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

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.