Far from the firstStar TrekTV seriesto ruffle feathers,Discoverynonetheless became notable for generating controversy in its early seasons.
Even with this approach, however,Star Trek: Discoverywould do something even more daring with Michael Burnham.
When first introduced, Burnham’s personality leaned far more heavily toward her Vulcan upbringing than her Earthling biology.
Burnham was detached, ruthlessly logical, calculated, and driven by a sense of professional duty.
Not a natural in social situations, Burnham’s allies within Starfleet were few and far between.
Across the seasons, Michael Burnham’s personality performed a complete 180-degree flip.
Clearly, the hope was that viewers would still be championing Burnham afterward.
William Shatner’s Captain Kirkbarely changed across hisStar Trekjourney.
Dropping that rule was the most outlandish decisionStar Trek: Discoverymade.
Nevertheless, it can be said thatDiscoveryaccomplished what it set out to do with Sonequa Martin-Green’s character.
Knowing Burnham was flawed and conflicted made her a more relatable figure in comparison toStar Trek’s typical captains.
Star Trek: Discoveryfound a way to make Burnham’s stark before and after process believable too.
Custom image by Yeider Chacon
Being First Officer of the USS Enterprise isn’t always a fast track to the Captain’s chair.
Here’s why only 3 Number Ones have done it.
Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.
