Star Trek: Discovery: Season 1, Episode 8 "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum"

 Star Trek: Discovery: Season 1, Episode 8 "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum"

November 5, 2017

After last episode’s reprieve, “Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum” jolts us back to the war with the Klingons. I am not enamored 100% of the time with focused on the Klingons, but there is potential. L’Rell is an interesting character. The writers make the right choice in not overusing her character. I believe she is going to be an important factor in the outcome of this war. This particular episode has the Discovery front-and-center in the battle to start with. As someone looking in from the outside, I see what a lethal force Lorca’s ship is in battle. I also see what a forceful weapon the Klingon’s “invisible cloak” can be. The main mission of the episode is for Burnham, Tyler, and Saru to stop this invisibility so they can track the Klingons and figure out when they will attack. Saru has the best lines and the best moments. He eventually becomes crazed in his desire for peace. He is a strong fighter too, apparently. The scene where he shows off his speed as he chases after Michael is a good, ol’ classic “omg” moment.

As I articulated, Burnham, Tyler, and Saru are on a mission. This high priority mission takes them to the planet Pahvo where they need to learn the science behind the Klingon’s advanced cloaking technology that keeps them invisible during warfare. It turns out the locals, these small, glowing, sparking cloud-like creatures are the drivers behind the technology as they create frequencies beneficial to the cloaking technology. These creatures, ironically enough, are all about living in a peaceful existence. They seduce Saru whose Kelpian race always live in constant fear. One cannot blame Saru for taking the opportunity to find peace…and keep it. Even if that means disposing of Burnham and Tyler.

Like the series that came before Star Trek: Discovery, I am happy that the series remains interested in science, biology, and stuff of that sort. It is always a good experience to discover new, unique creatures even if they were to betray the crew. Yup, they sent a signal to the Klingons. That means next episode will be a fun adventure. We did not spend too much time with the Klingons, but I am interested in what is going on with the Admiral. She is presumed dead because she is in the corpse room. I think we will be in for a surprise. Compared to the last episode, this episode was more inconsistent. But it is still an important, high-stakes episode.

My Grade: B+


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