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Title: Star Trek: Discovery – Season 1 Episode 3: “Context Is for Kings”
Network: CBS
Air Date: October 1st, 2017
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama
After a rocky, but promising start to the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery, I was hopeful for the third episode in the series, “Context Is for Kings.” Yet, despite there being more things that caught my attention, I found myself spacing out, rather than paying attention to the plot.
In all honesty, this episode is essentially a second, exposition-filled pilot, as Michael Burnham arrives on the Discovery (roll credits) six months later to an uncomfortable welcome for the now ex-Starfleet member. While the ending to last week’s episode certainly established that Burnham was to be branded a mutineer, all the hate towards Burnham feels forced and manufactured.
Yes, she is the first mutineer in Starfleet history, so that should carry a stigma. Yet, for the viewer, this is the third episode we have even seen her in. Are we supposed to have already made a connection with this character and sympathize with her, when she hasn’t even really been given enough time to be made a likable character? I wasn’t a big fan of the mutineer plot as it was introduced last episode, nor the fact that they are already at war, simply because it’s so aggressive. A few exposition laced flashbacks are not going to help that situation either.
It’s certainly not impossible to make me want to root for a character quickly though, I am already rooting for Lt. Saru, Lilly, and Captain Isaacs, I literally only just met the last two. I’ve found that I enjoy these three characters more than Burnham so far because, despite spending a majority of the time with Burnham, her character still feel like a Mary Sue. He traits simply feel like that of any other lead character in a series that is against all odds. My hope is that we get to see more interactions with her and Lilly, as the two actually have some genuine chemistry.
Before any of that can happen though, Star Trek: Discovery’s plot needs to get things in order. There were plenty of contradictions and cliche’s in “Context Is for Kings” that I found my head in my hands more often than not. Burnham is supposed to be confined to her quarters whenever she is not working, yet she is easily able to get into the engineering without anyone noticing. She doesn’t want to cause any trouble, but within minutes goes out of her way to break into engineering. On top of that, despite Senu calling her dangerous, he also recommends she go with the boarding part when asked by Isaacs?
While I did like the build-up to the boarding party sequence – especially the shh Klingon – it eventually played out like any jump scare horror movie. A chase scene occurs, someone unimportant (no redshirt at least) dies, and then the hero is able to outwit or outrun the monster and escape. Alongside that, we get the unnecessary attitude from other characters in the situation, as well as the ever so helpful and informal, Run! Shoot it!
It’s just like I said about the last two episodes, the show is called Star Trek: Discovery, but so far everything is focused on action. An immediate war is ignited. Fight scenes, Chase scenes. That’s not what I want out of this series. Give me more scenes like the one with Captain Isaacs showing Burnham the wonders of the spores. More interactions like Burnham showing Alice in Wonderland to Lilly and Lilly stating she wants to be captain one day. Don’t make the same mistakes that the J.J Abrams movies have made with taking the easy way out and settling for mediocrity with action-heavy stories.
This show is beautiful and is so well done is so many areas, but the ones that count in the long haul are far too half-assed. If you are going to make a television show about Star Trek, where you are given an hour each week to build and mold the characters and the story, don’t follow the same structure as most action-filled Sci-fi’s that oversaturate the market already.
Verdict: “Context Is for Kings” is frustratingly flawed, giving glimpses of brilliance, then relapsing into laziness. It’s plagued by boring action sequences, questionably plots, and cliche dialogue and interactions. I am nowhere near giving up on the series based on this, but it will be really hard to stick with it for the long haul if these problems persist, especially with so many other great shows like The Expanse and The Orville to fill the science fiction void.
Feel free to share your own opinions about the episode below. Be sure to check back next week for the fourth episode of the season, as the review will go up immediately after the show concludes on CBS All Access at 8: 30 PM EST.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 1 Episode 3 Review
- Saru, Tilly, Issacs
- The spore sequences
- Mutineer plot tension is forced and rushed
- Make me care about the lead character
- Plot is all over the place
- Less action-oriented content
Andrew has been in love with video game ever since his brother was forced by their parents to let him watch him and his friends play games like Goldeneye and Super Mario 64.
