Discovery: Season One, Episode Eight

Star Trek Discovery
Season One, Episode Eight Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum
[original airdate: 11|05|2017]
[spoilers ahoy!]

 [Discovery says hey.]

Always nice to see the local Starfleet vessels helping out their friends. It's also nice to see that it's hard to keep up with the Klingons when they have their cloaks up, iirc that fits with the rest of the series' interpretations.

And well, I am a big fan of the Discovery's fancy-ass screens and overlays and things. I mean, they are a top of the line vessel and this is pretty rad right here:

[Not sure if I'm more here for Gabe's ass or Owosekun's hair]

Oh no... even with all their fancy moves they couldn't save the other ship T_T Ugh that sucks. At least they're smart enough to leave and not stick around trying to get rid of the other Klingons. I also like that Lorca takes the time to ask if Stamets is okay to jump before they do.

STAMETS DON'T GET MAD AT TILLY CUZ YOUR BRAIN IS BROKEN.

Good, good, they're showing something's up with all these jumps and how it's affecting him.

THANK YOU for addressing that! I'm always so tired of the main show ship always being the only one to respond to a problem, and like, I know it's the damn premise, but come on, at least somewhere in there say HEY OK WHY ARE WE THE ONLY SHIP.

 [Lorca is done with everyone's shit, even yours]

 [Definitely know I am here for dat ass doe. Also that tribble's name is Merkin. Blame Jason Isaacs]

Oh geez... everyone else was ambushed and destroyed??? o__0 Well no wonder they were the only ones. And shit. They're handing out cloaking devices like candy…

Say it with me now-- I've got a bad feeling about this.

Oooh... Pahvo's all BLUE!

Is that Saru? Omigosh that means this is his first away mission! (that we've seen). And Tyler and Burnham are here too. Yay! And it's not 100% blue, it's blue and green and it sings. And there's a crystal that sings too?

And instead of the crystal exploding at the wrong note, they want to use the crystal to decloak the Klingons. I wonder if it'll work???

Damn Saru is even carrying a phaser pistol. That's... kind of weird, really. I don't even think Tyler's carrying one and he's the damn security officer! And he's talking that he could cover all that ground in fifteen minutes? Yikes. Wait. Did you just say that he could go over 80kmh?

[meep meep motherfucker]

And now there's some funky blue pollen or something making a lot of noise and approaching them? Saru approaches politely because of course he does. And it wants you to go the opposite way than you're planning to go, and starts surrounding you when you say so. HMMM.

There you go, Kol, acting like you're on the schoolyard instead of in charge of a Klingon vessel. How dare you insult L'Rell like that about her scar. Rude. Y'know, bruh, unity is unity whether it's T'Kuvma's way or you ruling everybody... I hope you know that.

He doesn't ask much does he? >_> Sure just torture someone and get me some info that'll make me bigger and more glorious, and maybe I'll let you play with my toys-- I mean join my cause. Pscht.

Did she just growl at him? Do not blame her.

Looks like we're just... following the funky singing pollen. Who decided this? Since Saru's leading, I guess him. I mean I know he's the ranking officer here but

And despite the fact that there's no species present here... how is there a shelter that's clearly sufficient for them? Big enough for three people?

But never mind that, Saru is all up in this pollen stuff. I mean, he's even more interested in it than Michael and you'd think she would be because of her xenoanthropology degree, but I guess she's a little more suspicious.

 [Put your hand in the fire it's okay]

Saru wtf are you doing??? Um. Michael. Just saying. If this is an intelligent, non biological pollen... how tf does first contact work? Maybe I'm being silly. This is why I'd probably be an ensign for life. (High fives Harry Kim)

Oh no it's Admiral Cornwell!!! At least she's still alive but oh no. I was afraid the "prisoner who won't talk" was her.

I mean, this is bad. That's a nice shot of her face through the tools (which I can't catch) but alsjhdasljdhad no. No do not use those on her. I like how she doesn't scream like a usual damsel in distress. She sounds like she's afraid but angry.

 [Cornwell vs L'Rell. FIGHT]

Wait. What? You want to talk to her and not torture her? You used that to chase the guard away? I'm torn between "you're clever" and "you're crazy".

