Star Trek: Discovery 3.12 Review: Ups And Downs From There Is A Tide

4. Diplomacy Returns To Star Trek

Star Trek Discovery Peace Talks
CBS

Osyrra boards Starfleet HQ, flanked by guards and....sits down to talks with Admiral Vance (and the holographic lie detector, E-Li). FINALLY. This is a scene that immediately evokes memories of the franchise as a whole, and thankfully both Janet Kidder and Oded Fehr are strong and comfortable enough with each other to make the scenes between these two characters stand out.

While the direction of the franchise overall may have leaned slightly closer to action in recent years, it has not by any means abandoned the ideals of Star Trek as a whole and this interaction is a perfect example of it. Here are two leaders, both extremely invested in the outcome of these talks, both keenly interested in securing the best deal for their interests.

If we are to take the scene on prosthetic face value, then Osyrra is elevated as a character here. She genuinely wants peace in the galaxy, opposing the slavery in her own organisation. She may be ruthless, but she is a leader nonetheless, seeking the best outcome for the people in her care. E-Li confirms she is telling the truth and Vance presses her on accepting terms that will see the Federation and the Emerald Chain united. However, they reach an impasse on what should become of Osyrra herself.

The scenes are quintessential Trek and are all an UP this week.

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Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"