Star Trek: Discovery (TV Series) The Sound of Thunder (2019) User Reviews

Imagine, what if the Red Angel didn't appear?

[isabellacheng · 7/10 · 22 February 2019]

This would be a complete disaster like Vulcan getting destroyed in the movie reboot. It was very immature for the Discovery crew to not consider the Ba'ul's destructive capabilities before triggering the Kelpian evolution (more like metamorphosis). The least they could do was to jump inside the Ba'ul's shield to create a more credible standoff. Use your deus ex wisely, dear writers.

Overall a solid episode, just not that well thought-out.

Pretty good one for me

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 12 March 2021]

Discovery goes to Saru's home planet of Kaminar to follow up a Red Angel signal.

This is a fairly strong episode with a great focus on Saru and the Kelpian race.

The story contains very familiar Star Trek themes such as interference versus non-interference and is set on a planet where one species oppresses another.

It appears like the kind of episode seen many times before in the Trek universe, but for me it's one that feels better being done with the high end production values of Discovery. It's good to finally experience a story that actually feels like we're on a strange new world as opposed to a bit of studio land with recognisable flora and extras with a bit of prosthetic on their foreheads.

The development of Saru's character and the Kelpian species is well written and is quite intriguing for what will come next.

I slightly struggled with some of the plot regarding certain decisions characters make for an entire race of people, however it's a writer's prerogative to have characters behave however they want.

Again the exposition and tendency to over explain everything spoils a number of scenes.

Great performance by Doug Jones who is by some distance the star of this one. Anson Mount also has some solid moments.

7.5/10 for me but I round upwards.

Come on with your self righteous reviews

[kcrateau · 9/10 · 28 October 2020]

Come on, this is a good show with great graphics, characters and storylines. This is Star Trek after and not Star Wars. These same type of story lines were all over the place in Star Trek next generation and Star Trek Deep Space 9. I didn't watch much past that, but if you can handle Que from next gen, then you should be able to handle any of the plot twists and supernatural aspects of the show. Stop complaining about outer space interplanetary science fiction shows not adforming to reality, And just for once enjoy a damn show for it's entertainment value.

Ba'ul perspective?

[Muromets · 22 February 2019]

We evolved on a M-class planet, with fertile soil and abundance of water. And we were not alone. Along with us there were others, "kelpiens" was their name. They were relatively primitive, we were technologically superior and yet we did not try to conquer or subdue them, so we coexisted for a time. For a time only. This primitive species had a peculiar mechanism within their DNA, a vahar'ai it was called. After surviving vahar'ai any member of this species was turning into predator and we became their prime prey. They nearly wiped us out, without reason or provocation, simply because this new found instinct told them to. So, we used our only advantage - our technology. We pushed back, saved our dwindling numbers from final and ultimate genocide. We pushed and pushed... could we wipe kelpiens out for what they did to us? Yes. But we did not. We allowed them to remain on our mutual homeworld. The price was simple - any kelpien, that was about to embrace vahar'ai , would face death. Yes, it was harsh. Yes, we fed them an invented pseudo-religious excuse, to indoctrinate kelpien population. We did all that. But just remember - we could wipe them all, like they almost did to us.

JUST PERFECTION

[jenabraham-43312 · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

Just loved this weeks episode Learning about Sarus homeworld and history was just brilliant Excellent writing and cinematic visuals This season is just getting better and better Despite the haters that continue to give bad ratings I am just in awe of this show Keep up the amazing work guys

Saru's Revenge

[XweAponX · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

The magic Red Angel lures Discovery to Saru's home planet- and then vanishes...

Leaving Saru to deal with his "race of technologically superior oppressors", the 2nd race that lives on his home planet (Kaminar). Who we were led to believe ate the Kelpians who were "culled".

Turns out, that wasn't quite what was happening. Oh, the culled Kelpians vanished, all right. But not into the stomachs of any of Saru's neighbors.

It was an excuse. Because as afraid as Saru has been all of his life, there are others who are even more frightened.

