Despite
Yourself review
The Tenth episode of the series, and the first episode of the second
half of the first season. The beginning of a new arc. (At least three
episodes.) It is revealed that the 'last jump' at the end of the
previous episode sent Discovery into the Mirror Universe. An
'interesting' development to say the least. The initial confusion and
the way they go about investigating is quite well done. Frakes'
direction is particularly good here. However, there is a question,
what happened to Stamets? Something clearly happened to him in that
last jump.
Or course, more is revealed when the ISS Cooper confronts them
(actually that is part of the investigation into their predicament,
but it is notable itself.) However, more confronting than the
situation Discovery has found themselves in, is that Tyler is
Voq! (Unless there's another Klingon, House Mokkai has
transformed...) Not entirely unexpected. It's certainly unexpected
for L'Rell that the code phrases didn't bring Voq's (or
Other!Klingon's) personality to the surface. Her surprise was very
well depicted.
However, back to the other plot... The reveal that Tilly's mirror
self is the captain of the ISS Discovery was quite well done
(with Lorca being confused when Burnham contradicts him, and Tilly
also being confused). Tilly's reply to the ISS Cooper's
captain was quite well acted, and consistent with Tilly's development
so far. (And 'Captain Killy''s look is different enough, to show the
difference.) Redecorating Discovery to fit in was also a good
story element (and calls back, or forward, to Kirk and the other
officers on the ISS Enterprise in Mirror Mirror).
Then there is the call back, to Enterprise, with the mention
that the Defiant (NCC 1764) had arrived in the Mirror
universe at some point in the past. The plan to find out more
information so as to find another way home (despite Stamets being out
out action) is a good plan, but they have to blend in, and find out
more about their alternate selves. Mirror Lorca using the ISS
Buran to lead a coup against the mysterious Emperor, is a good
example of backstory, and allow for the next part of the plan (such
as it is).
But first there is a shock. Culber discovers Tyler's secret, and has
his neck snapped for it. So is he dead? Most likely, barring any
Mycelial Network handwaving from his partner... Talking about
Stamets, is he seeing the future? (“Don't go into the Palace!”
Definitely foreshadowing of some kind.) The conclusion on the ISS
Shenzhou was a satisfying conclusion, leaving Burnham in an
unenviable position, in a place that's familiar but twisted. 9/10.
