Star Trek Discovery — Series 4 Episode 12 — Species Ten-C — A Review

10th June, 2022.

Right … I’m feeling slightly pressured.

As … ?

Dinner’s almost ready!

Yes: it’s Friday night, again: and?   I’m going to be watching the next episode of Star Trek: Discovery.

Is it’s on a par with last week’s?

I’ll let you know, later!

~≈👽≈~

Episode 12 — Species Ten-C — opens with the usual summary of earlier episodes.

Then shifts.

To show us the Discovery heading straight for the Hyperfield: and, once in range, slowing down so that the diplomatic team led by President Rillak (Chelah Horsdal) can work out exactly what to do next … and work out how to communicate with the Ten-C.

With Captain Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) warning the President that they may — may — have to put the contingency plans into action: if they can’t figure out a way to communicate.

It’s only after after the diplomatic team met to get a briefing from Dr Culber (Wilson Cruz), Burnham and Mr Saru (Doug Jones), the team works out the best way to start a conversation with the Ten-C.

Send out the hydrocarbon that means ‘peace’ to the Ten-C.

In the hope they understand it to mean “We come in Peace.”

And not “Shoot to kill!”

~≈👽≈~

Now … 

What did I make of Species Ten-C?

I have to admit, I’m impressed.

Partly?   Cast and writing is on form again, this week: certainly on a par with this season’s first and second episodes.

There’s no surprise, there, I think.

All three episode are directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi.

Which I think is responsible for the other thing: Species Ten-C seemed remarkably well paced.

I’ve criticised some episodes of this season for being a little too talky, too dialogue heavy.

And, while you could possibly say that of Species Ten-C — it’s got a lot of brainstorming going on — it’s countered by a good emphasis on both action … and spectacle.

From where I’m sitting?   In Species Ten-C, Star Trek Discovery has managed to take maybe a hint or two from Iain M. Banks’ Culture novels.

In other words?   The show’s shown us the Ten-C’s home-world: and it’s a huge great artefact!

Star Trek’s finally going for big space opera.

Species Ten-C has gone for several other things, as well.

It’s put Tig Notaro*’s Commander Reno in a position to be a hero: and given her some much needed back-story.

And?

This episode has a cliffhanger ending.

That means just one thing, as far as I’m concerned.

I’m going to be sitting down to the last episode — Coming Home — on Friday, 17th June, will be reviewing it on Saturday 18th June.

And looking forward to it, all week.

I’ll see you then.

Species Ten-C.

★★★★

*        Jet Reno is possibly one of my favourite Trek characters: grouchy, sympathetic and genuinely funny.   What probably helps, there?   Is simply that the actress that plays her, Tig Notaro?   Is quite a well known stand-up comedian in the US.   I may go check her stuff out: who knows.