The Wolf Inside

Considering their understand of DNA and more, and how everything is monitored, how could they possibly not know who committed a "hands on" murder?

This episode is celebrated as having the the longest opening teaser in the whole Star Trek Cannon. Fourteen minutes. (I got that little snippet from Memory Alpha after wondering why I had nodded off a couple of times).

A great deal of effort has gone into establishing a different atmosphere here in the Mirror Universe where Michael Burnham is strutting around pretending to be her evil-twin Terran equivalent while her Captain faces the prospect of a trip to the agony booth.

We have the moody, subdued lighting, languid bathing scene and slinky lingerie so Michael Burnham can indulge in the obligatory Mirror Universe recreational use of a junior crew member before getting into her gold-plated uniform.

We watch a "spacing" execution and MB, who is apparently captain over here, volunteers herself for an away mission to infiltrate the rebel base and gather intelligence rather than blasting them from high orbit.

Meanwhile, back on Discovery - at least I think that is where we are - A gold-encrusted Cadet Tilly is defending Commander Stammets from the widespread belief that he was responsible for the death of Doctor Culber. The multiple subterfuges and confusing character swaps currently taking place in this episode cannot eliminate the fact that NO SURVEILLANCE OF ANY KIND appears to have picked up Ash Tyler snapping the Doctor's neck.

Time for a well-earned cup of tea. What do you mean, the main part of this episode hasn't even started yet?

The problem isn't with the basic idea, but at some point one will look into the plotting and see all kinds of holes. It's getting harder and harder to tell who's who without a program. Even if there were such a possibility, how does a humble crew member continue to work outside his or her memories and experiences and continue the charade. Nevertheless, I'll give it another shot.

Burnham looks to get information about the USS Defiant's escape from the mirror universe.

I enjoyed this one for the intriguing plot, fantastic visuals and solid performances.

The story contains a number of clever twists and character reveals, along with a nice bit of suspense that keeps it compelling throughout. To go into any of it in detail would spoil, but it's safe to say that I enjoyed the direction it takes both plot and characters.

Visually it is one of the strongest examples of Star Trek I have seen. The cinematography is brilliant, displaying wonderfully composed shots that make the best use of colour, reflection and lighting to create atmosphere. It is also edited together very nicely to keep things ticking over at good pace.

All performances are solid, but what lets it down is the writers' continuing fondness for clunky exposition throughout the dialogue. It feels so deliberate and unnatural. It's a testament to the actors delivery that they can make it sound as human as possible.

Discovery is starting to raise my interest levels more now and I'm actually looking forward to the next one.

I've been watching Star Trek since the first episode aired in 1966. This is one of THOSE episodes. Yes, the ones that present a great story with a muddled script and more muddled direction. While I appreciate the convoluted and complicated storyline, it's just a mess.