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

6. Tilly And Saru (UP)

Star Trek Discovery Tilly And Saru
CBS

Though Burnham's actions are risable, they do lead to an UP in this episode and that is the exchange between Tilly and Saru, outside the spore drive.

The immediate reaction was 'Why is a Captain talking to an Ensign about these things?'

But, wait. Saru and Tilly, out of everyone in the crew, know Michael the best. Saru (and Detmer) have served with her the longest, while Tilly shares quarters with her. As the conversation is strictly off the record, it really is too people merely at a loss to understand Michael's actions yet again.

If anything were to push this scene into the UP column, it is Tilly's advice to Saru. Though they both have love for Michael, they are both Starfleet officers and Tilly advises Saru to tell Admiral Vance immediately. It is a defining moment for her - she is choosing to be a Starfleet officer, through and through. That means subjecting oneself to the rules and regulations that go with the uniform.

Though it is not said out loud in this scene, there truly feels to be an understanding between the pair that their choice to honour the uniform is not mirrored in Burnham.

It is possible, in fact, that her time in a uniform may be numbered.

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"