Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

A classic journey filled with time jumps and captivating storytelling. It's a delight to witness another step in the humanization of La'an, as the character continues to develop and evolve. Additionally, seeing Kirk back in action brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement to fans of the series.

While the episode maintains its entertainment value, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. Firstly, the series is titled "Strange New Worlds," yet in these initial three episodes of the new season, we have yet to see any glimpse of new planets. This feels like a missed opportunity to explore the vastness of the Star Trek universe. Second, it is disappointing how little presence there is of Captain Pike (which also happened in the first episode of this second season), who seems to be increasingly relegated to a supporting role.

At first, this episode appears like it will be simply another time traveling story. However, as it unfolds, we are treated to a greater in-depth look at a central and recurring character. She is a tragic figure, and the episode's title (taken from McBeth) is fitting. Time constraints keep the writers from delving deeper, and there is admittedly missed opportunities to flesh out the relational development, but this does not detract from the narrative as a whole. The final scene is especially poignant, and the viewer is given ample time to reflect on the character's situation and the depth of her loneliness. This episode was Star Trek as it was meant to be. Good storytelling, interesting characters, and a nuanced look at human nature.

This episode of SNW presents us with one of the classic time travel episodes that we know all too well from the episodic Star Trek series.

Of course, a case-of-the-week format can't reinvent the wheel here, and so the development of the story remains linear and the quest is really mastered along the way.

What the episode does excel at, however, and this is where it ties in with the qualities of TOS, TNG or even VOY, is giving characters depth and letting us participate in the inner lives of its protagonists.

Meanwhile, the episode once again shows an understanding by the scriptwriters of the authoritative coolness and humor that characterizes the great captains of Star Trek and that otherwise Captain Pike brilliantly represents.

TLDR: A condensed story that leaves science and hurdles to the left to let its characters shine.

Boomers saw Shatner and always went straight to James T. Kirk. For millennials like me, seeing Paul Wesley on screen is Stephen Salvatore ....on Halloween dressed like Shatner. Ha.

I love this particular episode for its writing. I'll lament like a boomer and remind people what television was like when tv seasons had 22 or so episodes and released weekly--story structures were just different. Almost like sitcoms, every new episode reset to the status quo, you didn't have to watch all the episodes to flip to the channel and have an idea of how the story is going. The payout for being a dedicated fan was the subtle serialization of the drama and lore--basically the birth of easter eggs for geeks galore.

It's a little hard to ship Kirk and La'an with just one episode but in context of how they setup her story arc excuses it away. A very complete story encompassed in a singular episode, beginning middle and end. And the themes and tones and genre and tropes differ from the previous. Then it addresses a core history of La'an, something we've seen her struggle with throughout the show, tied up with a neat little bow, restricting this whole adventure into just La'an's personal journey. Time paradox that has no serious impact unless you invest and ingrain yourself into the characters and personalities of the crew, GREAT! *chef's kiss*

If only 'Discovery' learned and didn't jump universes and commit to new timelines like every half season, we'd still be watching that show.

I'm generally not a fan of time-travel stories. It's kind of a worn-out territory and I get fatigued by the silly ways 'forks' and creating/destroying timelines are taken for granted, as if it's a hard science.

But as far is it goes, this episode hits all the right places in treating the topic, as it deals with all the classic ethical dilemmas - I won't spoil it for you but it's the kind of questions the best of Trek poses. Yeah, instead of clear answers, you get more questions and ethical conundrums - but that's what good Trek is all about; not just brainless action but engaging your brain so you can think further when the episode finishes.

Not to mention that La'an got great depth with this episode and and Chong's performance was very convincing, even touching (yup, got a little tear-eyed at the end). Good stuff.