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9 Comments
Namnoot
I actually find myself in a reverse situation with the characters. I like Michael enough, but i found I really didn’t care for the newly introduced characters. So much so that except for Lorca I can’t even recall their names. Saru had already been established as the show’s version of Odo, and I like him, but I found myself not really liking the other characters, including Tilly who comes of a bit too comic-reliefy, and really does seem to telegraph the likelihood that she’s ultimately going to be a redshirt. I’m not writing the show off yet, but having only two characters I like (even though Martin-Green seemed like she was sleepwalking through this episode) is not good when it’s supposed be an ensemble. And I’m sorry – that Tribble is annoying. I did, however, like the line of dialogue that gives an excuse for why Discovery has dim lighting – out of consideration for its eye-injured captain.
Andrew McMahon
Yea I can definitely see your point about Tilly. I just look at her compared to Burnham and I at least find some solace in the fact that she has a define personality, where as I still don’t know how I’m suppose to relate to Burnham. Especially after the majority of the show has been devoted to her story. Out of curiosity, what do you find yourself liking about her?
codefool
I found myself not liking any of the characters except Tilly. It’s hard to like Michael because she comes off as really bitchy. I don’t know what wunder abilities she is supposed to have that makes her oh so special. Why keep her around? I’m not sure what to make of the show yet.
Andrew McMahon
I think Tilly could be very good for Burnham’s character, as it seems like they work well together as opposites. You are right that Michael does come off as bitchy, but honestly, almost everyone in this series does and I hate it. Rekha Sharma is an aboslute dick, not even giving her phaser to Burnham when they are in a precarious sitiatuion, Lt. Stamets not only hates Michael, but is also insubordinate in how he talks to Isaacs (even if his reasoning behind makes sense, it still just doesn’t fit what I imagine Star Trek values, I even think there is a specific creed Gene Roddenberry went by).
Like I said in the article, Burnham, so far, has been a trademark Mary Sue (a few keynotes take from a reddit thread)
-Right about everything
-Spock’s step-sister
-Only human to go to the Vulcan Science Academy
– everyone she meets wants to help her even though she’s not remotely likeable
– she quickly and effortlessly overcomes all obstacles including H2H combat with an armored Klingon warrior and a life sentence in prison (even if she insisted she wanted to serve her time, another “noble” sacrifice)
Even Sonequa Martin-Green feels like a forced publicity stun.
– First non captain lead
– First Black lead
– First female lead
– Majority of the story focuses on her while other Star Treks focus on the crew as a whole (Though it has only been 3 episodes)
Granted I’m not saying any of this is unmerited if someone has earned that the role and hits all those check boxes, but I saw Martin-Green’s performance as Sasha in The Walking Dead and she was just as bland in that. They’ve got a long road ahead of them if they stick with her in all honesty.
codefool
People are always asking my Spock never mentioned his adopted step sister. What would you say if you were Spock, “Um well yeah I have a moody step sister who is always right. Oh did I mention she was the first person in Star Fleet History ever to be convicted of mutiny? Also she was saved from her sentence because she’s super awesome and she won the First Annual Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence.” I wouldn’t mention her either if I were Spock.
Andrew McMahon
Hahahah “exceeellant”
codefool
While I’m discussing shows, heres what would have happened if the Orville would have discovered the USS Glenn.
Capt Mercer, after seeing the mangled remains of the Glenn crew in the corridors: Hey is that Lt. Johnson. Yeah it is. See Commander, I always told you Johnson had his head up his ass.
Commander Grayson: Yes, he shouldn’t have gotten so bent out of shape.
Capt Mercer: Alaria contact the Orville and apprise them of the situation.
Alaira: I can’t reach the Orville?
Capt. Mercer: What?
Capt. Mercer: Mercer to Orville…
Lt Bortis over the comm link: Sorry captain, we were under attack by the Krill… again… while you were out playing on an away mission. We have sustained heavy damage.
Capt. Mercer: Damnit I can’t even leave my ship for 5 freaking minutes without half of it being blown to bits.
Alaria: *Blushes*
Commander Grayson: Well thats what happens when you neglect something.
Capt. Mercer: Oh we’re getting back to this are we?
Lt. Malloy: Did you guys see something? I swear I saw something.
Capt. Mercer: Are you back to drinking in the mornings again?
Commander Grayson: I thought I saw something too but I wasn’t sure if it was that or the pot browner I just ate.
Lt. Lamar: Oh snap, ya’ll see that Klingon over there. Is that mofo sushing us?
Lt. Malloy: What the f was that thing?
Capt. Mercer: Run bitches!
Alaria: I got this, I can take this little puppy dog out with my pinky.