We’ve got lots of stuff punching us in the feels this week on Star Trek: Discovery, not to mention a heartbreaking cliffhanger. A new lifeform, an exercise in trust, and a dash of mutiny all take us to the mid-season finale of Star Trek: Discovery. Here are a few of my thoughts on episode 4×07, “…But to Connect.”
A New Lifeform
I’m always happy when Kovich (King of Body Horror David Cronenberg) shows up on my screen. His appearance this week brings to mind the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, “The Measure of a Man.” But instead of determining Zora’s agency, “…But to Connect” is trying to figure out what Zora actually is. As Starfleet has laws against sentient A. I. being incorporated into a ship’s computer, we could have a problem. But Zora (Annabelle Wallis) is different. She is capable of emotion. She is truly a new lifeform. I love that we’re seeking out “new life” in a very different way here–on our own ship. “It feels marvelous…being seen.” Indeed it does, Zora.
An Exercise in Trust
Not only is there an exercise in trust in Zora, but also an exercise in trust among the worlds of the Federation and Federation adjacent. It’s refreshing to see a group of diverse people come together to work out a solution, even if they don’t agree on the best way to tackle the problem of the DMA. President Rillak’s words to the assembly, reminding everyone that they are welcome to the table, even if they did not vote with the majority is how democracy works. Peaceful collaboration, even with dissenting opinions demonstrates empathy. More of that in our own world, please.
Mutiny on the Discovery
Finally, I am heartbroken that Book chose to go off with Ruon Tarka to try to destroy the DMA on their own. Not only am I concerned about the risks laid out by Michael in her speech at the assembly (could start a war, render warp travel impossible in that area, etc.), but because it seems like Book doesn’t think he’ll be coming back, or at least he knows that if he does, he’s facing serious consequences. I got choked up when he left Grudge with Michael. I have no idea how they’re going to stop them, especially now that Book’s ship has the next generation spore drive, which makes him just as fast as Discovery. The stakes here are high, not just from a social/political standpoint, but also on a real emotional level with Book and Michael’s relationship. Here’s to waiting with bated breath until the show comes back.
Final Thoughts
We’ve got a 5-week gap between now and the next episode of Star Trek: Discovery. While this episode is leaving us a little sad and a little nervous for the next episode, we have a particularly delicious teaser for the rest of the season to analyze while we wait. Also, I fully expect that there will be an influx of Saru/T’Rina fanfic to hit AO3 over the next few weeks. I mean, seriously! They’re so genuinely sweet. Even better, Saru actor Doug Jones ships it! If you hit stop too early and missed the teaser, take a look!
Do you have thoughts on “…But to Connect”? How about the new teaser? Any speculation for the rest of the season? Leave me a comment and let’s talk Trek! In the meantime, tune your hailing frequencies here for our continued coverage of Star Trek: Prodigy.
The next episode of Star Trek: Discovery will air on February 10, 2022, on Paramount+.
