Spoilers Star Trek: Discovery 4x10 - "The Galactic Barrier"

[JD]

I'll have thought little of it if they did it on ENT- only 190 years removed, during one of those movie nights....but 1,225 years after its run? OH, come on, something's up with Kovich.

If people are still reading the Illiad after over 2,000 years, I don't think it's that hard to believe people will be familar with Gilligan's Island in the 32nd Century. It's going to be a lot easier to preserve media now that it had been at any other point in history.

What's really shocking about Gilligan's Island is that if you look closely at The Minnow departing Hawaii at the 18 second mark you can clearly see that there are eight people on the ship. Meaning, of course, that someone got blown over during the storm and they never mentioned or thought about him again.

I've never seen it, but my mom watched the original unaired pilot for Gilligan's Island a while back, and she said there was one more person than we ended up with in the final series, and that's where the extra person comes from.

Also nice to have Adira back, even if she was pretty much just there with little to do (and what was that about with Staley’s?).

Them, not her. Both Adira and their actor, Blu del Barrio, are non-binary and use they/them as their pronoun.

This was another good episode.
It was nice to get some flashbacks to fill in Tarka's backstory. I know we already heard about what happened, but seeing it like this gives it a lot more impact.
Loved the new look for the galactic barrier.
It was nice to see the Federation President and Burnham work together a bit more.
It's nice to get Adira back, I missed them the last few episodes.

 

[The Wormhole]

Well, it would make sense cos Starfleet Academy takes place on New Earth. From leaked emails from early last year... I wondered what it meant, but now it seems clear to me: the DMA is going to destroy Earth and we're going to built a new, better Earth that joins the Federation again.

The rumors that the Starfleet Academy series would be set on "New Earth" have been circulating for a long time, definitely before season 3 aired and probably before the pandemic, in other words before season 4 was even written, given the DMA is supposed to be a pandemic analogy. I don't see how there could be a master plan to destroy Earth going that far back.

 

[Kamen Rider Blade]

Also, the micelial network is limited to our galaxy? I’m glad they nerfed it a bit, but didn’t they say in season 1 that it permeated the universe?

"Imagine a microscopic web that spans the entire cosmos. An InterGalactic EcoSystem. An infinite number of roads leading everywhere."– Gabriel Lorca, 2256 ("Context Is for Kings")
I guess they were specific enough back in the day when DISCO launched.

I wonder if there are different Mycelial Networks that are Extra-Galactic (Outside of Galaxies) and if there are more "Galactic Barriers" around each Galaxy, then seperate Mycelial Networks for each specific Galaxy (Inter-Galactic Mycelial Networks).

 

[Nerys Myk]

Shouldn’t they put all telepathic species in stasis before going in? Seems rather reckless

Why? It didn't do anything to Spock. It's non telepathic species with a latent ability for ESP that are the problem.

 

[Ray Hardgrit]

The rumors that the Starfleet Academy series would be set on "New Earth" have been circulating for a long time, definitely before season 3 aired and probably before the pandemic, in other words before season 4 was even written, given the DMA is supposed to be a pandemic analogy. I don't see how there could be a master plan to destroy Earth going that far back.

Also you don't have to destroy a thing to make a New one. They could set a Trek series in New York, New Mexico, New England or New Orleans without necessarily annihilating any cities or countries first.

 

[Deks]

"Imagine a microscopic web that spans the entire cosmos. An InterGalactic EcoSystem. An infinite number of roads leading everywhere."– Gabriel Lorca, 2256 ("Context Is for Kings")
I guess they were specific enough back in the day when DISCO launched.

I wonder if there are different Mycelial Networks that are Extra-Galactic (Outside of Galaxies) and if there are more "Galactic Barriers" around each Galaxy, then seperate Mycelial Networks for each specific Galaxy (Inter-Galactic Mycelial Networks).

