Entertainment & Arts
10 Things Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Must Do to Avoid Epic Failure
In the all important Star Trek: Discovery season 2 sophomore debut, these are 10 things the series must do to avoid screwing the pooch.
Over the past two months new information about the greater Star Trek franchise have hit fans at warp speed. Between the announcement of a new series featuring Patrick Stewart and the contractual standstill leading perhaps to the fourth film in the Kelvin timeline’s demise – there has been no lack of blockbluster headlines. However, the project which will shortly eclipse all the rest is the upcoming sophomore season of Star Trek: Discovery with viewers paying particular attention to where the showrunners wish to take the series. Not to be left out, the following are ten guidelines – directives as it were – to ensure Star Trek: Discovery season 2 will not fall on its face. We begin with the introduction of a new-familiar face: Mr. Spock.
1. A Tale of Two Spock’s: The Delicate Introduction of Ethan Peck in Discovery Season 2
The two Spock’s: Ethan Peck & Zachary Quinto
I fully concede the pragmatic reality of the entertainment industry, and that Zachery Quinto was very unlikely to assume the role of the prime universe Spock in Star Trek: Discovery season 2 – but I cannot help stopping and thinking, “What the crap?”
With the announcement that Ethan Peck will play Spock in Star Trek: Discovery season 2, there are now two actors, in the prime of their career, portraying effectively the same character at the same time: Quinto on the big screen and Peck on my iPhone. Lets all be honest with ourselves, that’s really friggin’ weird.
Though Alex Kurtzman and the current Star Trek braintrust were nothing less than effusive in praise for the talented Peck, there are greater factors at play by having more than one Spock.
“We searched for months for an actor who would, like them, bring his own interpretation to the role. An actor who would, like them, effortlessly embody Spock’s greatest qualities, beyond obvious logic: empathy, intuition, compassion, confusion and yearning. Ethan Peck walked into the room inhabiting all of these qualities, aware of his daunting responsibility to Leonard, Zack and the fans, and ready to confront the challenge in the service of protecting and expanding on Spock’s legacy. In that spirit, we’re thrilled to welcome him to the family.” – Alex Kurtzman, Star Trek: Discovery Executive Producer
The Reality of Dueling Spock’s
To be fair there has been a Spock duo before, however those were very different circumstances. It was clear for those who have eyes to see that it was a passing of the torch. The beloved Leonard Nimoy, in the best of Star Trek tradition, played the role of a venerated character sanctifying the newest Trek foray with his saintly presence. What Trek fans are dealing with now, whether they yet realize it or not, is a competition that is at best irksome.
Depending on their performance, as well as their dictated place in the narratives they inherit, one of them will ultimately be accepted as THE Spock while the other will be relegated to “Other Spock,” a second class citizen in Trek canon. Not only will this be unfair to the actors who portray him, it is a profound disservice to the character himself to assume this baggage.
The best one can hope for under these circumstances is that Peck will knock this role in Star Trek: Discovery season 2 out of the park. In the end that is always what will matter most and that each “Spock” can be appreciated in there respective spheres.
Speaking of troublesome duplicates…
2. Stay Out of the Mirror Universe!
Enough obligatory goatees and facial scars
Enough playing around in the Mirror Universe. Why the writers involved the Mirror Universe at all with the events of season one is still galling.
The story arc was kind of fun, killed some airtime, but effectively eliminated one of the most compelling characters to assume the captains chair, Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs). Never mind the fact we now have a sadistic former Empress Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) frolicking in parts unknown.
How one might be compelled to return to the Mirror Universe is beyond this writer’s comprehension and hopefully not on Discovery’s agenda. It’s really been quite enough, even TOS thought as much.
The Franchise History of the Mirror Universe
Lest fans forget, the Mirror Universe was a one-off concept in the second season of TOS and remained dormant until the writers of Star Trek: Deep Space 9 (DS9) decided to pick it up three decades later.
Although DS9 decided to revisit the parallel universe several times during their seven season run, it was done almost purely for the amusement of the writers, and to the eternal chagrin of Andrew Robinson – and its tenure reflected that.
It was nothing less than a joke and never had the critical impact on the main storyline as we saw in Discovery.
Still, the Mirror Universe did make one consequential connection at the end of Star Trek: Enterprise in its final season. Though when did it become a good idea to barrow major narrative concepts from Enterprise?
