(no subject)

[fardell24]

The Red Angel
The tenth episode of season 2. Again, there are many plot lines in this episode. Opening with a memorial of Airiam was a very good choice. A very moving scene. The Kelpian song Saru sings was very appropriate. But the real revelations are what come later. That Airiam had a scan of the Red Angel that matched Burnham (like what), but would turn out to be a red herring. See below!
Of course, Section 31 would be involved, along with Leland and the former Empress, given what happened to their headquarters.
Of course we don't see Discovery destroy the headquarters. Would it have been a good idea to show that? Most likely, but see above regarding the starting scene. However, one theme that is important in the episode is identity. This is explored by Burnham, regarding her being the Red Angel. It is also brought up by Detmer in the memorial scene. (That Airiam was able to reassure Detmer that her augmentation didn't make her less human was a very good take.) There was also a scene between Culbur and Cornwall about it.
However there is more, regarding Burnham's parents (also see below). She finds out, from Leland, that they worked for Section 31, designing advanced technology. (Wouldn'tit have been better to show this in flashbacks? Less tell and more show. Seems to be a theme?) And that the Klingons that attacked them were after the Section 31 technology. (Probably seem to be confusing Klingons and Romulans here. Maybe they were affiliated with the House of Duras...) In any case, the way Burnham confronts him was rather well done.
Then there's Spock, as always. But first, the plan the trap the Red Angel. Rather well planned. But surely if it was a future Burnham, that she would know it was a trap and plan accordingly? Clearly there's a flaw in their logic. Of course Spock takes it to the logical conclusion, that Burnham must be under threat of death in order for the Red Angel to appear. (And he's willing to disobey Pike in order to achieve this.) However, there is the final twist in this tale. (And not just what happened to Leeland...)
The final twist, that the Red Angel is Burnham's actual mother (not Amanda), certainly makes the previous revelation a red herring, but wouldn't their signatures be distinct? In any case, it isn't as good as the previous few episodes. 7.75