'Entire cosmos' implies entire UNIVERSE (not galaxy).
Intergalactic is also defined as 'situated in or relating to the spaces between galaxies'... so by that definition, the mycelial network DOES expand throughout the entire universe (at least how it was defined) and outside the galaxy... its not just inside the Milky Way.

The problem with Disco is that the mycelial network thins out in the vicinity of the galactic barrier... which is odd because it seems that subspace itself seems to be intact (so you can approach the barrier in a ship using subspace FTL drive such as Warp, Quantum Slipstream, Coaxial Warp and Transwarp [to name a few], and cross it at impulse... but you can't bypass it altogether using the mycelial network).

So, why does subspace work in the vicinity of the barrier but the mycelial network does not?
Most likely (as I speculated earlier), the mycelial network DOES exist inside the barrier, but its completely inaccessible to ships due to its properties... in effect a 'natural mycelial dampening field'... its enough to allow the galaxy to exist (if the network is crucial to the existence of the universe to begin with), however, its not enough to allow travel through the network.

Which means that within a radius of 4 to 9 Ly's of the Barrier, Spore Drive can't be used - at least not with a human navigator as Stamets - which would also explain why Disco was at Warp when it crossed the barrier.

 

[Kamen Rider Blade]

Which means that within a radius of 4 to 9 Ly's of the Barrier, Spore Drive can't be used - at least not with a human navigator as Stamets - which would also explain why Disco was at Warp when it crossed the barrier.

But 4-9 lys is pretty trivial in distance. Most species who can get to the Galactic Barrier, has some form of Warp Drive.

Crossing the Barrier seems to be more troublesome than last time when Kirk & crew did it.

It seems like the Galactic Barier got stronger or they hit a section that was stronger for whatever reason.

 

[Jack Wolfe]

My theory still has a shred of hope, since Book plans to traverse the Barrier in his own ship. Silveryified-eyes Book, here we come!
Otherwise, eh. I feel like the extras halfway through "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" when they shouted, "GET ON WITH IT!!" Too much padding, not nearly enough substance. They've breached the Galactic Barrier, but it feels like they're going nowhere fast. A scant 5 from me.

 

[jackoverfull]

And the difference is, a weakened Federation can be rebuilt. You can't rebuild a PLANET.

Time for a Slartibartfast crossover event.

Them, not her. Both Adira and their actor, Blu del Barrio, are non-binary and use they/them as their pronoun.

Sorry, my fault.

"Imagine a microscopic web that spans the entire cosmos. An InterGalactic EcoSystem. An infinite number of roads leading everywhere."– Gabriel Lorca, 2256 ("Context Is for Kings")
I guess they were specific enough back in the day when DISCO launched.

thanks, then my memory was correct.

 

[Deks]

But 4-9 lys is pretty trivial in distance. Most species who can get to the Galactic Barrier, has some form of Warp Drive.

Crossing the Barrier seems to be more troublesome than last time when Kirk & crew did it.

It seems like the Galactic Barier got stronger or they hit a section that was stronger for whatever reason.

Since there is no evidence that a Galactic Barrier exists in real life, it stands to reason it could be artificial in nature. And if it is artificial... then it could have been enhanced since the 23rd century.

In fact, since the Kelvans were able to travel from Andromeda to the Milky way in about 300 years, they had to go through the barrier themselves (and they obviously survived).

So, either the barrier was weakened by the 23rd century and then it was enhanced by the 32nd, or as you said, Disco hit a section of the barrier that was stronger (but given the mention of the kind of materials SF uses in the 32nd century, it shouldn't have posed a danger to the ship).

What bugs me is why no one questioned the existence of the barrier or who/what may have made it (and for what purpose).

The books explored this, but they aren't canon.

 

[fireproof78]

The barrier is. Why question it's purpose when dealing with a larger problem?

 

[Ray Hardgrit]

Because they're explorers on a science vessel.

