Logline
While undercover in a pre-warp society, Captain Burnham is forced to consider breaking the Prime Directive when a local tradition threatens Tilly’s life. Meanwhile, Culber tries to connect with Stamets, and Adira steps up when Rayner assigns them a position on the bridge.
Written by: Kenneth Lin & Brandon Schultz
Directed by: Chris Byrne
Note: Episode 5x07, “Erigah,” was released in some regions, presumably by accident, hours ago. If this hasn’t been fixed by now, and you are able to watch “Erigah,” please don’t post spoilers from that episode in this thread. We will create an episode discussion post for that episode once we’re confident it has been properly released globally.
Culber’s newfound spirituality arc felt kinda shoehorned in as an odd piece of character development in a show that’s about to end. I actually initially really enjoyed that he felt weird about hosting a Trill spirit (Trek has a habit of stuff getting right back to normal after a traumatic experience) but it’s dragged on without a clear direction as to what it means. I have to assume it will become relevant to the main plot at some point. Discovery surely wouldn’t leave weird thread dangling, right? Right?
The whole idea of a humanoid habitat built around a semi-functioning weather control network was cool. Though I would have loved to have seen the dead civilization around the tower they eventually go to!
I’ve been really enjoying Culber’s journey this season. I don’t know if it will dovetail with the main plot, but I’m optimistic they’ll wrap it up.
I’m not sure I’m completely on board with the role Stamets is playing in it, though. He went through a spiritual experience of sorts in season one, so I’m surprised Culber doesn’t feel like he can turn to him. Maybe Stamets is just too chill to provide the kind of support that Culber needs.
idk Stamets seemed pretty receptive and understanding, I think Culber was moreso unsure because he sees himself as a “man with all the answers” and didn’t like the vulnerability that came with showing his partner a side that’s unsure and not confident. That’s how it seemed to me at least.
Hmm, my take has been that Stamets is offering advice that he thinks is helpful, but is more glib than what Culber seems to need right now. It’s interesting.
Yeah totally. I think the glibness is coming from a place of experience. Like he knows Culber will get there eventually, but there are no words that will help. Like the whole trying to tell a queer teenager “it gets better” thing.