This is Doug Jone's hour- years of playing monsters and angels in Guillermo del Toro films like Hellboy and Pans Labyrinth, usually as several characters at once, has prepared him to BE Saru. And Saru, to me, has evolved to become one of those Star Trek characters, like Spock, Data and Worf, that this show is all about. In The Original Series, we learned about Vulcans. In The Next Generation, it was Androids and Klingons. In Deep Space Nine, it was Ferengi, Changelings, Jem'Hadar, Cardassians, and Bajorans. And in Voyager, we got an in depth look at The Borg and their Queen(s), along with their nemesis' "Species '857-6309'", who could look like Mr Boothby (Ray Walston). Oh yes, and Voyager brought us more about Q as well.

And then there was Enterprise, how about a little Xindi? A species of aquatics, bugs, reptiles, sloths, humanoids, and an extinct airborne version- All with the same DNA even.

So now it's Saru's turn, turns out there is this huge story centering on him and his planet and the two life forms that live there. And this is it. Of course, let's just dispose of the prime directive... But it would appear that what happens in this episode was gonna happen come hell or High Red Angels, with or without any help from Discovery or The Federation.

Meanwhile, In case "Hugh" missed it, Dr Culber's back. 'xcept he doesn't quite know what to do with himself.

So this makes 3 "Red Angel" Disasters that have been averted, and where disasters are averted, miracles abound. Like Tilly's Magic Rock, saving May's species, and now this.

This is Star Trek: just because the miracles were due to tech, does not make them any less miracles.

One complaint...

[bnevs18 · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

It should have been a two parter...belongs among the great Star Trek episodes. Its just that so much more could have been taken from it.

Saru is back!!

[ifyogwude · 8/10 · 23 February 2019]

Oh Saru was a badass in the one. I love that its a story about him....he's a fighter. Good episode.

Starfleet, do I still know you?

[doappel · 6/10 · 22 February 2019]

I'm not really fond of this episode. The history and relation between Kelpians and Ba'ul was very predictable. I had imagined that the Ba'ul could also be the Kelpians after their transformation, as the only alternative.

The Starfleet on the other hand acted pretty much nothing like they were supposed to. How they ignored the Prime Directive for some lame excuse was actually one of the lesser sins and is almost Star Trek standard. But to transform a complete race without their knowledge or consent, ignoring the risks that those might face from the Ba'ul, with either a genocide or war as the result? Absurd.

F YESSSS Were back!!!

[info-354-549559 · 10/10 · 28 February 2019]

I have to admit the past few episodes I have been watching on my second monitor while I work with barely any interest.

This episode I had to put everything down and dig in...what a great episode it felt a little dark and hopeless at times like the old deep space nine episodes which is exactly what I like and come for.

Some of the past eps have been pretty stale I have to admit but hey all the startreks had some stinkers so im sticking to discovery and getting rewarded on and off!

Prime Directive - Schmime Detective

[shadowmailboxer · 6/10 · 23 February 2019]

It starts out in true Star Trek fashion, a new world - the homeworld of the most interesting character at that, so we have personal investment and emotions - a new species, an alien society in conflict to serve as parable, YES, is this when Discovery becomes true Star Trek?

But then: the Discovery decides to speed up an entire species' evolution because they deem it the right thing to do! They play gods, throwing away the prime directive in delusional moral superiority!

It's ll right, because the Ba'ul are dark slimey monsters and destiny has told them to via the Red Angel. Great, they are religious zealots on a crusade now! Bluargch.

On top of that, the Discovery threatens the Ba'ul. If this wasn't dead serious, it could be a parody of U.S. interventionism.

The Red Angel zooms in - superhero fairy style - and saves the day, preventing the Discovery from getting their hands even dirtier. And of course, the Ba'ul will be totally chill about all this in the future.

The obvious ridiculousness of Saru triggering the planetwide evolution from his cell (!) is comparatively negligible.

The last episode of the Orville really outshines this, they have a real Star Trek writer.

PS: If the Red Angel turns out to be Michael Sue Burnham, I'll be very very annoyed.

Great but terribly rushed and underdeveloped.

[doomprodigy · 8/10 · 1 March 2019]

This season has been different from the last. Season one was fresh and new. this one feels like the writers didn't trust their own material to carry the show and brought in characters from the past "Spock"

However the problem is now we are on the adventure to find Mr Spock and for him to save the galaxy. We are so many episodes in and a lot has happened. Probably too much. This would not have been so bad if side stories mattered and things were paced better.