From its inception the Mirror Universe was an idea from the nethermost regions of the Star Trek universe. It is a shame it did not remain there. One can only hope Star Trek: Discovery season 2 will refrain from building too much further upon it.
Putting the Mirror Universe behind us, the general fate of Discovery as a series rests on its ability to make a unique footprint, and it must be done in a very specific and delicate manner.
3. Establish Bold New Canon Rather than Justify Series through Existing Canon
We’re not even touching, rather retouching, this legally mandated redesign
One of the stickiest parts of writing a prequel in a fictional universe as complex and established as Star Trek is making the new story fit properly. To a great degree all prequels are like color on a writer’s Rubix Cube that are very difficult to mart together on all sides, but it is possible.
Discovery is a particularly awkward scenario given the time frame in which it takes place. So far, the writers seem to have done their best to at least try and arrange the story to connect with the rest of the franchise.
If indeed Discovery is to make a lasting beloved impression, however, it will also have to boldly cement its own legacy upon Star Trek from its own merits alone. If it does not, Discovery will surely fall short.
As once so eloquently posed by Trekspertiece of YouTube, Discovery as a show must not justify its story through existing canon, but instead leave its own distinct foot print. As difficult and nuanced as that advice may sound, it is possible.
Discovery Season 2 Using Established Canon as a Launching Point
Yet given where the audience is left at the conclusion of season one, it is clear – at least at first – that the writers are using TOS simultaneously as a proverbial crutch and as a launching point to uncharted territory. With the so-called “Red Bursts” drawing Starfleet’s immediate attention, the audience is finally seeing something unique to Discovery.
Going forward might entail Discovery breaking a few eggs in Star Trek canon to forge their latest story line. I can live with that. Given how many excellent characters were cultivated in the show’s inaugural season, the writers have the ammunition to proceed in a more assertive direction and choosing to go boldly has never been so critical as it is now for the franchise.
Hopefully it will be without having to dip into the realm of The Original Series (TOS) any further than is already necessary. This is Star Trek, and while there are definite boundaries, there are a great many opportunities to pursue outside established canon.
So long as show runners avoid the debacle fans had to endure in Season 3 of Star Trek: Enterprise, the so-called Xindi arc, it’s prospects are fresh. Lord help us, no more Xindi arcs.
Possible directions the series can take are legion. First, they must delve further into the state of the post-war Klingon Empire. With the creative impotence that dictated the conclusion of the Federation-Klingon war, Discovery’s writers have much to answer for in Star Trek: Discovery season 2.
4. Exploring the Klingons Post-War in Season 2
The product of writing and rewriting Klingons over five decades
One cannot help but feel cheated by the end of the Federation-Klingon war. It really did reek of a sloppy and slapdash conclusion to what was supposed to be a desperate fight to the death.
The “Let’s put a bomb inside Q’ronos! That’ll do the trick!” solution was lacking a lot of the cerebral elements that are a Trek hallmark. Then add some gratuitous sex with a couple of Orion’s, and let Mirror Giorgou remain at-large until we need her again. It was a pretty bad job of writing, let’s be fair.
But, for better or worse, the conclusion of war brings Disovery’s writers to a canonical vacuum: What is the state of the Klingon Empire Post-War?
How will a Klingon High Council ruling at gunpoint operate? Where will L’Rell (Mary Chieffo) as its leader take her people in the post war Alpha Quadrant? How does Ash Tyler/Voq’ (Shazad Latif) fit into the bigger equation of the Klingon drama? There is a lot of promising ground to build upon, despite the hurried and ham fisted conclusion. None of them, however is more subtle or significant than how L’Rell came to power: with Federation complicity.
The Ticking Time Bomb Sitting at the Core of Q’ronos
Even if the said Federation assist was performed on a covert and ad hoc basis, this is a serious problem for her leadership should anyone uncover this fact. If that is so, it could well fracture the now tentative unity that exists.
For all intents and purposes, L’Rell’s ascendency founded on Federation intervention is the real time bomb inside Q’ronos. It makes her complicit not only with the enemy, but even worse in the Klingon eye, with outsiders tampering in their politics. For Star Trek: Discovery season 2, this is the 500lbs gorilla in the room.
That political dirty laundry aside, there is still much to know about the Klingons at this juncture.
In addition to all of the aforementioned story, the Klingon Empire is now unified for the first time in several generations. Clearly the great Klingon pastime is civil war, but beyond that how do they act collectively, and societally?
These decisions are crucial on the part of the writing staff, if for no other reason than the relationship between the Klingons and the Federation is one of the cornerstone grand-strategy storylines upon which Discovery operates.
