An Obol for Charon

There's a lot happening really fast in this episode. Some great character interactions coming from the introduction of Number One, and beautiful emotional moments with Stamets, Tilly, Burnham, and Saru. It felt a lot more emotionally authentic than a lot of the previous episode, where it seemed like a lot of interactions were heightened needlessly to create drama and stakes. My main complaint, like a great deal of the previous episodes of season 2, is that everything is jam-packed with action and exposition and there is so much happening that should have been spaced out between several episodes. Still, the show has improved greatly from season 1, even if they have a ways to go. Here's hoping some of the groundwork they laid for new stories in future episodes with the plot pays off and isn't just forgotten.

This episode has sci-fi in spades, and that is very good. We get to know some more of the crew, and this episode both answer some questions and starts some new ones. My only big caveat with this episode is how Burnham always is the solver or catalyst to solving the problems. I am all for strong and knowledgable characters. But why have a starship with crew and scientists if one person can fix 95% of the issues that arise? That's not good star trek or storytelling in general. Use the crew (more) and let the captain lead and this would be good star trek.

I don't think I can stand any more of Sonequa Martin-Green's "emotional overflow" face. I can't believe that her one-expression performance passes for acting these days and her complete failure as the main protagonist infects the entire show.

This episode sort of oscillates between emotional drivel and meaningless technobabble without conveying any sense of urgency. Most of the crew are still placeholders devoid of personality. It is no wonder that the only "likable" character in this show is Saru. Maybe it's because under that heavy make-up is the only talented actor in this cast but even Doug Jones can't save writing so inept it re-defines "bad" and this episode serves as a glaring example how this show just doesn't work within the Star Trek universe.

Unless we get to see a complete turnaround in the next epsiodes this show deserves to be cancelled before it further damages Star Trek as a brand.

I liked Season 1 overall despite some shaky plot points and throwaway lines, but Season 2 is better so far, IMO truly capturing some of the charm of TNG.. and this episode continues the trajectory.

Character development is broadening. I'm glad other people on the Bridge are finally getting some lines instead of just standing there looking cool.. The Rebecca Romijn cameo in this ep is great -- I had to check the credits to confirm it was her -- hey, good acting! That whole scene had strong TNG vibes.

Overall I like that SMG is a little hammy with her acting, generally her semi-Vulcan act is OK, but sometimes I struggle to remind myself that she was supposed to have grown up on Vulcan when the emotional scenes swing SOOO EMO...But the childhood flashback scenes in Season 2 have been helping to connect the dots.

I welcome Tig Notaro's bizarre monotone and that the show isn't afraid to be goofy in spots. I like that this show focuses way more on aliens and Klingons than any ST movie or show since TNG, the gold standard IMO. I appreciated that this episode and several others in Season 2 have seemed a bit more self-contained. Big fan overall of where it's going.

Looks like the writers are finally starting to find their voice. While they're masterfully postponing whatever it is that seems to be the main plot, we get an episode more in the Star Trek spirit with the discovery of a new life form, the contemplating on society & moral values, themes of economic exploitation & racial submission. Although the writing felt somewhat forced here and there, and could have definitely done without the melodramatic overacting, it's a rather well-made multidimensional episode that manages to keep the viewer on edge with its fast pace and plot twists. Looking forward to see more ones in this direction! There's hope for Discovery yet!