‘Discovery’ watch – my thoughts and reactions – Part 48: ‘Species 10-C’

The Discovery arrives at the home of 10-C, a massive shape, which does not react to the ship’s presence. They prepare the chemical emotions to convey peace. Zora feels off as the DOTS fly out with the chemicals. Meanwhile Book’s ship is still tethered to Discovery, with Reno prisoner.

As the DOTS spray the surface (which feels as effective as a fly landing on a space suit), but it does cause a reaction as a Flubber style tentacle reaches out and sucks in the DOTs. Another one flies towards Discovery and swallows it, sucking it in.

Oh well RIP.

jk Disco survives. Tarka discovers something which concerns him, spotted by Reno, who is trying to send a message with a combadge thing. The 10-C probes Discovery but makes no other form of contact. Burnham suggests giving some of the material the 10-C wants as a gift. Booker reveals he is some kind of Dread Pirate Roberts with his name being passed down. Reno tells an anecdote about not being able to let someone die simply because of her own pain, and warns Booker about making the same mistake.

The 10-C finally make a tense appearance … The 10-C conveys six emotions of differing percentages, and then shines a pattern of lights. General Ndoye continues to be a naysayer. Tarka tasks her with a plan to steal the power and escape, which she reluctantly accepts.

Zora mimics the lights, which 10-C does once more then leaves. There is some confusion as to if it is a language or not, as it is beyond their comprehension. They summon some of the bridge crew to workshop it. They discuss emotional semantics and come to the conclusion that the lights match the chemical (I saw it first!).

Reno warns Booker that Tarka’s calculations which kill everyone, hence his concern. Zora applies letters to the chemicals to identify a mathematical pattern. They realise that 10-C is teaching them a simple language – they are reaching out. They send 4+5=9 (good sum).

Tarka admits he lies and there’s a risk. A rift forms as Book wants to shut down their plan. Book attempts to stop him, but Tarka has taken over the force fields, deflecting his assaults. 10-C sends a message back to Discovery. An object arrives in the shuttlebay. It’s an invitation.

Tarka overpowers Book and locks him away with Reno. Burnham, Saru, Rillak, and T’Rina prepare to go along, as does Zora. Saru and Burnham calm themselves by yelling at each other, disturbing Grudge (queen) and also Lillie, one of my cats.

They leave (Zora’s in a Portal style module which is hilarious), the 10-C have recreated the Discovery bridge to accommodate the delegates. A copy of the weapon Tarka used appears. They’re asking why the weapon was deployed. They use math maths to explain the damage the DMA has caused. Ndoye sabotages Discovery. I’m anxious, the crew are so close to fixing the situation – a late stage misunderstanding is a trope I do not enjoy!

The 10-C conveys empathy and sadness over the damage. But just as they discover Tarka’s ship, the sabotage takes place. Book’s ship leaves. The away team is returned to Discovery. Reno manages to signal Discovery and let them know the stakes, and the camera spins around Burnham, which is exactly how I feel when I feel overwhelmed and panicked so fair.

Next week – the finale.

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