Ep 8. If Memory Serves

After a short break, Star Trek: Discovery is back with its eighth episode of season 2, titled "If Memory Serves." The episode is directed by episode veteran TJ Scott and written by Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie, who previously penned episodes such as "New Eden" and "Point of Light."

The episode starts with the Discovery crew in need of the specific intelligence found in Spock’s memories. However, given Spock's official leave and uncertain whereabouts, the crew has no choice but to ask for his adopted sister Michael Burnham's (Sonequa Martin-Green) help. Burnham, being ever the loyal sister, agrees to help and thus the two of them launch a classified mission into Talos IV.

As the episode title suggests, “If Memory Serves,” focuses heavily on memories themselves. Not only do Burnham and Spock have to rely on the memories of when they first arrived on the planet but they also have to confront and work through traumatic memories from their past.

The episode does an excellent job of tying in past episodes of both Discovery and the classic Star Trek series. The interactions between the characters and the exploration of their pasts are handled particularly well. The plot develops at a steady pace as we see flashbacks from events from the Star Trek original series.

Furthermore, this episode serves as a confirmation of the tie-in novel “The Enterprise War.” While the discovery crew is on Talos IV, they witness a historic moment for the USS Enterprise and its crew.

As the team prepares to return from Talos IV, they run into trouble as they observe a Starfleet vessel that has been caught in the grip of a powerful force, trapped and without any way to escape. As the crew assesses the situation, they must confront their own fears and personal traumas. Michael and Spock rely on their memories and past experiences to avert disaster.

The episode manages to effectively connect the dots and fill in the gaps of various events. It takes the series to a darker and more meaningful place by exploring the intricate relationships between its characters while also giving fans of the older Star Trek series something to appreciate.

Overall, "If Memory Serves" is a strong, character-driven episode with a meaningful exploration of memories from the character's past. It offers ties to the entire Star Trek history and serves as a confirmation for an earlier tie-in novel. It progresses the season-long story arc of Spock's sister looking for answers as well. It makes one look forward to what else the show has in store.