Some long-winded musings …
“See - this is a real person” Scene of the Week -- Bryce received his mandatory character “development” scene for the season, just as Oko did with her “I can hold my breath for ages” last season. Honestly - Oko, Bryce, Reese … the blond girl, I get they’re glorified extras. That’s fine. But do we really need these nuggets of insights into the NPCs? I’d rather have properly developed supporting characters, nameless red shirts butchered at the helm Nagilum-style, or even interesting one-offs Barclay style. The aforementioned characters all seem to exist in some character purgatory; I find myself feeling sorry for them. The only one to flirt with transcending this status was Detmer with her fleeting PTSD arc last season. Maybe she’ll show up next episode?
Nitpick of the Week -- Couldn’t the DMA experiment have waited until after the rescue effort? We’re talking a couple of hours here – tops. Get the colony evacuated, spore drive it back to Starfleet HQ and get that micro-DMA and containment field all the juice it needs.
Cringe of the Week -- “Let’s go save some lives.” At least we were spared “this is who we are”.
Dick of the Week – Book “I lost my planet so I’ll be a douchebag if I want to”. Fair enough. But look - Felix was ready to go. It might’ve been tough as a bystander, but Felix was at peace with the decision and Burnham – difficult as it was for her of all people – respected said decision. Book didn’t. Moreover, he stormed off the bridge with panties in a twist, acting as if Michael were in the wrong. Was this to put a wedge between the two of them? If so, it seemed fairly contrived.
“Again with the Burnham bashing!” Thoughts of the Week – What makes this show eminently frustrating is – well – the same thing it’s always been. Am I enjoying season 4 more because the A/B/C plotting leaves Michael out of 2/3 of the plot? How much more forgiving would I be if a better actress filled Burnham’s boots?
This may be a case of YMMV that’s pointless debating. I would love to see how another capable actress would’ve tackled the role – even with the same material. But it is what it is. If the writing can push above the consistency they’ve settled into and give SMG something meaty to work with – something to really challenge the character in an engaging manner, it might give her some room to shine. If it’s just going to be more IronBurnham hijinks, thanks Michael for saving everything – next! Well, if that does it for you – cool.
All that being said, that’s still three consecutive episodes containing enough enjoyable elements to qualify as serviceable. Culber and Stamets have fast become my favourite pairing – bought to life by two very capable actors. Culber has been a standout this season. I like what they’ve cobbled together for both of them. Overall, I sense the writers are a bit more settled and comfortable giving the characters some room to breathe.
As for essential plot happenings – I like that this isn’t a natural phenomenon. I hope the party behind the DMA does have nefarious intent, rather than Yet Another Misunderstanding. Although as eschaton said further up, it becomes all to similar to Control if it’s just another Big Bad to be defeated by the season’s end. Perhaps – this could be a bridge to a larger multi-season plot? After all, with the magic of serialisation, you don’t have to wrap everything up neatly in one season and reset for a new mystery box – do you?
I hope it’s The Borg. <ducks>
Anyway, we’ve hit the most precarious juncture of any DISCO season –the halfway point and march towards the finale. No doubt our Risan scientist will have a part to play in the reveal, so yeah … hope we’re finally lining up for a decent pay off.
