trek anything, ever.
**If you're curious, read the IMDb reviews for The Mandalorian, S2E8, and see what appreciation for good writing, acting, and directing results in.
Star Trek: Cry-overy
jimmyishere-3774812 June 2021
Solid finish to a fun two-parter
snoozejonc24 April 2021
Georgiou fights for survival in the mirror universe.
This is an enjoyable episode with some good mirror character moments and good links to the Trek universe.
The plot is full of the entertaining backstabbing and deception seen in most Terran Empire stories, whilst the reveal about the doorway that comes relatively late on is pretty good, but not exactly surprising.
This will probably go against the grain of some, but I think one of my favourite aspects of the episode is the time spent with the mirror Burnham. I found it an interesting change to see her this way and there is a bit of emotion thrown in for good measure which hopefully annoyed all the anti-Burnham mob. She's a passionate character in both universes, which is pretty consistent characterisation.
I like how the arc within this episode finishes for Georgiou and the notion of a time period prior to the universe splitting into prime and mirror versions.
My only gripe was the excessive sentimentality at the end, but that is a matter of personal taste for a cynic like me.
Michelle Yeoh, Doug Jones and in particular Sonequa Martin-Green give strong performances. Martin-Green plays both versions of the character perfectly.
For me this is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is an enjoyable episode with some good mirror character moments and good links to the Trek universe.
The plot is full of the entertaining backstabbing and deception seen in most Terran Empire stories, whilst the reveal about the doorway that comes relatively late on is pretty good, but not exactly surprising.
This will probably go against the grain of some, but I think one of my favourite aspects of the episode is the time spent with the mirror Burnham. I found it an interesting change to see her this way and there is a bit of emotion thrown in for good measure which hopefully annoyed all the anti-Burnham mob. She's a passionate character in both universes, which is pretty consistent characterisation.
I like how the arc within this episode finishes for Georgiou and the notion of a time period prior to the universe splitting into prime and mirror versions.
My only gripe was the excessive sentimentality at the end, but that is a matter of personal taste for a cynic like me.
Michelle Yeoh, Doug Jones and in particular Sonequa Martin-Green give strong performances. Martin-Green plays both versions of the character perfectly.
For me this is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
Well, that may well be the end
libodyssey19 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There goes Georgiou, who for some time has been the only highlight in this otherwise very mediocre season of a really weak series.
I did really want to know where she went, though - to ride by Genghis Khan's side, perhaps?
I did really want to know where she went, though - to ride by Genghis Khan's side, perhaps?
Like being in an agoniser
ChrisBravoTown19 December 2020
Loved this episode
Unique31415919 December 2020
IMHO every episode doesn't have to be only about the story arc. Setting up background makes for interesting storytelling. Not sure why so many haters but I say good job despite the fact that time traveling to the future should never be illegal. I would like to see one logical reason how traveling to the future would ever affect the timeline or cause any type of matter to need to revert to its previous point in time. WE ALWAYS TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE.
Love Terra, Hate Seeing Georgiou Go
Hughmanity7 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I always love Terran episodes so this two-parter was a pleasure per usual. I hate that they seemingly took out Philippa Georgiou's character. She was the perfect antithesis to all the sap and waterworks that this Trek is unfortunately now known for. She stole every scene she was in and I'm going to miss her.
Anyone else notice that there isn't a single straight male left among the primary crew of Discovery? Women, aliens, gay males and non-binary characters abound but no straight guys unless you count the joyless Admiral whose orientation we have yet to confirm.
Anyone else notice that there isn't a single straight male left among the primary crew of Discovery? Women, aliens, gay males and non-binary characters abound but no straight guys unless you count the joyless Admiral whose orientation we have yet to confirm.
What is the point?
atronstad-644-40943818 December 2020
I am in awe
dean_podbury18 December 2020
This episode is clear that this series is paying so much respect to the shows to come prior, especially Star Trek. So many elements from throughout the years are all going to clearly be coming together. My only criticism is that it seems to be happening in a way that only people who are true fans and and watched every series will come to understand. That is why there seems to be so many negative reviews. They must come from people who have not been with this series since the 60's. But for those of us who have, it is absolutely fantastic.
Losing Interest...
winstonsmith_843 January 2021
I was finding the Empress insufferable. Overly cartoonish for sure. Just one example of the issue with Discovery. I really feel like I should have liked these past two episodes but I'm just finding myself losing interest in Discovery. I find the main characters to be uninteresting and the side characters cartoonish and silly. I just don't like any of them really. Saru is the only character who feels the most Trek, and Michael feels... tiring to me. I dunno just not feeling it.
At this point, I dunno. I guess I hoped that Discovery would take Star Trek up a notch, but it's turned out to be the opposite. The main issue is that I don't feel happy after watching it, or inspired. Back in the day I found Trek to be inspirational, leave me with a nice "aftertaste" if that makes sense. But now when I finish watching it, I feel bad. Like I've witnessed something that's just not fun or inspirational. I feel like a bitterness, a darkness. It's just not an enjoyable show anymore.
At this point, I dunno. I guess I hoped that Discovery would take Star Trek up a notch, but it's turned out to be the opposite. The main issue is that I don't feel happy after watching it, or inspired. Back in the day I found Trek to be inspirational, leave me with a nice "aftertaste" if that makes sense. But now when I finish watching it, I feel bad. Like I've witnessed something that's just not fun or inspirational. I feel like a bitterness, a darkness. It's just not an enjoyable show anymore.
Free emotional breakdowns for anyone.
doappel18 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Better than the first part, but there really is no other plot or progress in the series, but emotional breakdowns.
Earth: Abandoned all their values because of emotions. The Vulkans in their T'Kal-in-ket: Emotions over facts And now they also broke "The Imperator" from the mirror universe, the anti-emotional bulwark.
I can't wait for them to bend scientific laws next, with their emotions.
Earth: Abandoned all their values because of emotions. The Vulkans in their T'Kal-in-ket: Emotions over facts And now they also broke "The Imperator" from the mirror universe, the anti-emotional bulwark.
I can't wait for them to bend scientific laws next, with their emotions.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