With the requisite war against the Klingons out of the way, there is every reason to believe Star Trek: Discovery season 2 will take a swipe at a new adversary.
5. Who will Serve as the Primary Adversary Alien Race for Star Trek: Discovery Season 2?
In top Romulan form: She looks pissed
It is hardly a great feat of deduction to conclude the Romulans are going to show up at some point – they couldn’t stay out of events even if they wanted to.
It is made clear in TOS “Balance of Terror” that the Romulans have largely operated in prolonged isolation since the conclusion of the Earth-Romulan War a century prior to the events of Discovery. Though what is Star Trek without those insidious, calculating, and measured enemies of the Federation? Romulans by their very nature are very handsy, even if at a preferential distance.
The introduction of the Romulans would both be a welcomed addition and the last remaining power of the Alpha-Quadrant triumvirate yet to be introduced in Discovery.
With their possible emergence in Star Trek: Discovery season 2, their presence opens any number of excellent stroryline trajectories. For this writer, the most exciting possibility is further substantiating the details of the aforementioned Earth-Romulan War.
In the past, fans have only received bits and pieces about the cosmic scuffle which ultimately gave rise to the first Neutral Zone. Yet given the conflict’s importance and galactic fallout—namely forging the budding reproachment between the erstwhile enemies the Andorians, Vulcans, Tellerites with United Earth in war—the specifics are vague. Due to this war Romulans are effectively responsible, along with the Borg, for the creation and rise of the United Federation of Planets. So a few details would be nice.
No doubt any introduction of the Romulans will be heavily influenced by those events. If that is so, there is much to look forward to in Discovery’s sophomore season.
Species on the Bench Awaiting Newfound Introduction
Of course there are other belligerent aliens just sitting and waiting to be tapped by the writers. As the showrunners have proven open to take from elements presented in later eras of the Star Trek universe, many desirable paths present themselves.
Moreover Kurtzman having been involved in both Discovery and the most recent alternate universe films, the audience has seen this before. Namely with the Chekist extrajudicial secret intelligence department Section 31, featuring in Star Trek Into Darkness.
With that in mind, one would not bat an eye in encountering, say, the Cardassians! If not perhaps going so far as portraying their first contact with the Federation.
Surprise!
In a very subtle hint in the Star Trek: Enterprise’s episode “Dead Stop,” one of the bodies powering the mysterious maintenance space station is a Cardassian body. Hence, it is clear Cardassians have been transiting the same regions of space that Federation members inhabit for at least a century.
In addition to the clue that one of the pervious Dax symbionts hosts, Tobin, encountered one of Cardassia’s great writers during his exile on Vulcan. It is a chance encounter that occurs roughly in the same period as Discovery inhabits. Even though this would seem rather unlikely all told, the showrunners seem unafraid to take that chance such as that based on their history.
Qualifying the Best Possibilities
While there are numerous other candidate species afoot, the writers must avoid -as previously mentioned- Xindi 2.0. Specifically, introducing rival species with whom the audience is completely unfamiliar, has no role going forward, and are generally lame.
This outline may sound contradictory to the sentiment of breaking eggs in canon for the purpose of Discovery creating its own way, it is not. Clearly there are better ways than others to achieve that goal, and one of them can be to further fill out and enrich major threads first appearing down the narrative road, and both put Discovery’s imprint upon it, whilst adding to the series narrative substantively.
With plenty of awesome established species in Trek canon that fans know almost very little about, it is an ideal opportunity to perhaps encounter one – such as say the Tholians for example. A fascinating race with little substantive detail overall, that deserves some overdue attention, and can play a unique role in Discovery’s greater story.
The big point being is that there are immense opportunities that can inhabit Discovery’s storyline. All of which genuinely enrich both the series and the franchise as whole.
With alien species in question, there appears to be terrorism in the last place Star Trek fans might expect it, on Vulcan. As such, its potential role in Star Trek: Discovery season 2 is riveting.
6. Discovery Season 2 Must Build on the Vulcan Logic Extremist Movement
All fans raise the collective one eyebrow at the idea of Vulcan terrorism
In the season one episode “Lethe,” viewers learn of a Vulcan organization known as “Logic Extremists,” a terrorist organization dedicated to furthering the ethos that Vulcans are superior to all other species, and breaking from the Federation. Moreover they’re willing to enact suicide bombing to try and destabilize Vulcan society, and their overall venerated position within the Federation.
