Star Trek: Discovery Episode 3.6 Review: Ups And Downs From Scavengers
1. Burnham Demoted (UP)
GOOD.
OK, let's be fair. It is not seeing Burnham in trouble, specifically, that makes this scene an up. It is not even seeing her face consequences for her actions, as we had been treated to that originally when she was court martialled for the mutiny. What makes this scene so satisfying is that it seems, finally, to be telling the audience that yes - those around Burnham see what's happening too.
Though it is heart-wrenching seeing Saru's guilt and self-doubt over trying to keep things as they were on board the ship, it is almost air-punchingly excellent to see him recognize Burnham for what she has become.
This scene suggest, along with her demotion from First Officer, that both of them may be recognizing that Starfleet may not suit her anymore. She has always been willful and often times this has been an advantage. However, despite guilt following, she has never shown any interest in respecting the chain of command, nor of obeying the rules of conduct in Starfleet.
That is fine - if the writers will free her from the uniform full-time.
She says to Saru, as he walks away, that he has made the right decision and, if this leads to a new Burnham, free of the confines of a uniform that she is clearly so uncomfortable in, that will be an up and a bold move on the part of the writers.