Star Trek Discovery season two preview

Very soon, Star Trek fans across the western hemisphere will resubscribe to CBS All Access, intending to pay for the service for the fourteen-week duration of Discovery’s second season. After that, it’s back to hibernation until Picard (or whatever they’re going to call it) is out, possibly this winter.

Last year, the show was released in two chunks, one dropped in the fall of 2017 and the other in the winter of early 2018. There was so much behind the scenes turmoil, almost from the inception of the show, that it’s impossible to know who gets credit for the good or blame for the bad. The first season was messy, rushed in places, unfocused in others. Rarely did it feel like Star Trek of old (but when it did it really did). Often it seemed more intent on being a “space action” show, rather than a pure “science-fiction” one.

Incidentally, though the two halves featured two very distinct storylines, the show was not originally intended to be split the way it was. That’s curious since the first half ended with such a sudden and abrupt dropping of the plot (and season two so sharply shifted gears to a new story) that you’d swear the season was always meant to be two mini-arcs. Apparently not. No doubt the departure of Bryan Fuller and his being replaced by…several…head writers contributed to the season’s uneven year.

You can read our review of Discovery’s two halves here…

REVIEW: Star Trek Discovery, season one (first half)

Review: Star Trek Discovery Season 1 (second half)

To put it in brief: Disco’s biggest problem was it didn’t know what story it wanted to tell. Since it was obvious the showrunners were not content to just send their starship out on weekly adventures (despite the name of the ship being “Discovery” and all) but instead wanted to tell a single (or two) long-form story, the impetus was on them to create and maintain a story that was compelling enough to justify the subscription price.

Let’s not get into the fact that CBS is asking me to pay for this “network” while also forcing me to watch ads.

Disco’s troubles were apparent halfway through the first half of the season when characters died unceremoniously, plot points came and went without much explanation, and no one, apart from Burnham and Lorca were given any real attention or development. The overall arc of the Klingon war felt undeveloped as well, and when it was dropped in favor of a “sneaking around the mirror universe” storyline, no one really minded except for the lack of good resolution. When the mirror universe arc was ended, it too felt like an abrupt changing of plans.

The season ended with Discovery lacking a captain and suddenly face to face with the Enterprise (but of course). Now season two promises Captain Pike and Mr. Spock will join the fun, shrinking the universe, re-writing more canon, and offering up more angsty drama and explosions than you can shake a season one at!

MATTHEW, DO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE ANY PREDICTIONS FOR SEASON TWO OR ARE YOU JUST GOING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SEASON ONE SOME MORE?

Yes, I have predictions, but more than that I have wants. I dare not call them expectations. Here they are:

WANT: SLOW DOWN!

I want Star Trek Discovery to feel like Star Trek Anything Before Discovery. I want commentary on social issues (like in the original series). I want an examination of the human condition (like in TNG). I want character growth (like in DS9). I want wacky, high concept episodes (like in Voyager). I want them to use their prequel status to expand the universe, not shrink it (like in [season four of] Enterprise).

You can’t have any of that if everyone is always running from and to explosions, shouting at each other and shooting at each other all the time. I want Discovery to slow down and rediscover the joy of science fiction. Star Trek has always been unique in that it is a popular franchise that has grown beyond niche status while, until recently, not losing its roots as a thinking man’s show. I want the show to slow down and think again.

WANT: STAND OUT!

I want Discovery’s secondary cast to step up and exist beyond vague descriptions. If you were to ask me to name the senior staff of the Enterprise, I wouldn’t even say “which one?” I’d just start listing all of them, from Kirk and his crew, to Picard and his, to Archer and his, and then I’d mention Sisko’s team and Janeway’s bunch. If you ask me to tell you the names of Discovery’s crew (still alive), it’s not happening. I know Michael Burnham, Paul(?) Stammits, Saru and that’s it. Beyond them, I know there’s the chick with the borg eyebrow, the robot person…oh, Tilly, I remember Tilly. Who else? I’m sure there are more but it’s just a big grey blur right now.

And sure, a lot of that is the fact that Discovery is new, but not all of it. By the end of the first season on any previous Star Trek show, you knew the names of the Bridge Crew. You knew their names, their personalities, their ranks, because the show featured them. That’s especially true of the 24th century shows but even the Original Series made sure to give Sulu, Uhura, Scotty and eventually Chekov little moments to stand out with. Discovery is just a one person event and the show feels small as a result. What a want from season two is, while we’re slowing down, for the rest of the cast to be fleshed out and given life.

WANT: MAKE SENSE!

What was Lorca’s plan last season? What about Admiral what’s her name? What is even the point of the spore drive/super warping? The tardigrade who gave the ship its power is gone without any serious deconstruction of it on moral grounds. Characters who could have developed into antagonists, like the security guard lady whose name escapes me, were killed off unceremoniously. The Klingon war was ended with a whimper and resolved nothing vis a vi the first episode’s intentions with it.

The show felt like a relay race where the writers were blindfolded, just running in the vague direction of someone shouting for the baton, before clumsily handing it off to the next blind guy to run with it for a while. What I want is for the writers to have a plan, to know where they want to go with this season, and to execute the story, in a slowed-down, character-rich, environment. And, failing that, I want the Picard show to live up to the legacy of the franchise’s best captain.

Because someone’s gotta carry the torch around here.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

6 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Thatcher

1 year ago

I liked last season enough to pay for the subscription again, but this season isn’t as good and the commercials seem to be getting longer and longer.

Roeli

It’s usually not a good sign when a show veers off its original style, which is what made it what it is. That said, the season premiered earlier today and it remains to be seen whether your wants will be fulfilled.

Stargazer

I would like to add another WANT here. If possible, I would like to see the second season to be a “Mission-Oriented” show instead of a “Character-Oriented” show. They can tell us the background of the characters in each episode while focusing on the missions of the Star Trek crew.

Reply to Stargazer

Right! The first few iterations of the Star Trek franchise did both, I’m not sure why this one can’t. It’s like they’re trying too hard to be completely different from their predecessors.

Gavin the Binge-Watcher

It’s amazing how the older versions of the show managed to do both those things., And the crew usually learned some sort of moral lesson or figured out something important about themselves during each episode to boot.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Star Trek Discovery season two preview

MATTHEW, DO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE ANY PREDICTIONS FOR SEASON TWO OR ARE YOU JUST GOING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SEASON ONE SOME MORE?

WANT: SLOW DOWN!

WANT: STAND OUT!

WANT: MAKE SENSE!

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you