***BIG ASS SPOILERS FOR LATE SEASON 1 EPISODES***
I've tried twice to get through Discovery season one, both times bogging down around episode 12. From my POV, it is just a dull and unimaginative slog with no sense of adventure or optimism.
I have no desire to watch season 1 again. I was excited on initial viewing because it has been 13 years since we got TV Star Trek, and I wanted to give the show my best efforts. That said, I disliked the Klingon war, strongly disliked the use of Mirror Georgiou and her new promotion to being part of Section 31, and while we're at it I HATE Section 31. Go away! I also hated the shock value behind killing Culber. The plots were meh, the arc of the war was stupid (IMO), the first two episodes almost caused me to reject the series out of hand (glad I didn't, but holy hell did I find those awful and shame on CBS for giving people half a pilot episode before asking them to cough up the cash to watch the rest. That was bullshit.), the pacing was uneven, some of the scenes were grotesque and I could have gladly done without them, but a few of the characters saved the series first season for me.
First of all, yeah, Tilly in a big way. She feels the most human, the most well-rounded, a normal, flawed, fun, engaging person, and I want to see her succeed. Of all the people in the series up to this point, she holds the most promise for me. I am not kidding when I say that if they decide to do something major to change her character, or kill her off, I would stop watching.
Second, Stamets. I just have this place in my heart for brilliant curmudgeons who are adorably soft and cuddly underneath (Dr. McCoy, as an example). His coupling with Dr. Culber was sweet, and a moment for optimism in Star Trek's future. So of course they had to go and fuck that up.
I like Burnham. She's got issues, but she's also a human raised by a Vulcan, so, of course she has issues. She probably has subscriptions. I'm curious to see where she goes, though, and I just adore SMG.
Let's see, I liked Lorca. I love a Starfleet Captain who prefers being in a gray area when it comes to getting the job done. Tries to do the right thing but does it his own way. Of course, then they go and wreck that all to hell.
Saru is interesting. He's a prey species trying to become much more, and it's fascinating to watch him take command. He holds some promise, too.
Harry Mudd. Rainn Wilson did a great job playing the seemingly lighthearted but deadly underneath jokester. I would like to see him appear again.
L'Rell had her moments. I thoroughly enjoyed Mary Chieffo's efforts to emote and bring depth to the character. They underused her terribly, though.
The rest of the characters didn't leave much of an effect on me.
The look and feel of the show is polished, but someone turn on the damn lights. Anyway, I'll probably sign up for season 2, but it won't be with the same level of enthusiasm I had going into it like I did with season 1.
