Discovery

[Gogigobo Fairhug]

Hey all!

So I know I'm late to the party, but I've just started watching Discovery (about six episodes in - no spoilers please!) and was just wondering how people felt about it?

I like the story and when I get lost in it, I find myself enjoying it, but then certain things snap me out of it.

The main problems I have with it are:

1. The Klingons. I find myself subconsciously thinking of them as an entirely new/different species.

2. The direction doesn't feel very Star Trek-y, which would be fine on another show. But I find myself having to adjust to it, rather than being able to just slip into it.

3. Considering the story takes place 10 or so years before TOS, the technology on display seems to be too futuristic (which I know seems an odd thing to say for a Sci-Fi show).

Maybe it's just me and I'm not saying I don't like it, I just don't really know how I feel about it yet, so was wondering what other people's opinions are. 

[Sotak]

All of your points are actually mentioned a lot by people who've watched it, and they are all valid. I completely understand what you're getting at.

The Klingons are very different, everybody noticed that, and as far as I know there is no in-universe reason for it. What I did like about the Klingons in Discovery is that they were fleshed out more than I'd seen regarding their houses and social structure, and the show addresses some very interesting themes (most notably xenophobia) which are affecting life today, something that Star Trek has been known to do continually through the years. It doesn't do it in its regular way, especially because Starfleet - our good guys - is not necessarily the only victim, but it does it. Some people like it and some people don't, and they are both entitled to their opinion. 

Also, the feeling in itself is much darker than we're used to. Like I said, Starfleet is not necessarily the good guys anymore simply because they say so. (I'm not giving away any spoilers, as you've probably already noticed some aspects of what I am referring to). It was a twist of storytelling I particularly did like.

And as for the futuristic stuff, yeah, I also frowned a lot (especially in the third episode) because I was wondering if they should have been able to do certain things at that specific time. I mean, I understand why it looks much more futuristic than TOS or "The Cage", because really I wouldn't want to see the same kind of sets and costumes and hairdos from the 60s so I get to feel like they really are linked together. No. So I get the look. But the content seemed to me to be a bit advanced, yes, but I eventually learned to get over it and just enjoy the show. 

But overall I really did enjoy it a lot. I was really surprised about how deep into their characters they went, and I was glad. In my opinion, that was the best aspect of the show, their characters and their relationships and growth and how deep they went into their emotions. I also like the story arc, it did have me wondering what was going to happen next and hate having to wait a week to find out. 

I hope that gives you some insight as to one person's opinions on the show, and I hope you continue to enjoy it. If you don't, then like I said, you're entitled to that, but I do think you should finish watching it. Good luck  

[Gogigobo Fairhug]

Thanks! Good to know I'm not alone thinking these things.

I love the fact they've gone deeper into the Klingon culture by the way, it's just that the look of them is so different to the point where I have to actually remind myself that these guys are supposed to be the same race as Worf!

Also, I totally get what you're saying about the "look" of the show. Technology being what it is these days, the show was always going to "look" smoother and (dare I say it) better than TOS, but as you say, they are doing things in it that seem like they should be taking place after TOS, not before it.

I am enjoying the story as a whole, it's almost Game of Thrones-esque the way it keeps you guessing as to what's coming next, so will definitely stay with it.

I'm not averse to change, but I would have preferred it to be a bit more familiar so as to make it more "believable" so to speak.

[Dave 'Raven' Young]

I agree. I really enjoyed Discovery and i'm really looking forward to season two.
I think DSC is following all previous Star Trek shows before it in the same tried and tested method.
TNG was vastly different to TOS etc.
That's one of Star Trek's many strengths, it evolves to reflect the times. Currently we are living in an era of Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, so Star Trek has adapted, much like the Borg haha. 

[Gogigobo Fairhug]

Haha! Good point, well made.

I agree, season 2 is looking very exciting! Hope it lives up to my expectations.

[Oddas Aria]

I liked DSC and can't wait for the second season (they just cast Captain Pike if you haven't heard http://www.startrek.com/article/meet-discoverys-captain-pike).