I do like seeing Tyler and Burnham talking. It's tough to think that Saru has to communicate to the Pahvans that they need to let them use the transmitter... and they have to just wait.
And he's talking about fishing on Lake Shasta. I get why Michael has a crush on him.

Also the difference in lighting from the intense scene prior to this dreamy scene presently is lovely.

 [*~dreamy~*]

Michael will you stop angsting over that? As much as you've done already they'd probably pardon you. Plus well, I mean. She failed at mutiny, she failed to get the weapons fired, she failed the nerve pinch, and in the away mission, Georgiou's death wasn't even her fault, directly or indirectly. Why the fuck do you put someone away for life for that? Because of intention? Oy. Aren't we supposed to be in the bright future here?

ANYway.

LOL Tyler no. You can't just stay at war forever so Michael doesn't go back to prison.

Oh nooooo they're being all sappy over that one Vulcan quote about the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one. Aaaaa they're so cute. And finally they can kiss while not in a time loop. *fans self* [Thank god they're kissing like real people and not like Melrose Place or Buffy and sounding like they're scooping a pumpkin and chewing with their mouth open at the same time.]

HI TILLY I LOVE YOU. This is good though. She's confronting Stamets for before instead of hiding. Good, good don't let him push you around. You can't just pull rank because you don't want to talk MISter Stamets.

At least he has a good reason for not wanting to tell his space husband about what's going on. Even if it sounds really scary.

She is so good. Just... wanting to help, monitoring the problems, and reassuring... SHE IS SO PURE. I will say it all the time. Someday I will just have a shirt with a cartoon of her face that says PURE under it.

It's interesting how L'Rell wants to know what it's like to be captured by Starfleet. ARE YOU LOOKING TO GET CAPTURED?? And she called Kol a p'tahk which is good. Because he is one. And she's all alone. Ajkdahf. Poor L'Rell.

 [I think you might be trying to tell us something]

And then she basically manipulates Cornwell into taking her along because otherwise she'll be stuck on a Klingon ship and probably end up dead.

And now we're back on the 80s fantasy planet of funky blue pollen. Hey Saru, where've you beeen? Yeah, if they are the planet? This is definitely an 80s sci-fi fantasy setting. *cues up some 80s music*

  

Poor Saru. I mean, same, with tons of noise I'd probably be getting a headache too, but still. Man, those Starfleet sleeping mats actually look comfy. I wonder if the lights along the side are for temperature regulation. And Saru has one long enough for him. Nice.

Saru is me right now... laying awake in a strange place. And in this case, with all that noise it would be so hard for him to sleep. And then, pretty sci-fi flowers <3

 [I need one for a night light thx]

Oh geez, why did they go in Saru? That doesn't seem like the best idea guys. You are doing me a concern. Oh... this is a good way to communicate, I guess? Although y'all should have asked first. Poor Saru, he's so afraid all the time, and with the war it must be so much worse. And then it all stops and... well Saru is me when the anxiety stops.

Wait. Saru, why are you being weird? Guys. Guys? GUYS. Don't just let him take your communicators. Ask him what's going on! Ask him about the changes! Don't just do whatever he wants, just because he's in charge.

Ah shit.

Saru, you can't just make decisions for other people. What did I tell you about consent? I don't care what the Pahvans promised you. If you want to stay, knock yourself out. But Burnham and Tyler would like to go home again. DONT TOUCH THEM LIKE THAT. I swear to god I will punch you sir.

Really Tyler? You think he lied? You get a cookie! As soon as you get back to the ship. And now you're pushing Michael around. =__= Has everyone on this planet gone crazy except for Michael?

Man there is something sexy about two women fighting. *cough* Excuse me. I'm sorry. There's a plot here, isn't there? Carry on.

NEVER MIND. Yikes. Headbutted by a Klingon and then slammed into... whatever that was which was full of electricity and knocked out. Blargh. Wait. "At least you won't die in a cage?" WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING?!

Kol apparently thinks this is a grand old time. Dick. 

She just lied to him and manipulated him too. Chaotic neutral y/y?

Dude, your non-synthetic whatever-that-is does not look any more appetizing. I think I'll stick with synthetic protein rations, thanks, Saru.