Not only do these Logic Extremists wish to harm Vulcan society and the Federation, Sarek (James Frain) is their poster whipping boy enemy. Specifically because of Sareks personal mission to further draw Vulcan and humanity closer together – both politically and culturally. They already tried and failed to kill him once!
The Logic Extremist movement is one of the most compelling storylines entirely unique to Discovery’s storyline. Further, it’s a very jarring site to observe Vulcans acting as true terrorists. Vulcans of course will do most anything if they conclude it is what logic demands, but this sight is highly provocative.
Where the Romulans Might Fit
Its also reasonable to conclude that with speciesist Vulcans at play and Romulans always about, it would be no shock to once again tread into the murky waters of Vulcan-Romulan “reunification.”
These two parties seem to be incredibly well suited to each other. Both Logic Extremists and Romulans share the unequivocal belief of their own superiority over all others. Each party are highly aggressive, profoundly arrogant, in addition to possessing a generally malformed sense of logic. One would be by no means surprised to find these two in covert cahoots. We have heard this tune so many times before.
Such possibilities would definitely serve to portray the growing pains of a Federation destined for superpower status in the 24th century and beyond. Certainly utopia was not created through rainbows and farts alone. It would be an interesting twist entirely within the vein both have operated before, completely in line with Discovery overall, and fertile territory for Star Trek: Discovery season 2.
7. Paul Stamets & Hugh Culber: The Search for the Good Doctor
Exactly where can we get those swanky matching Starfleet PJ’s? No, seriously…
It has been made clear that Doctor Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) will return in Star Trek: Discovery season 2, despite his demise at the hands of Ash Tyler/Voq. That being the case, it isn’t precisely clear how the good doctor will be involved.
It does seem likely that the brainiacs that comprise Discovery, namely his curmudgeon genious/romantic partner Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp), will go to the end of the universe to find a way to bring him back to corporeal form.
The only way such a tangible reintroduction of Culber might be possible, when all considered, is due to where his death occurred, the Mirror Universe by way of the Mycelial Network.
Granted that is a very vague notion at this point, however Star Trek has never feared finding ways to bring back characters from beyond the veil. One can be sure the writers will push the boundaries of believable/deus-ex-machina to make it so.
If that is the case, one cannot help but welcome back one of Discovery’s most beloved characters.
Staving Off a Fan Base Riot
However the writers choose to accomplish Culber’s corporeal return, the audience can be certain they will do so. The story and dynamic of Culber and Stamets is a truly touching example of the human narrative in Discovery, enriching the story as a whole.
That and the fans may go into full revolt if they do not, with good reason.
As the writers wrestle with the vagaries of the mycelial network to retrieve Culber, the Spore Drive’s fate emerges front and center.
8. Progress the Spore Drive Toward its Awaiting Doom
A trip that requires a little tripping. Lesson? Easy on the shrooms’, Hoss
The clearest example of dramatic irony in Discovery is the creation and use of USS Discovery’s experimental Spore drive. Specifically because every Trek fan knows it makes no appearance – less is even mentioned – anywhere else in the Star Trek universe.
The first and most obvious fatal flaw of the Spore Drive is its requirement to interface biologically with a prospective navigator.
Paul Stamets had to actually be genetically altered to match elements of a Tardigrade’s genetic structure, as it’s the only known species able to navigate the mycelial network naturally or at all.
In doing so, Discovery almost broke their genius with the magic mushrooms. Though this cannot be the only reason Starfleet might shelve and classify this form of interstellar gallivanting that makes warp drive appear like a tricycle.
The Dangers of the Spore Drive Secret
What seems very likely is that other species will learn of this top secret technology, and will do anything to try and acquire it themselves.
As the Klingons are already aware of the Spore Drives existence, the secret is out. That puts a target on the back of Discovery, and Stamets in particular. It creates a scenario whereby means of capture and coercion of Stamets would be the perfect means for any interested species to obtain the technology for their dubious ends.
Naturally there may be any number of other possibilities why this technology never sees the light of day or is spoken of again. Star Trek: Discovery season 2 will undoubtedly begin building to this truth, as it is one of the major components of Discovery’s greater story arc.
Given that Discovery and its overall purpose is supposedly to build the bridge towards the Federation-Klingon rapprochement depicted in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered County, Star Trek: Discovery season 2 will definitely have more to say about its most important Klingon/Human Starfleet officer, Ash Tyler/Voq.
9. Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Cannot Leave the Ash Tyler/Voq Thread Hanging
Ash Tyler/Voq has come a long way… about a few inches off the femurs to be precise
It is impossible to believe that the departure of Ash Tyler/Voq at the conclusion of season one is his swan song. His is a character far too embedded in the tapestry of Discovery to have taken his final bow. Both for reasons of his intimate relationship with Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), and the very nature of his being both a human Starfleet officer and a notable Klingon.
In short, Ash Tyler/Voq must once again find himself in the fray in Star Trek: Discovery season 2.
With his constitution being equal parts Human and Klingon, Ash Tyler/Voq represents a great many things to many people. For the xenophobic Klingons, he may be more of a abomination than simply the albino with no house to call his own. Especially now that he is permanently fused in the appearance of a human Starfleet officer.
To the pacific Federation, he may represent a means of understanding their Klingon adversaries that they currently lack. With such insight, it may pose as a critical pillar to negotiate a lasting peace and begin the legendary partnership with the Klingons – both culturally and strategically.
What one cannot deny is that Ash Tyler/Voq has one foot in each world, and that is as valuable as it is rare from the Federations perspective.
“We are Klingons Worf, we don’t embrace other cultures we conquer them!” – General Martok, DS9
Q’ronos is no Home for an Ailing Ash Tyler/Voq
For Ash Tyler/Voq, it is difficult to see his character finding any personal peace in Klingon society. By their inherent constitution, Klingons live in an effectively caste-based feudal society. Nor are many Klingons known for their cosmopolitan attitudes toward alien cultures.
In the words of General Martok in DS9, “We are Klingons Worf, we don’t embrace other cultures we conquer them!” Consequently it is not pleasant to consider how he will be received trying to make a life on Q’ronos. Fans have not seen the last of Ash Tyler/Voq yet.
The Federation and Klingon Empire are still due for a few more decades of a cold war bordering on a hot peace. Fatefully someone like Ash Tyler/Voq cannot help but play a pivotal role in their eventual road towards a general, comprehensive peace. As well as a major role in Star Trek: Discovery season 2.
(Article Continues Below...)
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Star Trek: Discovery Mid-Season Return – The Case for Captain Lorca
Naturally Alpha-Quadrant peace and prosperity is always the goal for the Federation and Starfleet, however there is a glaring lack of fundamental equilibrium aboard the bridge of USS Discovery – namely: Who is going to be its captain for the remainder of the series? The answer is a critical sticking point for Star Trek: Discovery season 2.
10. Season 2 Must Establish the Captain of Discovery for the Remainder of the Series
That furrowed brow that says s*** is going down
So, we have learned just enough from the trailer for Star Trek: Discovery season 2 released at SDCC 2018 to have a tentative grip on the future of Discovery’s captains chair. The valiant Captain Pike (Anson Mount) of the Enterprise is taking what appears temporary command of Discovery under emergency Starfleet regulations. With the appearance of the ominous “red bursts” occurring 30,000 light years away, Discovery is the sole candidate to go poke around given its incredible distance from Federation space.
No question this will be fun to watch, however the idea that this will become a permanent command arrangement seems unlikely. Nor does it truly answer the bigger question going forward.
As Star Trek: Discovery season 2 plows forward, there is a glaring absence that would be terminally traumatic for any of the series predecessors: Who is USS Discovery’s friggin’ captain going to be?
Before season one’s cliffhanger ending encountering THE Enterprise, Discovery was on-route to pick up their new captain on Vulcan. Of course no one bothers to mention who that captain awaiting their new command will be. None of the crew bothers to ask, “who is this new C/O that will be making life or death decisions for me?” For explorers of the final frontier, there was a curious lack of curiosity.
What is more surprising is the seeming total lack of fan interest as to who this captain might be. Though perhaps it’s not altogether shocking given the ironclad nature of the cliff-hanger conclusion dictating the fan bases attention.
The lack of an established captain at any point is unprecedented in Star Trek lore. The only reason Discovery can endure this debacle is entirely due to the narrative structure of the show, and it’s main character being Michael Burnham – an unprecedented form of storytelling that departs from all prior Star Trek series.
For all intents and purposes, the gut intuition indicates that this Captain on Vulcan is likely the Prime Universe incarnation of Gabriel Lorca.
Right guy. Wrong universe.