 

[Kamen Rider Blade]

Since there is no evidence that a Galactic Barrier exists in real life, it stands to reason it could be artificial in nature. And if it is artificial... then it could have been enhanced since the 23rd century.

If it's Artificial in nature, it could be applied to other Galaxies. If it's a natural phenomenon, every Galaxy might have their equivalent.

Just like every Galaxy seems to have their own equivalent of the "Galactic Core".

We can't see that kind of detail that far out, and the Galactic Barrier was stated to be:

Invisible to both the naked eye and visual recording equipment at a distance, at close range the barrier shines with a purple- to pink-colored glow. No form of transmission was known to be capable of penetrating the barrier.

So we have that to work with. If we use that definition, we wouldn't be able to see the "Galactic Barrier" even if we wanted to.

In fact, since the Kelvans were able to travel from Andromeda to the Milky way in about 300 years, they had to go through the barrier themselves (and they obviously survived).

Spoiler: TOS Kelvan Stuff

In 2268, Kelvans from the Andromeda Galaxy entered the Milky Way Galaxy through the barrier. Their advanced multigenerational ships were damaged by the barrier and subsequently destroyed. The Kelvan survivors of one ship required a new vessel for the journey home. They hijacked the USS Enterprise and refitted it to survive the barrier and the intergalactic journey. Presumably, due to improvements in sensor technology, this time the Enterprise's sensors registered the barrier as negative energy, but of such magnitude that all instruments were off the dials.

The Kelvans themselves survived, their ships were not. They had to hijack the USS Enterprise, modify it so that they can try to go home. They did enhance the TOS Enterprise to be able to ID the Barrier as Negative Energy. That much has lasted throughout the years.

So, either the barrier was weakened by the 23rd century and then it was enhanced by the 32nd, or as you said, Disco hit a section of the barrier that was stronger (but given the mention of the kind of materials SF uses in the 32nd century, it shouldn't have posed a danger to the ship).

We don't know what type of affects that the Barriers "Negative Energy" has on technology. It could be similar to modern day Radiation where we need more primitive Tech to be able to survive the radiation out in space. Newer tech is so fine / small that stray radiation wrecks havoc with such tiny micro circuitry.

What bugs me is why no one questioned the existence of the barrier or who/what may have made it (and for what purpose).

You can question it all you want, who are you going to get an answer from? Q?
I'm pretty sure Q knows all about it, will he tell you the truth, who knows.

The books explored this, but they aren't canon.

Yup. But Canon might leave it unanswered.

 

[Char Kais]

Boring, boring, boring. This one just didn’t work at all for me, felt like the fourth filler episode in a row.

The pacing of the season is excruciating.
So much filler.

Saru and the romance with the Vulcan lady. Don't care.
Stamets is ecstatic about Gray. Don't care.
The President and Burnham. See below.

Tarka and Oros? We learned nothing new. Almost everything they showed we knew already. The only new thing we learned, he initially planned to betray him and now feels guilty. Oh Wow.
This is show and tell. Why both? Pure filler.
And why a background story for a secondary character at this point in the season?

The president is still great

I disagree.
The only purpose of this character in this episode was to show how smart Michael Burnham is.
The writers make this character dumb, to contrast her against the smart Michael Burnham.
Every decision the President was not only wrong, after she got lectured by Michael Burnham, she reverted all her decisions and agreed with Burnham.

President: We need to wait for the delegates.
Burnham: No
President: Ok, let's go.

President: We need to abandon the mission to contact the 10C and turn back.
Burnham: No
President: Ok, let's continue.

President: We need to keep the information secret.
Burnham: No
President: Ok, let's tell the crew.

Also, the micelial network is limited to our galaxy? I’m glad they nerfed it a bit, but didn’t they say in season 1 that it permeated the universe?

Consistency from Discovery writers?

 

[fireproof78]

Because they're explorers on a science vessel.

After the danger is past.

 

[DaveyNY]

The pacing of the season is excruciating.
So much filler.