Always uncomfortable when something happens that's off, and you're expected to blame yourself. I mean, I'm not sure I should be suspecting the Pahvans but let me tell you what. This sounds very cultish.

I like how Tyler's using this moment. And Saru is actually reacting smartly, even if you know half of it is because of what's going on. But damn, poor Tyler. He's so broken, that much is obvious. *pats his head*

Lmao I'm just saying- this is like some cult indoctrination or something. There's even a dumb crystal that will "fix all your problems". Has Saru gone new age on us?

Whoop Saru's ganglia came out. What's going on that's threatening? Tyler's memories? Wait, Tyler was lying? Whoa.

NO SARU DONT DO IT!

Run Michael, run!

Man the crystal tower and the crystals themselves are gorgeous! I'm really a fan of the deep blue crystals.

And then the nice cut of... no that's not just forest, that's angry Saru running after Michael. Oh god. They said he could run really fast. You better hurry Michael! (I wonder if Doug Jones was actually doing the running here)

The cuts between Michael and running Saru are definitely good for establishing tension, but I'm still here mooning over the crystals.

 [So pretty! @_@]

OH MAN. That is a huge insult to the Klingons, Kol just piled up all the bodies in a room, and some of them are wearing armor like L'Rell's armor, and omg. I told you he was a dick. He killed all of her friends and supporters. T_T

Annnnd she just leaves Cornwell laying there.

They don't hear you anymore! If they even did to start. *winces away from screen* Saru no! Don't do that! And don't break it! You might hurt the tower! The crystals are going red! Stop!

Ouch! Saru just kicked her in the stomach?! That must have been like being kicked by a horse! Akjashdad Saru no!

Girl knows how to improvise when her weapon's gone! God that must be so scary! She's known him for at least seven and a half years, and he's just gone crazy.

Michael:

DAMN SON. He just took a branch to the head AND a phaser blast on stun, and barely felt it. I mean this would be great in any other situation, but not this one. Make that two stun blasts. Geez.

Seriously. Agree. Where is that peace you wanted, Saru?

Awww Saru. Like, I feel bad for him, even if he's wrong. I mean, if something like this drives you to hurt others... it's wrong. That's a good speech though Michael. A really good one. I'm just sorry it doesn't get through to him.

Holy shit the Pahvans just took Tyler all the way there? That fast? At least, it's implied it was fast. Dang. And they're scolding Saru for his behaviour, I guess? Okay, I think it was just misapplied and not actually culty. Yay!

I wouldn't mind a planet of genuine harmony for vacation though.

Damn, okay Michael. Did your parents teach you the art of good speeches? Or are you just that good on your own? A+ I'm glad it worked too, because they really need to end this damn war already.

 [This thing is amazing!]

 Oh Saru. I'll uh. I'll hug you when you're feeling a little less agressive. I know he wanted to protect the Pahvans, but geez.

Ugh Michael is so compassionate and pure. He hurt her but she still asks if he's okay.

And then Saru basically describes life with anxiety. Poor bab. You just feel so bad for him. No wonder he reacted negatively to leaving the place that gave him some relief from constant fear.

Well, she hasn't killed Kol yet, so I'm wondering if she's manipulating him now too. Fits her character at least. Mannnn she is badass though! "If you don't see my worth, bye."

And as always, it works. Nice job, L'Rell. I'd say don't kneel to him but it's the best way to get him in your back pocket if that's what you're doing. At least he's smart enough to know a good interrogator is important.

Whoops. Give her the warpaint and then threaten to kill her. Oh boy. And now they know about Pahvo. :C

And Pahvo is apparently blowing up some phones right now with that signal transmitter. *brow raise* which apparently all just. EM waves. Oh man, I think they brought them there to resolve their differences, like a schoolyard fight. And Discovery's their only line of defense. COOL. (Not cool.)

Nooo! I officially declare here that I hate cliffhangers.

This episode, man. I mean, it's weird, and intense, and definitely like an eighties sci-fi fantasy, but it's still very Trek to me. There's a lot that's relevant, as usual with Trek. Also Tyler needs a therapist, stat. I'd give this episode an 8/10 but that's because I don't like being afraid of Saru thanks.