With every new Star Trek iteration, everyone from die-hard Trekkies to the non-interested line up to take their shots at what they believe is wrong with anything that has changed, or even stayed the same. Star Trek has long been a franchise that is appreciated after some time has passed. After contemplation and analysis. After that initial passion has worn off.
There’s a wonderful story that Nichelle Nichols, the original Uhura, tells of when she met Martin Luther King, Jr.. She told him that she was going to be leaving the show, as it was not very successful early on. King strongly urged her to remain, explaining how important it is for a person of colour to share the bridge with the rest of that cast.
Since then, we’ve watched other people of colour star in each of the series, however it’s never been a woman of colour in the lead role… until Discovery. And as if to make it that much more interesting, the lead role is not the captain of a Federation ship. Michael Burnham starts off as First Officer of the USS Shenzhou, then through a catastrophic series of events, winds up arrested for mutiny and imprisoned.
Almost immediately, we’re drawn to this character. Not just because she’s so brilliantly acted by Sonequa Martin-Green, but also because her history is very unique and interesting, and ties her to one of Star Trek’s favourite characters, Spock.
This, in and of itself, though, would not be enough to carry a series. But that’s hardly all Discovery has to offer. The acting across the board separates Discovery from every single other Trek before it with the exception of the J.J. Abrams reboot films. Each Trek before has had a mixed cast, in terms of acting abilities, and while we may have learned to love some of their acting ticks, it’s far different when you watch an ensemble that is composed entirely of brilliant actors. It allows you to get far more invested.
The writing is also very impressive, delving into incredibly difficult and rarely seen topics like the torture and sexual abuse of male characters, as well as the betrayal of foster parents and how that impacts the child who has had so much taken from her already.
Add to that the best cinematography imaginable—not just for television, but film as well—and you’ve got a cinema experience every week in your living room.
On this episode, I’m joined by Marty to discuss the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. Check out last week’s episode for part one.
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