Saru and the romance with the Vulcan lady. Don't care.
Stamets is ecstatic about Gray. Don't care.
The President and Burnham. See below.

Tarka and Oros? We learned nothing new. Almost everything they showed we knew already. The only new thing we learned, he initially planned to betray him and now feels guilty. Oh Wow.
This is show and tell. Why both? Pure filler.
And why a background story for a secondary character at this point in the season?




I disagree.
The only purpose of this character in this episode was to show how smart Michael Burnham is.
The writers make this character dumb, to contrast her against the smart Michael Burnham.
Every decision the President was not only wrong, after she got lectured by Michael Burnham, she reverted all her decisions and agreed with Burnham.

President: We need to wait for the delegates.
Burnham: No
President: Ok, let's go.

President: We need to abandon the mission to contact the 10C and turn back.
Burnham: No
President: Ok, let's continue.

President: We need to keep the information secret.
Burnham: No
President: Ok, let's tell the crew.




Consistency from Discovery writers?

Heh ... for a guy who seemingly hates the show, you sure do spend an awful lot of time putting together numerous lengthy posts with multiple pic's all about it.

Is your life that boring that you can't find something you LIKE, to talk about?

 

[NCC-73515]

they air an hour a part in Canada, so I'll have 2 hours of Trek in a row.

Which one do they show first, and when?

Don’t you want to leave the best to last?

I'm very curious about PIC and not at all anymore about Disco

Honestly, this is the most excruciating mystery box Discovery has unpacked.

Ok, how many setup/filler episodes are they going to have? Just DO SOMETHING already!

At this point I think they just wanna keep people subscribed as long as possible, and Disco is the void filler between the more interesting shows.

I cringed when the bridge crew began talking about the places they hoped to visit back on Earth. It seemed unnatural and forced to me. Other than Lt. Christopher, who wants to be in Europe skiing, what is this fascination with the Western US? It's beautiful, but it can't be the only place in the 32nd century that is a paradise on Earth.

Yes, it was so random - like we only care about Earth if they say how much they like it

Also, if Gray does not come back, I am truly going to lose my mind. If he's been written out, that was a lot of wasted screentime. They have gotten us interested and invested in that character. Stick with him.

Initially, I found Adira more interesting, but quickly cared more about Gray as well.

Earth will get destroyed, mark my words.

That will at least be something interesting. Perhaps they're trying to bore us to death for week after week and then in contrast shock us even more with that.

Some people here must have been in attention-span hell when seasons were 26 episodes long and the Dominion War storyline took five seasons to tell.
A good thing the Year Of Hell only took two episodes instead of a full season, or your heads would have exploded.

Obviously, interesting things actually happened in those episodes...

Aren't there ancient proverbs we still use today?

Ross used inter arma enim silent legis, Kirk used enemy of my enemy is my friend... and both were recognized by who they're talking to.

And the difference is, a weakened Federation can be rebuilt. You can't rebuild a PLANET.

They're gonna make a synth Earth and transfer Earth's essence onto the new planet. Perhaps with a new Genesis device!

"Imagine a microscopic web that spans the entire cosmos. An InterGalactic EcoSystem. An infinite number of roads leading everywhere."– Gabriel Lorca, 2256 ("Context Is for Kings")

Same episode: it's the veins and muscles that hold galaxies together. There are no veins or muscles in your guts.

 

[DaveyNY]

There are no veins or muscles in your guts.

That's not entirely true.
There are veins in the walls of your intestines and stomach.

 

[Amasov]

I liked it, but, Jesus Christ can we just GET ON WITH IT.

This slow-drip is absolutely killing me.

 

[valkyrie013]

After 900 years.. And kelvins helping.. No one has crossed the barrier? BS!!
72 hours for Earth and Nivar? There 16 Lightyears apart... Dma .. 5!... Ughhh... So much crap..
So much crap...