It is near the end of Discovery’s run and that means we’ve got another weekly post about our views of the most recent episode. Discovery has traveled to the universal mobile archive that has no set location. It’s in the middle of a plasma storm, and requires the key that was found with the clue to access. Discovery makes contact with a very friendly curator that takes them to the book that should hold the next clue. The curator asks that Booker accompanies Captain Burnham in order to shed light on a piece of Kwejian history. It is a piece of wood from a Kwejian tree that he is allowed to keep as long as the Archive can get information later.
Burnham interfaces with a metallic bookmark that sends her into a coma of sorts. An elaborate puzzle test is taking place inside her mind as the tech actually is connected to her. If she doesn’t solve it then she will die.
Meanwhile, the Breen are hot on the trail of Discovery and make it to the archive. As Commander Rayner and Hugh are at the archive trying to find another way of disconnecting Burnham, Discovery must figure out how to evade the Breen, while also saving the archive from destruction by them. The Breen are drilling a hole in the shields of the archive to send an invasion, and Discovery is able to interrupt the energy drill without giving themselves away. They eventually are discovered and are able to fend off the Breen, as well as Rayner and Book doing the same for those that made it inside the archive.
Burnham eventually figures out the test at near point of death. It is about coming to grips with her innermost fear. And it also sheds light on her relationship with Booker since the host of the puzzle took the guise of him thanks to Burnham’s subconscious. The host also gives Burnham a key to getting into the location of the Progenitor’s tech.
When all get aboard Discovery, the Breen make a threat unless they get all the clues. Burnham agrees to send it over after looking at the location of the Progenitor tech. But, she doesn’t tell them about the key information. The Breen have the clues and Discovery heads to the location. As the Primark wants to destroy the archive, Moll points out that it would anger the rest of the Breen and kills him to take the lead to get the Progenitor tech.
Here’s our thoughts on all of that!
Music
Mr. Daps: “I thought this was one of the better episodes in terms of music. I thought it was interesting at times and it fits with the story. Was it iconic? No, it hasn’t reached that level yet. It did the job but I don’t feel like I need it on vinyl.”
Murray: “The music was rather interesting for this episode. It wasn’t too flashy, but it had nice themes especially in the archive. I liked its light-heartedness when they first visited there. If I graded it, though, I’d give it a half grade because it wasn’t a very memorable score otherwise for me.”
Design
Mr. Daps: “This was a beautiful episode to watch, in terms of design. I liked how they designed the Badlands. I though the Archive looked beautiful. I also liked how they connected it with Burnham’s mind. I also should note, I really like the Breen ship. Although I think it is a little too big, I like that it kind of has a classic Star Trek design for a ship. I feel like it could have perhaps evolved out of Romulan technology, at least in my imagination.”
Murray: “The production design really flourished in this episode. The plasma storm was intense. The archive station was vast both outside and in. I liked how much it looked like an Earth library even though it is alien in origin. The labyrinth aspect of the library in Burnham’s mind was a very fun sight for the episode. Overall, they really established a place that is different from anything else in Trek, and I liked that.”
Story
Mr. Daps: “I enjoyed this story. It perhaps wasn’t the most original story of all time. However, it was an enjoyable story to watch. I liked how it explored not just this quest, but also Burnham and her inner demons. I’m looking forward to seeing how the impact of this story ultimately impacts the ultimate discovery at the end of this quest. There are clearly some plot points that will need to be wrapped up. I’m looking forward to seeing how this happens.”
Murray: “The story took on some tropes from other things. It repeated the test aspect of other episodes, and that whole ‘look within yourself’ puzzle has been done many times. However, I liked how it was trying to not have Burnham solve it by easy or traditional means. And the high stakes of the Breen boarding the archive was a great touch too. The episode really brought together all plots to be about a race to an answer, and I think it executed it well.”
Hit or Miss?
Mr. Daps: “This week was an easy hit for me. I enjoyed pretty much every character in it. I enjoyed the story choices. I enjoyed getting to see Commander Rhys sit in the center chair (I’d like to see more). I also like the relational developments that are happening throughout the different characters in this season of Discovery. At the end of the day, I simply enjoyed this episode and found myself looking forward to seeing what happens next!”
Murray: “This was a hit of an episode to me. It felt like this was an episode they wrote at the beginning and had some others lead toward it. It also leads to some interesting prospects for all of Star Trek here on out. I liked the characterization of the curator, and the contrast between Discovery and the Breen ship trying to go aboard. Commander Rhys made an excellent third-in-command and made a successful solution for the Breen conflict. Should Burnham move on, I think they are setting up an excellent captain (if there’s any spinoff). This was a big Trek lore and universe expanding episode, and that made it a great one to me, I think my only complaint was with Moll and the Breen. That felt a little one dimensional in their story and advancement. But, still a good episode.”
