Star Trek: Discovery: Season 1, Episode 14 "The War Without, the War Within"

 Star Trek: Discovery: Season 1, Episode 14 "The War Without, the War Within" 

February 04, 2018

“The War Without, The War Within” is a decent episode that answers some hardpressed questions, yet also asks some more. It has the feeling of a Star Trek episode especially when Stamets uses science to come up with an idea on how to grow all the spores at once. The performances were fantastic all across the board. Jayne Brook had lots to work with as Admiral Cornwell had many important scenes. Michelle Yeoh continues to have the most impressive scenes as I continue to find Georgiou fascinating. She is involved in yet another twist, but this time she has to pretend to be the “real” Georgiou to lead a mission to the Klingon’s home planet of Qo’noS. The visuals remain very strong as that has been the case each episode. I was not as enamored with the writing. The melodrama between Tyler and Burnham…is tiring. He even goes as far to say that Michael is partly to blame. Seriously? Writers, you can do better than that! 


The Discovery quickly learns that the Klingons have achieved victory. Admiral Cornwell and Sarek informed the bridge that the Klingon houses continue to fight one another over the Federation assets. Cornwell takes control of the ship and takes them to the only safe headquarters beyond Earth, Starbase 1. Tyler has emergency surgery done by L’Rell to remove Voq. Tyler has his own personality but still retains Voq’s memories. He tries to patch things up with Michael and the crew to little success. Stamets has a hard time facing Tyler which makes sense considering what happened to Culber. After it was discovered the Klingons conquered Starbase 1, Georgiou tells them that she conquered Qo’noS in the Mirror Universe. The motion has been set forth to replicate the same thing here. 


For the most part, there is enough to like here. Do I get a feeling the Klingon War is being stretched? Yes, but we are given some incredible character depth from everyone. Other than the melodrama from a romance that was meh in the first place, the writers have done a great job expanding this world. The pace continues to be quick as usual, so expect many things to happen.


My Grade: B+


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