I understand some of the grips in terms of look and feel, but honestly, I just couldn't get too worked up about it, it would have been too weird to see cardboard sets and things.  I think we probably have the same thoughts about that @Sotak

I will say I wish they had kept the Klingon makeup 'TNG' style (for lack of a better description), but I can't say it detracted from my enjoyment of the show at all. 

 

Edited April 13, 2018 by Oddas Aria

[Sotak]

12 minutes ago, Oddas Aria said:

I liked DSC and can't wait for the second season (they just cast Captain Pike if you haven't heard http://www.startrek.com/article/meet-discoverys-captain-pike).

I understand some of the grips in terms of look and feel, but honestly, I just couldn't get too worked up about it, it would have been too weird to see cardboard sets and things.  I think we probably have the same thoughts about that @Sotak

I will say I wish they had kept the Klingon makeup 'TNG' style (for lack of a better description), but I can't say it detracted from my enjoyment of the show at all. 

 

Yes, I read about that, and I was in fact going to mention the series finale and how much I loved it, but I didn't want to give too much away. But oh damn, am I excited. I can't wait for season 2. 

Pike may have had only one episode in the prime timeline, but I have very fond memories from him. I remember watching The Cage without a clue of what to expect from Star Trek at all (I barely knew of Spock and Kirk's existance, I'm ashamed to say) and I was like "Oh, he's nice and respectful and the pilot has a very deep meaning, I can't wait to see more", and then Kirk showed up next episode and I was like "what? Where's Christipher Pike?" and wikipedia provided the answers I needed. It was disappointing to have him for only one episode, and I'm very thrilled to see him back. 

[Oddas Aria]

I don't disagree, but I do think it was an interesting choice for a pilot (The Cage) for your Captain to be all bored with space travel and thinking about giving it up .... :)

[Sotak]

7 minutes ago, Oddas Aria said:

I don't disagree, but I do think it was an interesting choice for a pilot (The Cage) for your Captain to be all bored with space travel and thinking about giving it up .... :)

Now that you say it, I guess it doesn't make much sense. But at the time I was just focused on how much I'd loved how he viwed his situation, his respect for Vina, and how his conflicts were laid out, tired of space or not. I guess it was even a part of said conflicts, how he realised that an ordinary life wasn't in fact for him. 

I wasn't complaining about Kirk or the rest of TOS at all, but I do have a certain special appreciation for Pike, even if it's not completely logical. I hope DSC makes a great Captain Pike  

[Gogigobo Fairhug]

I have to say, as Discovery went on I began to just accept it for what it was. It did take a few episodes, but I got used to it.

The Klingon thing still annoys me though. 🤣

As I said, loved that they explored Klingon culture more and the season finale was great, as you say Sotak.

I also liked the fact that they weren't afraid to make big decisions and kill off big characters. The whole Lorca twist was fantastic!

Very much looking forward to seeing Captain Pike! Does anyone know when season 2 is due to air?

[Sotak]

5 hours ago, Gogigobo Fairhug said:

I have to say, as Discovery went on I began to just accept it for what it was. It did take a few episodes, but I got used to it.

The Klingon thing still annoys me though. 🤣

As I said, loved that they explored Klingon culture more and the season finale was great, as you say Sotak.

I also liked the fact that they weren't afraid to make big decisions and kill off big characters. The whole Lorca twist was fantastic!

Very much looking forward to seeing Captain Pike! Does anyone know when season 2 is due to air?

I know, the Klingons are simply unforgivable, but it's really not that important to the plot, so you manage. 

And short answer to your question is that there is no release date yet, but I found a very interesting article regarding Discovery's season 2, if you'd like to read it. 

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/star-trek-discovery/feature/a843066/star-trek-discovery-season-2-release-date-cast-episodes-klingon-theory/

[Dave 'Raven' Young]

Maybe the Discovery Klingon's and TNG Klingon's looks are both canon. Who knows what they might pull out of their hats in Season 2 and beyond. We haven't seen all the Klingon houses in Discovery yet so who's to say the TNG klingon's won't make an appearance haha

[Ava Lacey]

Maybe it’s cause I’m very into art aesthetics but I totally love the Klingons in discovery. I’ve never seen so much actual Klingon language being used and as the actors get used to it the emotion comes through. Maybe I just like this because I’ve always liked when they did this is LOTR. Another thing I really like is their uniforms and architecture! My goodness, no wonder Klingons through the series sometimes lament nostalgicly. Those ships are gorgeous. It’s aggressively beautiful. The only thing I don’t like is the lack of hair. I miss the Klingons’ glorious manes. 

