We're getting close to the end! Everything is coming to a head now, and we'll finally see how it all plays out.
GREAT
* Pike: "What are you suggesting?" Burnham: "I'm not suggesting, I am asserting."
* The visual effects in this episode look great. L'Rell's makeup looks terrific, the space shots look fantastic, it's just so well polished.
* The bridge crew together, having a meal in the mess hall is a great touch. I love their little game, too. This is what I wanted from the first season.
* JETT RENO! Not only during the mess hall scene, but later in sickbay when she brings her "two problems" (both hilarious) to the attention of Hugh (rhymes with poo). The reveal that she once had a wife, but is now a widow when her wife died in the Klingon war, is a bittersweet addition to her background. I want to know more about her.
* "Rage is the enemy of logic," and all of the other Spock / Michael moments in this show are superb. They've become some of my favorite moments.
* Pike sees his future, and holy shit they managed to shock me with their interpretation of the events to come. Wow! That would have scared the hell out of me too, Christopher. You're a braver man than I.
* "I apologize for being so slow." Oh Spock, you sweet, humble, sex god of a Vulcan. It's okay, I still love you.
GOOD
* I like how Ash and Michael have similar desires to carry everyone's burdens on their own backs without asking for help. I can see that common thread between them.
* Saru is more Captain-like every day. He seems to be adjusting well to his new outlook, and I'm hoping it pays off for him.
* The Klingon monastery on Boreth is pretty damned cool, and I like how Klingon monks are more reserved, as they should be.
* L'Rell and Ash have a sweet moment where they learn the name of their son, who is now a full grown adult on Boreth (due to the nature of the time crystals). It was well done, I think.
MEH
* I knew the moment I saw that single life sign that he was going to be infected by CONTROL. The question was just when the reveal would happen.
BLERGH
No Blergh moments this week. I rather enjoyed it all to some degree.
So next week we'll see all of this unpacked and put out on display for us to observe and admire. From the trailer it looks like we're in for one hell of an episode, and I'm looking forward to it. All of that said, this episode does fine as a continuation of the overall theme of the season, and the pacing feels pretty solid. This one gets a GENUINE 8 from me.