Last time on Star Trek Discovery
When we last left Discovery, Tilly had decided to accept a position at Starfleet Academy. Ni’Var had agreed to rejoin the Federation, thanks to the intervention of Captain’s Burnham and Suru. While the research into the DMA (the gravitational anomaly) continued. Despite the exhaustive work of Commander Stamets, they were no closer to deciphering its secrets. Except for one bit of important information. The anomaly was not a natural phenomenon. This was revealed when the DMA just disappeared and reappeared 1000 light years away. It was created…by something or someone. This knowledge did little to alleviate fears for the Federation. In fact, it intensified them.
Rescue Mission
In addition, after the change of position, the DMA was now heading toward the Radvak Asteroid Belt which was formerly an Emerald Chain Colony. It will be the Discovery’s mission, as well as others in the Federation Fleet, to affect an evacuation of Radvek 5 and their 1206 colonists, and they had four hours to accomplish the task. Before the gravitational pull makes transport impossible. However, they find that there is an installation separate from main colony. Six individuals are housed there. When questioned about the separate facility, the colony Magistrate informs Burnham that those people are criminals. What they refer to as “The Examples.” A system set up to deter crime. As far as the Magistrate is concerned, they should be ignored. But that’s not Starfleet’s or Burnham’s way. She and Book will go to the facility to rescue them.
Ruan Tarka
In addition, to advance research into the DMA, Ruon Tarka will be coming aboard the Discovery to assist Commander Stamets in his investigations. Stamets is reluctant to involve Tarka as he feels he already has a sufficient research staff. Plus, the fact that Tarka has been doing work based on Paul’s research without acknowledging his contributions. However, Starfleet is not giving him a choice in the matter. Dr. Culber suggests to him that he try to let his resentment go for now. There are bigger things at stake. Paul admits to this but is less than impressed upon meeting Tarka for the first time. He is arrogant and apparently, has no filter for what should and shouldn’t be said. Case in point in talking about the strangeness of Saru’s feet. Paul couldn’t help but cringe.
Explosive Narisa Beetles
Burnham and Book arrive on Radvek 5 and the Prison. There is a field around the facility that nullifies both transport and communication. Once they pass that field, they are on their own. But that is the least of their difficulties. The prison has an automated defense system, made up of robot-like Narisa beetles that act like a minefield. Not to mention the ability to send blade like discs at perceived “escapees.” Fortunately, Burnham was able to disable the system, but it required Book to keep them busy with phaser fire until she was able to do so. Once deactivated, She and Book entered the facility to find the six individuals in individual cells contained by a force field.
Creating a Wormhole
Back on Discovery, Tarka proposes that they set up a miniature version of the DMA control sphere on the ship. By doing so, they can answer a number of questions and perhaps, get some clues as to who was responsible for creating it. Basically, creating a worm hole on Discovery. Captain Suru is reluctant to proceed with this experiment, but Commander Stamets looks over the schematics of Tarka’s proposal and agrees it could work. He promises Suru that it will be completely safe. Going by Stamets recommendation, Suru allows it, but he retains final say when the experiment has reached a point of being unsafe.
Not a Place of Justice
Inside the Prison, Burnham explains the situation and their desire to rescue them. The prisoners, however, are reluctant to trust the Federation. All of the prisoners in this facility are sentenced to life, and most for minor crimes. Stealing food for their family, trading for counterfeit latinum, and counting cards at a Tongo Club. This prison was not a place of justice, and the Federation did nothing about it. Burnham explained that the Emerald Chain was outside of Federation jurisdiction. But they would not allow prisoners to die. Finally, the prisoners agreed, and Burnham asked them what controlled their cell force fields. Felix, their main spokesman told them but explained that the system was biometrically set for their guards who had long since left. They decided that if they over-heated the main control system, it would fail, and the shields would drop. But they needed to hurry, time was running out.
