Star Trek: 10 Most Underrated Characters

Discovery's Michael Burnham was a pioneering character, to say the least. The series' first leading black woman and non-captain was also among Star Trek royalty, regardless of what certain angry white fans had to say about the show's diversity. She was Spock's adopted sister, after all. Show her some respect.

Criticism of Burnham's character has often felt linked with broader antipathy towards Discovery. The show's refusal to emulate The Next Generation's episodic model means certain fans won't give her a chance. That's on them.

Granted, Burnham's on-screen career as First Officer of the USS Shenzhou did get off to a rough start. Committing an act of mutiny against her captain and mentor, Philippa Georgiou, in the hope of avoiding war with the Klingons, Burnham was court-martialed and sentenced to life in prison.

Although later released and given a chance to redeem herself, Burnham's betrayal cast a pall over Discovery's first season. That was even before all the moody Gabriel Lorca/mirror universe stuff, but let's not get into that right now.

Much like her adopted brother, Burnham occasionally struggled to reconcile her Vulcan and human sides, yet she was decisive as all Sto-vo-kor when it counted. Plus, she was warm to those around her and not afraid to show her emotions.

Possessing Vulcan brilliance and human intuition, Burnham has grown into a worthy officer, earning the admiration and respect of her colleagues. Give her a break, will you?