Ep 14. The War Without, the War Within

After a traumatic battle with the Klingons and the sacrifice of Captain Philippa Georgiou, the crew of the USS Discovery returns to a Federation that has changed drastically during the nine months they were stranded in the Mirror Universe. The Federation is on the brink of collapse, with its home base of Earth severely damaged and the Klingons having taken control of much of the galaxy.

As the USS Discovery attempts to make contact with Starfleet and establish their identities following their time in the Mirror Universe, they encounter hostility from Starfleet personnel who view them as potential threats given their prolonged absence. But Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs) manages to convince Starfleet of their loyalty and sets about strategizing with Admiral Cornwell (Jayne Brook) to retake Earth from the Klingons. Meanwhile, Saru (Doug Jones) struggles with adjusting to being in a universe where he is no longer a hunted prey, and Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) grapples with the guilt of her actions in the Mirror Universe.

The episode introduces a new element to the show's already complex plot, as the characters must navigate the aftermath of their time in the Mirror Universe and confront the consequences of their actions, both in that alternate universe and in their own. The return to the regular Star Trek universe also allows for appearances from familiar faces, including Admiral Cornwell and Sarek (James Frain).

The episode's title, "The War Without, The War Within," encapsulates the themes of the episode as the characters face both external and internal conflicts. The war with the Klingons continues to rage, but the Federation itself is also struggling with issues of trust and unity. The episode's exploration of these themes adds depth to the show's overall political commentary and further develops the characters' relationships with each other and their place in the Star Trek universe.

Overall, "The War Without, The War Within" is a gripping episode that sets the stage for the show's final arc of the season. As the USS Discovery and Starfleet prepare to retake Earth, the stakes are higher than ever, and the characters must confront their personal demons as well as the external threats they face. The episode's themes of trust, loyalty, and sacrifice make it a standout in the show's already impressive first season.