Brutal Honesty
As the main rescue is proceeding on Radvek 5, Dr. Culber had scheduled a session with Dr. Kovich. However, he wanted to cancel due to the ongoing rescue operation. Kovich was not inclined to do so. He had set aside 10 minutes of his schedule for Culber. Basically, what Culber needed from Dr. Kovich was “brutal honesty.” Actually, Dr. Culber may NOT have wanted it, but Kovich gave it to him anyway. This is such a powerful scene, wonderfully acted by David Cronenberg and Wilson Cruz, you need to see it for yourself. Suffice it to say, Dr. Kovich revealed things that Culber would not admit to himself. What he does with that information is up to him.
Asylum
After continuous fire, the shield’s dropped and just when Book and Burnham thought they could leave, the prisoners had other ideas. They would not exchange one cell for another. Felix wanted a guarantee that he and his fellow prisoners would not be returned to this unjust system. Initially, Burnham couldn’t make the promise, but after consulting Federation laws, she told them that once upon Discovery, they WOULD be under the jurisdiction of the Federation and could request asylum. Their crimes would be reviewed by Federation law and most likely be commuted. But they had to ask for it. After a moment’s hesitation, they agreed and made that request. They could now leave.
Taking a Family’s Heritage
However, Felix needed to recover one thing from his cell. He explained privately to Burnham that unlike the others, he deserved to be here. He had taken a life and had stolen a lalogi orb. It was a like a digital family tree. A record of a family’s history and heritage. He had hoped to one day return it to the family it belonged to. To facilitate this, he had been keeping it safe for 30 years. Even now, Felix wouldn’t leave it behind. Once he had retrieved it, they started to make their escape when an outer shield appeared, and the doors closed. Apparently, the biometric system recognized the prisoners and locked down the facility. They were all trapped.
Determining Risks
Meanwhile, Tarka and Stamet have started their experiment. Just like Tarka had predicted, it simulated the DMA with near perfect precision, except for the power needed to sustain it. Tarka and Stamet requested using more ship’s power, still promising to maintain safety parameters. Lt. Reno said she could give them more power if she channeled the ship’s phaser power supply. It was not without risk and on a scale of 1-10 for dangerous, she measures it at a 6. Again, Suru allowed this but wanted control of when the power would be shut off. The experiment would continue.
A Fateful Decision
Back at the prison facility, Burnham and Book evaluated their choices. Book told Burham that the beetles she had shut down outside might do the trick. If she were to reactivate them, they would pursue them to the doors and very likely, blow them open. While the prisoners weren’t a huge fan of this plan, they conceded the chance of success. So, Burnham reactivated the Beetles and just as they predicted, they immediately set upon the door and blasted it open and knocked the force field down. The only problem was they were still advancing on their party. Burnham quickly tried to shut them down again, barely succeeding in time. Once they were clear, Burnham had the Discovery beam the majority of the prisoners onboard. All except Felix and themselves. Once they had safely transported, Felix informed Burnham and Book that he would not be going with them. He would stay.
On the Edge of Destruction
As the experiment continues on the Discovery, both Tarka and Stamets are encouraged by what they are seeing. Unfortunately, to supply the power required weakens the containment field that is protecting the ship. Tarka and Stamets push the envelope until the containment field reaches only 5% integrity. It is then that Suru cuts the power and declares the experiment over. Much to the anguish of Tarka. However, Lt. Reno reminds them that they were only 5% away from killing everyone on board. It was the closest they had come to doing that in this experiment. And that was saying something.
Not Their Choice
Burnham and Book were surprised that Felix did not want to leave. He explained that his only concern was for his fellow prisoners to be saved. But as he had told Burnham, he deserved to be there and what ever happened, it was his penance for what he had done. Book didn’t agree. They needed to save him, whether he wanted it or not. But Michael understood his position. In the end, it was his choice. They had no right to interfere. But before they left, Felix gave her the orb he had protected for the last 30 years. He asked that she do the same. As she parted, she gave Felix her communicator. They would contact him and let him know of the DMA’s trajectory.
Once Burnham and Book transported on board, Book left the bridge. He still did not agree with Michael’s decision. Even if it wasn’t HER decision. They now knew that the Radvek 5 was in the direct path of the DMA. Burnham raised Felix, but he already knew his fate. But before it happened, he wanted her to know about his crime. How it happened. He had never told anyone about it. Michael started to raise the privacy shield, but he told her to let everyone hear his story. He didn’t want to take it with him.
