Ep 1. Brother

After a long wait for fans, Star Trek: Discovery season 2 finally premiered with an episode titled "Brother". This episode marks the beginning of a new adventure for the crew of the USS Discovery, taking place several months after the events of the previous season.

The episode opens with the USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, receiving a distress signal from a stranded Starfleet vessel. Lieutenant Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), who was raised by Spock's human mother, Amanda Grayson, is summoned by Pike to join the mission. The destination of the rescue mission is in fact the USS Discovery, where her estranged brother Spock (Ethan Peck) had served before disappearing.

As soon as Burnham boards the Discovery, she discovers that the ship is now under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), who temporarily assumed command of the Discovery while the ship's captain Gabrielle Burnham (Michael's adoptive mother) is away on a mission. Pike informs Burnham about the nature of their mission – to investigate seven red bursts that have appeared across space, connecting distant parts of the galaxy in an unprecedented way.

The mission is further complicated by the urgent need to find Spock, who, for reasons unknown, has been hospitalized in a mental institution. The search for Spock takes Michael Burnham on a dangerous journey with the Discovery's crew that leads to several mysteries, revelations, and the emergence of a new enemy lurking in the shadows.

The episode also introduces three new characters to the show's recurring cast, including Spock (Ethan Peck), Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), and Tig Notaro as the ship's new engineer, Jett Reno.

Throughout the episode, the narrative oscillates between tension and suspense, with numerous action-packed scenes, spectacular special effects and stunning cinematography. The dialogue is both witty and engaging, driven by a cast of talented actors who bring their A-game to each scene.

One of the standout performances comes from Sonequa Martin-Green, whose character Michael has evolved significantly since the series premiered in 2017. Michael's journey of self-discovery and redemption is central to the events of this episode, and Martin-Green delivers a nuanced and powerful performance that will leave fans rooting for her character throughout the rest of the season.

The introduction of new characters also adds fresh dynamics to the story, particularly with the portrayal of Captain Pike. Anson Mount's performance as Pike is one of the highlights of the episode, with his character bringing a no-nonsense attitude to the role of a Starfleet captain, yet also revealing a more humorous and compassionate side that ultimately wins the admiration of the Discovery's crew.

All in all, "Brother" is a strong start to the new season, setting a high bar for what is sure to be an engaging and thrilling storyline. The episode manages to intertwine complex subplots, including the search for Spock and the investigation of the red bursts, while also sprinkling in some light-hearted humor and character development.

As the episode concludes, the viewer is left with a sense of anticipation for what is to come while being provided with just enough answers to fuel their curiosity. Fans of the franchise will definitely not be disappointed with this latest offering from Star Trek: Discovery.