[Ava Lacey]

On 4/13/2018 at 7:51 PM, Gogigobo Fairhug said:

 

I also liked the fact that they weren't afraid to make big decisions and kill off big characters. The whole Lorca twist was fantastic!

 

Omg that Lorca twist! My family says I mutter in my sleep about it. Lol  I’m still shook

[Sotak]

4 hours ago, Ava Lacey said:

Maybe I just like this because I’ve always liked when they did this is LOTR.

I also liked this aspect of the Klingon language appearing so much in the show. Star Trek and LOTR are very unique in that kind of world-building, and even if some may complain that having it being there so explicitly for so many scenes is just a strategy to appear clever (because I've found that complaint for some reason?), I believe it adds to that richness and that they should actually exploit it. Back when I was deciding which of the main three Elf languages that Tolkien invented to learn, I researched about fictional languages in media, and I was surprised how few actually have a made-up-start-from-scratch one, and not combinations from existing ones and then encoded to sound unrecognisable.

Basically, I'm glad they didn't skip over their own mine of gold. TEN POINTS TO DISCOVERY! 

 

[+ German Galven]

What do you all think?

[Rahman and Rivi Vataix]

5 hours ago, German Galven said:

What do you all think?

Can’t wait! More new Star Trek in one month!

[Pholin Duyzer]

Is there an international mirror of this? Isn't working for me in the Netherlands. 😕

[+ German Galven]

1 hour ago, Pholin Duyzer said:

Is there an international mirror of this? Isn't working for me in the Netherlands. 😕

Once I find something online, I'll send you the link

[Maddi Hyden]

 

This one might work @Pholin Duyzer, but then again it might not and I could've failed miserably! 

[Theo Whittaker]

I liked Discovery Season 1 but I didn’t love it outside of Michael and Tilly. After the first two episodes it meandered until the mid season finale but the back half was very, very well done.

I look at the Klingon redesign and the more advanced sets as a visual reboot of the franchise- although I hated the new Klingon ships apart from the Birds Of Prey. It is what it is, I guess.

[Maddi Hyden]

On 1/4/2019 at 6:32 PM, Theo Whittaker said:

I liked Discovery Season 1 but I didn’t love it outside of Michael and Tilly. After the first two episodes it meandered until the mid season finale but the back half was very, very well done.

I look at the Klingon redesign and the more advanced sets as a visual reboot of the franchise- although I hated the new Klingon ships apart from the Birds Of Prey. It is what it is, I guess.

I couldn’t have said it better myself! The Klingon redesign was absolutely awful and the ships are awful! I am more interested in their plans for Section 31. Tbh it’s always intrigued me.

[Theo Whittaker]

2 hours ago, Maddi Hyden said:

I couldn’t have said it better myself! The Klingon redesign was absolutely awful and the ships are awful! I am more interested in their plans for Section 31. Tbh it’s always intrigued me.

I like they’ve taken the feedback on board. Judging from the brief shots of what we have seen from Season 2, Klingons with hair look so much better.

Given how averse I was in Season 1 to the new Klingon look, I have to say that I was very intrigued by L’Rell. Mary Chieffo was wonderful. I look forward to seeing more of her in Season 2. Ditto Tyler. Shazam Latif was great, but the storyline for him in Season 1 ended rather abruptly.

[Maddi Hyden]

21 hours ago, Theo Whittaker said:

I like they’ve taken the feedback on board. Judging from the brief shots of what we have seen from Season 2, Klingons with hair look so much better.

Given how averse I was in Season 1 to the new Klingon look, I have to say that I was very intrigued by L’Rell. Mary Chieffo was wonderful. I look forward to seeing more of her in Season 2. Ditto Tyler. Shazam Latif was great, but the storyline for him in Season 1 ended rather abruptly.

I agree! Now let's just hope they don't disappoint us!