Episode:202
New Eden

Jack's Rating:

A new signal brings the Discovery to a distant planet, Terralysium, that is inhabited by the descendants of human survivors of World War III, which was fought on Earth 200 years earlier.

Features:
Stardate: 1027.32
Air Date: 01/24/19
Director: Jonathan Frakes

Jack's Review
Hands down the best episode of Discovery - any season - and there is no argument possible against that statement. Why? Three reasons. First, the director is Jonathan Frakes, who knows how to tell a Star Trek story. Second, Anson Mount as Captain Pike is stellar - and this one is probably his finest. Last, and the real reason for this being such a terrific episode - it is classic Trek. We get a prime directive sensitive away mission and a "B story" on the ship. It works perfectly, and I wish the writers would keep this formula up. What is a "B story"? A sub-plot that carries along perfectly without overshadowing the main plot. Watch TNG and you will see LOADS of B story examples. Here we have the plot on the planet that involves the red angel. Meanwhile, on the ship we have the radiation problem that will kill all life on the planet. It works in perfect harmony and since I know that Anson Mount is a Trekkie of old like I am, I am pleased that he was the actor that gave us this gem. This episode is exactly why I am sure that Strange New Worlds will succeed.