Felix’s Story
He told her that the man he killed only crime was to give him shelter and food. After he fell asleep, he robbed him. But the man awoke to catch him in the act, and he killed him. Among the things he stole was the orb, although he didn’t realize that at the time. The daughter of his victim was sleeping in the next room. Not only had he taken her future, but her past as well. He thinks about that poor girl every day. How she must have suffered. Burnham asked Felix if he knew the family’s name. Doxica was their name. It was the last thing that was said as comms were lost. The asteroid belt destroyed by the gravity of the DMA.
Good Will and Grace
No sooner had the Asteroid belt was gone, the Magistrate came to the bridge, demanding that the “prisoners” be put in the brig. They did not want to be near them. Burnham reminded him that the colony he was a Magistrate from no longer existed. In addition, since he was on a Federation vessel, he and his people were subject to Federation laws. So, he could make no demands here. She also reminded him, that wherever he and his people ended up, they would be refugees. Depending on the good will and grace of the people who took them in. He should hope that have a fairer society than the one he helped create.
A Family Tree Restored
Once that was done, Burnham had Zora check to see if a family named Doxica was on board from Radvek 5. Zora located a young woman named Patri Doxica. Burnham found her near an airlock. She presented her with the Lalogi Orb. Patri was surprised to see it again. She thought it lost forever. Upon opening it, the Doxica family tree was revealed. Patri’s father was the last person on the tree. Patri was supposed to have been added once she reached adulthood. And now she could. Patri added herself to her family tree. She thanked Michael again for returning it to her. Michael hope for her sake that many generations will be added in the years to come.
“Almost”
Finally, Booker was having a drink in the lounge. Ruon Tarka sat down next to him offering him some Risian Whiskey. He introduced himself, admitting he knew who Book was. Both were lamenting how close they came to accomplishing their goals. Book and the Discovery had saved “almost” everyone and Tarka came close to discovering the secret of the DMA. Book, however, thought that Tarka already had an idea who created the DMA. He said that the only reason he would take his “experiment” so close to the ledge was that he knew what laid over the cliff. Tarka denied knowing the origins of the DNA…yet. But as Book conversed with Tarka, he noticed a small tattoo on the back of his neck. It meant something…but what?
Thoughts
This episode was filled with memorable moments. An opportunity for regular and guest cast members to showcase their acting chops. None truer than the aforementioned scene between Drs. Kovich and Culber. That scene just sparkled with intensity and showcased the depth of Wilson Cruz’s ability to display emotions. It helped to have the stoic Kovich’s dispassionate appraisal of Culber’s inner demons. A perfect display of yin and yang. Beautifully done all the way around.
Other Performances
Also, of note was Michael Greyeyes as Felix. His simmering, apologetic performance of a man who admitted his crimes and wanted no absolution from them was both powerful and at times, heart wrenching. Especially as he described his crimes to Burnham and whoever on Discovery was listening. It is such a plus when the guest stars put up performances that bring the best out of the cast. Greyeyes did that for Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham. Not that she needs it to produce a great performance. But it doesn’t hurt. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Shawn Doyle as Ruan Tarka. If it was Shawn’s goal to portray a self-important, egotistical man whose need to prove his theories supersedes public safety, consider him a success.
Also, if there was a standout performance for Season 4 so far, (which is not an easy call since the regular cast is so accomplished) it would likely be David Ajala as Book. Ajala has been given the gamut of emotions to deal with so far this season and he has rose to the occasion every time. He’s just fascinating to watch act.
Steadily Onwards
Part of Discovery’s strengths is that it maintains a high quotient of quality with every episode. Not everything works perfectly, but the things that do more than carry the day. This is true of “The Examples” as well. Solid performances and a compact storyline keep the results moving steadily across the galaxy. I give “The Examples” another solid 4 out of 5.
Star Trek Discovery can be found streaming on Paramount+ with new episodes released on Thursdays.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
