We’re taking a look in the mirror this week in Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors.” We get a look at the Mirror Universe. We also get our very first look under the mask of the Breen, and take a further dive into the who and why of Moll and L’ak. There is a lot to discuss today, so let’s fly into the wormhole of Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors.”
Terra Firma!
We caught hints in the trailer for this season of Star Trek: Discovery, but Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors” finally confirms what many had speculated. Yes, we do get a look at the Mirror Universe Enterprise. And while I was hoping for a nice cameo of a Mirror Universe Pike, Spock, or Una, I think what we get in Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors” is interesting.
Instead of a cameo, we get closure on Star Trek: Discovery 3×09 and 3×10 “Terra Firma, Part 1” and “Terra Firma, Part 2.” It is encouraging to hear that Action Saru exists in every universe. One of the best parts of the “Terra Firma” episodes is watching the mild and gentle Saru just unload on everything in his path. Kelpiens are not to be trifled with in any universe. It’s not the Mirror Universe connection I hoped for, but I’m happy with that nod to the “Terra Firma” two-parter.
Back Story on Moll and L’ak
The backstory we get about Moll and L’ak in Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors” is an interesting one. I wasn’t sure which species L’ak would be, but Breen is a nice surprise. This is the first real look we’ve gotten at the Breen, other than them coming in and destroying things. L’ak is a different sort of Breen. He’s not too keen on the whole divide-and-conquer aspect of Breen culture. He just wants to live his life. We even see him show mercy to his uncle who invoked the “Erigah” (a Breen blood bounty) BEFORE L’ak knocked him out. L’ak would have made his escape much cleaner and saved himself a lot of hassle if he had just killed him, and yet he chose mercy. That is a very un-Breenlike thing to do.
Moll is just looking for a way out of the life she’s known. She’s not entirely unlike Tarka in season 4 of Star Trek: Discovery. Looking for a place where she can live her life in peace, unbothered. Away from the life of poverty that she grew up in, to a place where she will not feel the constant pursuit of a courier’s life and can be at peace with the one she loves.
While we see Moll and L’ak do some truly heinous and ruthless things, it is out of desperation. It’s a means to an end for them to escape the “Erigah.” It is a truly desperate situation. While their motivations are complex, L’ak acknowledges that what they’ve done is wrong. All they want is to be together, which is why he asks for the mercy of serving their time together to Michael. I think Moll is going to be a lot harder to break in this respect. She has a lot of anger to work through, and I think it will get worse before it gets better with her. As Book says, “You always have a choice.” Let’s hope they make the right ones.
It was Nice and We were Happy…
One other thing I appreciate in Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors” is that both Book and Michael acknowledge separately that they still have feelings for one another. I hate that it takes them thinking that they’re going to die for Michael to say to Book, “You were the surprise in the time loop. It was nice, and we were happy.” Girl, you know you could be a lot happier now if you’d just talk to that man!
And it’s not all Michael here either. Book, you are doing so well at being nice and respectful of Michael’s verbally expressed wishes, but goodness, she’s obviously still into you! Star Trek: Discovery is often accused of being overly earnest, but goodness, I just wish these two would get around to saying what they feel. Don’t keep breaking my heart, y’all. To quote the great philosopher, John Mayer, say what you need to say.
Final Thoughts
There are a few other things to note before I wrap my review of Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors.” I’m enjoying the further insight into Kellerun culture that we’re getting with Rayner. He definitely says most things, “without a grum of osikod.” Plus, Callum Keith Rennie is so deadpan that you’re not sure how to take it when he says, “I don’t need to know how the cake is boiled.” Additionally, it sounds like Kelleruns have a citrus liqueur that they are known for. A cask of Kellerun citrus mash sounds to me like some hybrid of tequila and triple sec. Perhaps we’re getting a cask of Kellerun margarita? A cask-aged margarita would be something I’d love to try.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Finally, I appreciate the distinction Tilly makes in her discussion with Culber about intellectual and spiritual things. They are two sides of the same coin and truly not that different. Both seek truth and connection. The nuance that Discovery is striking between those things this season is compelling to me as someone who is an academic, a Star Trek fan, and a person of faith. I am eager to see where our final season leads us with these questions.
What did you think about Star Trek: Discovery 5×05 “Mirrors”? Leave me a comment and let’s talk Trek.
The next episode of Star Trek: Discovery will air on May 2, 2024, on Paramount+.
