Star Trek: Discovery Episode 3.6 Review: Ups And Downs From Scavengers

9. New Technology (UP)

The episode opens with the Discovery completing a hasty refit. There are dots running about the hull, along with programmable matter detaching the nacelles to, in Saru's log, 'allow them better maneuverability'. Chunks have been carved from the drive section's wings.

Inside the ship, there is less of an aesthetic change. The ship, as mentioned, has been provided with programmable matter. The magic material allows the crew to interact with their consoles in whichever way suits them best - something that is genuinely intriguing. Though there isn't much depiction of it this week, there is a shot of Owosekun learning how to use her console, while Rhys utilizes a different format of interface.

Down by the spore drive, Adira has designed a new interface for Stamets, allowing him the removal of his struts when controlling the ship. It is a big moment for Stamets as, since the early days of the first season, he has been tethered to the room whenever the ship needs to move.

The crew also receive their new multi-devices, in the shape of their combadges. They are communicators, tricorders, holographic projectors and personal transporters - leading to a running gag of Linus turning up at all the wrong moments, in all the wrong places.

The technology does seem suitably futuristic and is very fun to see.