We finally land on a new planet and nothing happens. A few conversations, a few aliens and then a quick rescue. I feel like by now in season 2 we should have found Spock, and the rest of the season should have been about the emotional drama between brother and sister colliding all the while, trying to save the galaxy from the red angel and using each episode as a subplot.

This episode would have been perfect and certainly could have been spread out over 2 maybe 3 episodes. The context was perfect for the big picture.

I hope the rest of the season banks on the new characters and the next season is not based around some plot to find Kirk, or Scotty, or Picard who travels back in time. Discovery is a strong, fresh show on its own.

I saw it before

[RainbowLynx · 6/10 · 21 March 2023]

When I was watching this episode, I had a deja-vu.

One species is changing, another tries to kill it before they change, cause they feel they are in danger and are afraid of them.

Wait a minute... Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 3, Episode 25 "Transfigurations".

Exactly same storyline, but without Michael Burnam.

The second season of Star Trek Discovery is best of all in this series, but I think it's mostly because it relies heavily on previous series.

Season 3 and 4 just showed, that writers can't come with any new ideas. Just put Burnam everywhere, add some fance CGI and episode is ready for cheap printing.

The Sound of Thunder

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 10 March 2019]

After Saru's evolution a few episodes ago. It was only a matter of time we returned to his story.

The Red Angel leads Discovery to his home planet, Kaminar. Saru is told by the ship's doctor that his fears are now being repressed.

We see the changes in Saru as he nearly goes toe to toe with Captain Pike.

The Kelpians have been oppressed by the technologically superior Ba'ul in Kaminar.

When Saru returns to his planet, what are the chances that the first Kelpian he meets would be his sister.

The Ba'ul look like some kind of oil slick monster. In a turn of events the Ba'ul were almost driven out of existence by the predatory Kelpian who as they survive Vahar'ai lose their instincts of fear.

I was not surprised that the relationship between Kelpians and Ba'ul would not be as Saru imagined. However I did not find it to be an interesting story. It does lead to questions about the Red Angel. It seems to be acting more as a force for good.

It felt like Star Trek

[Kevin-42 · 22 February 2019]

Can Discovery actually save itself?

Two episodes ago I was ready to declare this show an utter failure and betrayal of the Star Trek universe but this episode made me think there is hope for this show because

• the acting was good. Somebody must have reminded Sonequa Martin-Green that there are more than two facial expressions in acting.
• the story was a continuation of previously established plot points.
• we get to see a new and interesting species.
• Tilly acts like a Star Fleet officer and not like a walking case study of a nervous breakdown.
• Captain Pike behaves like someone from the "Kirk Era" Star Fleet.
• the show actually breaks down a situation which seems morally obvious into a typical "It's not that easy!" Star Trek plot.

My only concern is with the pacing of this episode. The dynamic between the Kelpiens and the Ba'ul probably deserved two episodes and we don't get to see what happens next (On a side note: The Kelpiens in the mirror universe seem a bit out of place now unless the Terran Empire sort of "picked up their contract" from the Ba'ul) and I would very much like to revisit this story arc.

Anyhow, two acceptable episodes in a row after a lot of cringe before that. Well done!

Perfect Star Trek

[lm-510-875081 · 10/10 · 10 March 2019]

Ignore the over analysing helpers. This was one of the best episodes of any ST series...

Emotion, thought, acting, effects, story. Damm it even the music was good...

Sound but not Sight of Thunder?

[starsurfer83 · 10/10 · 24 November 2019]

I need some help here. I am very familiar with the Bradbury short story of the same name as are most of you (butterfly effect, time traveling, squished butterfly = toxic trolls come into power and write reviews on IMDb). I just am missing if there are any connections between the two, or this is just a coincidence of titles.

This being said, this is another beautifully shot episode with top notch special effects. It's also a great character study of Saru and the acting chops of Doug Jones: from his arm movements to his gait and facial expressions, we have a performance under prosthetics that is flawless and powerful.

This is a good show.

[pensacola-96368 · 10/10 · 13 March 2019]

I like this episode because it treats the same issues like the other series did,i mean,i like this series being so different,but from time to time a quick return to the origins is a good thing ,i love the TNG feel of the series.

Solid episode for a change.

