Star Trek: Discovery Episode 3.8 Review: Ups And Downs From The Sanctuary

4. Book's Planet And The A-Plot (DOWN)

Star Trek Discovery Book And Burnham
CBS

This down is truly a down for the episode as a whole. While it wasn't bad, to be fair, it wasn't particularly good either. This episode grinds the season to a halt, feeling very much like a side-quest. While we are introduced to Osyrra here, the return to Book's home planet doesn't really teach us anything new - nor does it offer much in the way of stand out moments for us to remember.

Kycheem is a nice addition, though is given a little too much slack by Book. He is lauded as a hero by the end of the episode, while he does try to have Book killed. Interesting family dynamic there.

The Locusts are a beautiful image, though the idea that Book and Kycheem never attempted on their own what it took the Discovery to do for them is just...far fetched, to say the least.

It all feels very inconsequential. Again, not bad - just like a chapter in a book that one might consider skipping on the next re-read.

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"