#TeamLorcaPrime
This conclusion is based on one simple reason: How easily the Prime Lorca was written off by Admiral Cornwell (Jayne Brook) and Starfleet Command. It was readily assumed that Lorca could never have survived in the Mirror Universe. Yet this seems remarkably short sighted.
Putting aside the fact there is no certain way to confirm Prime Lorca’s demise, the audience must take note from Discovery’s experience in the Mirror Universe itself.
Most importantly by taking a close look at the alternate versions of established characters they encountered – foremost of which is Commander Landry (Rekha Sharma).
The Reality of Mirror Universe Doppelgänger’s in Star Trek: Discovery
The late USS Discovery Chief of Security, Commander Ellen Landry is very telling in this regard. In Landry’s Prime Universe incarnation, she would hardly be anyone’s first choice as a Federation diplomat.
Landry projects a rough personal exterior, an inclination for solving problems with a phaser, and to a degree possesses a bigotry toward non-human species and cultures. It’s fair to say Landry would have had trouble making friends on Picard’s Enterprise.
When the audience is introduced to Landry’s Mirror Universe alternate, it’s revealed that she was a key member of Lorca’s failed coup who then was being endlessly tortured in retribution. Yet the only difference between the two Landry’s is their respective allegiances.
In the Prime Universe, Landry dutifully served under Lorca’s command, as well as that of Starfleet. Yet almost none of her other characteristics were seemingly different. This is the critical point regarding how the writers might be thinking about Discovery’s foray into the Mirror Universe, and how it may impact future events in Star Trek: Discovery season 2. Nor does this revelation apply to only one minor reoccurring character alone. Cadet Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman) comes to a similar realization about her mirror self.
Tilly vs. Killy
When then Cadet Tilly undergoes introspection upon learning of her Mirror counterpart – the one and only Captain Killy – Tilly’s reflections very aptly identify the subtle differences between her and her Mirror Universe self – aside from the obvious preference for recreational genocide.
In Tilly’s view, the difference between her and the nightmarish Killy is the warped nature of their shared ambitions. Specifically how Killy has been contorted to create a pariah that fits seamlessly into a ludicrously satanic empire.
However at their shared core the two versions of Tilly are not altogether dissimilar. It is their life circumstances that have dictated entirely different personal outcomes. One has been twisted into a mass murderer in the name of human superiority, while the other is an example of the best Starfleet and the Federation has to offer.
Where Lorca Fits
When this reasoning is applied to Gabriel Lorca, a great deal begins to fall into place. If the Mirror Lorca was so cunning as to mask his origins, get himself in line to command Starfleets great strategic secret weapon, then use it to return to his native Mirror Universe, there is absolutely no reason to believe the characters Prime Universe version would be any less capable. Not even in a setting far more barbaric than that of his origin.
Even with the Prime Universe being an altogether smoother ride by comparison, Mirror Lorca could have been exposed at anytime and failed.
Above all else, introducing the Prime Lorca provides the writers with a singular opportunity to keep developing an altogether highly unorthodox Starfleet captain. Lorca is the perfect captain for the motif Discovery has embarked upon.
Even if his Prime Universe self is a more measured and pacific product than the twirling mustachio super villain of season one, Lorca will never be anything close to what fans have come to expect from other Starfleet captains. For what its worth that is a golden narrative asset, and one that would be abjectly criminal to waste.
Official Evidence for Lorca Prime
When asked at SDCC 2018 if Star Trek: Discovery season 2 will encounter the Prime Lorca, Alex Kurtzman’s one word response was, “Maybe.” It’s hardly going out on a limb to conclude that his no-so-cryptic answer equates to a tacit confirmation.
If indeed the prospect of Jason Isaacs returning to portray the Prime Gabriel Lorca comes to pass, it can only signal that the writers are on the best path for Discovery’s long term viability. Long story short, he’s just too damned good. More importantly, Lorca is vastly superior to any other possible alternatives moving forward.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 – In Short
With all of the possibilities Star Trek: Discovery season 2 has before it, its clear that its the swing season for the entire series. The inaugural season, however generally positive in its outcome, was but the first at-bat. From Klingons to possible captains, Discovery season 2 will dictate the trajectory and tempo for the remainder of the series.
Despite whatever direction they may choose to proceed, it is most important that they do so assertively. Once again, with the entire franchise a midst great change and possibility as a whole, never has it been so important that they proceed as boldly as their longtime credo has demanded.
Write to Paul K. DiCostanzo at pdicostanzo@tgnreview.com
Follow Paul on Quartz