IR TV Review: STAR TREK - DISCOVERY - EPISODE 8 (“All In”) [Paramount+-S4]
In the midseason cliffhanger of Season 4 of "Star Trek: Discovery", Captain Michael Burnham and her crew were moving towards solution of the latest threat but the balance between action and words hits an impasse in the midseason finale. And ulterior motives and feelings came to bear, especially with Booker. Burnham, ever since she has let her hair down, has been about principles but her time in the 32nd Century has allowed her to see life in a more complex way. Episode 8 entitled "All In" has her moving into more of a gray area, not of morality per se but of purpose. Things can't always go by the book (pun intended).Jim Kirk showed that numerous times but it came down to instinct and not playing it at times so safe. The setting for most of this episode keys into that motif in a practical but fulfilling way.
It reflects in some TNG character building that always happened during poker games on the Enterprise. In these set ups, characters could explore two facets at once without losing their own perspective. It also added a bit of humor to the proceedings. It never quite came to bear in stakes on TNG (except in one episode that took place inside a hotel). Here the humor of Burnham, her seductive side and her problem solving all come to bear in a cool way but also doesn’t completely solve the problem (which is fine). The episode is also an opportunity in a less rigid command setting to show what other members of the crew can do. This can only happen on away missions per se which doesn't happen in this series per se as much as one would think. The crux of the season is still to bear but this works well in setting up the play, without overt expectations and yet still room for certain characters to surprise you. B
By Tim Wassberg
