Star Trek Discovery 1.10 Despite Yourself review

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.