‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Recap – ‘Scavengers’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.
​
One particular element about the Star Trek Universe that is supremely fascinating, is how quickly positive change is impacted within this franchise. For the instant there is a crisis in the galaxy, Starfleet and the Federation are able to step in and save the day. Simply because peace and harmony are what these organizations stand for and their people will stop at nothing to make that a reality. For the fine officers that serve aboard Starfleet ships believe in the greater good and that every being out there deserves a chance to thrive in comfort and peace and well, all of this relevant to today’s discussion, simply because it was shocking to see all of that missing from this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery.

For ‘Scavengers’ gave us a stark look at the Milky Way Galaxy in the 32nd Century, one that we haven’t been privy to just yet. For a rescue mission to get Book out of hot water, revealed to Commander Michael Burnham and Emperor Georgiou that the galaxy is truly in a terrible state. For the world that Book was trapped upon, was full of sorrow and people were dying needlessly in the name of cruelty and greed and while Burnham was able to rescue Book and get her hands on some vital data that might clue her into how The Burn happened in the first place… Starfleet and the Federation’s role in this tale is what made this particular episode so bleak and unsettling. For Burnham’s mission was rogue, to put it mildly. For no resources on Starfleet’s end could be committed to such a mission.

Mainly because, an organization that once stepped in to save the day was no longer able to do so. Instead, we came to learn in this particular tale, just how spread thin Starfleet really is at this point in time. Because Admiral Vance simply does not have the ships or the resources to do what Starfleet used to and that in essence, means that this once intrepid and heroic organization has been reduced to nothing more than a triage service. One that can only put out so many fires and save so many lives and it was stunning to see Starfleet in this state since that isn’t what they stand for in the slightest. But while it was shocking to finally see how bad things are in the galaxy and come to understand just how badly Starfleet is in need of a win, there was a point to providing the audience with a such a bleak presentation of life in 3189.

---

Because it allowed for Commander Burnham to reach quite the epiphany. In that, the galaxy is in essence stuck in a rut. One that no one can escape from until the origin of The Burn is finally understood. For if the cause can be discovered and reversed, then Starfleet can overcome their shortcomings and begin to rebuild the fleet and offer the hope and salvation that it is known for. But in order to get there, it is going to take incredible risk and sacrifice and it will be interesting to see if Michael is going to be willing to take on those burdens in order to learn the truth. For when we leave her in this tale, she's at quite the crossroads. For she knows what must be done, but her duty and her loyalty to her ship, her friends and Starfleet in general, has her hesitant to take the next steps.
​
But while that makes it seem as though this episode was filled to the brim with darkness and despair, there were some bright spots to be found in this one. After all, the U.S.S. Discovery NCC-1031 is now the NCC-1031-A thanks to the amazing retrofit she’s received, and it was quite cool to see all the new technology the crew has its fingertips. Plus, it was lovely to see Stamets bond with Adina and try to reach her and help her come out of her shell, since she serves as something of a mirror for Paul. Plus, the comic relief with Linus and the fat cat jokes definitely helped to lighten the mood. In fact, Tilly’s crack about Grudge eating Burnham was one of the best one liners of the episode, and as an added bonus, Philippa’s zone out moments were also lightly explored in this tale and it should be interesting to learn if being in the company of good people is starting to force her to deal with her sorted past. 

If anything, this was simply a brilliant transitional episode. One that was filled to the brim with poignant moments, beyond what we’ve already discussed. Because the interpersonal conflicts between Burnham and Saru were powerful for certain since it truly pained this nouveau Captain to view someone he trusts in such a negative light. But most important of all, this one set up the endgame for season three, and it would seem from here on out… the search for the cause of The Burn is going to be quite the focus. Because its secrets really are the key to bringing peace and wonder to the galaxy once again and it will likely be a difficult and dangerous and uncomfortable quest. Because the truth behind something that caused that level of devastation, cannot be pretty in the slightest. Until next time.   

---