[ccroca · 8/10 · 10 March 2019]

This was a standout episode for what has otherwise been a widely inconsistent 2nd season. Doug Jones as Saru has been one of the only reasons I have continued to watch STD. This episode was especially welcome for this fact.

The Sound of Thunder

[bobcobb301 · 6/10 · 12 June 2019]

The second season is getting back to the kind of Star Trek we are accustomed to, but it is just not engaging enough.

Compare it to The Orville which is both entertaining and makes you think and this show just falls flat, even with a powerful episode like this one.

Great Exploration of Speciesism Issues

[jasonemartin-75927 · 10/10 · 9 March 2022]

Star Trek has always done a great job of thoughtfully probing moral issues, and I appreciated the way this episode made me reflect on issues of speciesism and the way we treat other species on our own planet, particularly farm animals we raise and slaughter.

Oopsi

[secretofelements · 5/10 · 22 February 2019]

Since when can we beam, with activated shields? That hurts a lot in this moment... also breaking at least the highest law of federation with no real discussion after that...difficult... the episode was good..but with two big mistakes in my opinion.

Back on track?! Looks so...

[rsvp321 · 22 February 2019]

This was a pretty good episode. I needed this, after last week's epic fail.

An analogy is what the Neanderthals would have done to modern humans, if they were aware and could have. Interesting!

Regarding the Red Angels, I have little doubt that it is inspired from the Vorlons, a la "Babylon 5". Kosh - I thought you were all going to the Outer Rim! lol

Regarding Dr Hugh...was there a little vibe there that he's no longer interested in Stamets?! I hope so, they were a distraction, and their relationship didn't contribute anything to the show.

Oil-slick humanoid with superior tech.

[CzyboutFlix · 5/10 · 30 November 2021]

Let's get real for a second. Yes...it's sci-fi BUT! We are supposed believe that the oil-slick Ba'ul really have the dexterity to manipulate tools designed to craft sophisticated machinery and electronics in a clean environment? Our engineers can't build a satellite while eating potato chips without someone getting fired, yet, oil-slicks can create floating killer obelisks without a single smudge? There is a reason why space travelers in Star Wars are humanoid and most having opposable thumbs. A warp or space capable society must have the anatomy and physiology to develop into a technologically advanced species. I have always been able to suspend my belief for all sci-fi and Star Trek has always tested me with this conundrum but watching this series makes me scratch my head with what they expect me to repeatedly digest. I'm still watching but my patience is growing thin with the lack of science mixed in with too much fiction.

Look How They Massacred My Boy

[Nominahorn · 2/10 · 3 March 2023]

2.06 "The Sound of Thunder"

Another red signal appears, this time over Saru's homeworld. Discovery investigates, but in doing so they risk confrontation with the planet's rulers and Saru with his commitment to Starfleet and the values it espouses.

Well they did it. They managed to ruin the only good character on Discovery, Saru, by turning him into an emotionally unstable, unprofessional, self-absorbed moron just like the rest of the crew. Between that and the blatant, completely unjustified Prime Directive violations committed by the crew, this is probably the worst episode so far.

THE GOOD

-Episode starts out very promising. Saru is (was) a good character and his species is very interesting and unique and I was excited to learn about his origins. The obelisk looming over the village was cool and definitely felt very Trek-like.

THE BAD

-Everything else. Saru violates his duty, his promise to Georgiou, and the most sacred laws of the Federation. Burnham is so emotionally compromised and unstable that she freezes at the mere reference of Spock. Neither Saru's crimes nor Burnham's dereliction of duty is punished, probably because Pike is not a real character on this show. The show technically needed a captain, but for some reason doesn't seem to want there to be one, and so Pike is merely a prop most of the time--passive and letting the crew take whatever illegal, stupid, inappropriate, or unethical actions their mood at that moment compels them to. Once again, this is a show made by immature, spoiled, moronic children who have never had real responsibility, faced real consequences, or dealt with real hardships, and they create characters like themselves-undisciplined adolescents who get what they want as long as they cry and stamp their feet loud enough. It's sickening to watch.

-It was infuriating to see Pike meekly go along with the crew's plan to play God and then not have to face the consequences of their arrogance thanks to the season's built-in deus ex machina.

THE UGLY

-"Evolution." You keep using that word; I don't think it means what you think it means.