"Star Trek: Discovery" Fails to Justify Michael Burnham as Starfleet's Finest

In the swirling vortex of "Star Trek: Discovery," a curious narrative emerges, one that hails Michael Burnham as the end-all, be-all of Starfleet captains. A cacophony of voices sings her praises, lauding her as the pinnacle of the franchise's greatness. But let's pump the brakes on this hyperspace journey for a moment and take a closer look at the warp core.In the grand scheme of the Star Trek universe, Michael Burnham's journey, while captivating in its own right, pales in comparison to the legends that have come before her. Her path to leadership, marked by controversy and personal struggle, veers sharply away from the traditional narratives of Starfleet captains like Jean-Luc Picard or James T. Kirk.

Michael Burnham, portrayed by the enigmatic Sonequa Martin-Green, is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. Her voyage through the cosmos is riddled with complexities, challenges, and existential quandaries that would make even the most seasoned Starfleet officer break into a cold sweat. Consider, for instance, Benjamin Sisko, whose presence blazed across Deep Space Nine, illuminating the cosmos with his brilliance. His character, a cornerstone of Star Trek lore, underscores the universality of greatness within the franchise. Sisko's legacy stands as a testament to the fact that excellence knows no bounds, regardless of race or background

However, as we delve deeper into the dark matter of "Star Trek: Discovery," a troubling pattern begins to emerge. While Burnham's journey is undeniably compelling, her actions often veer into dangerous territory, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a Starfleet officer. Take, for example, her infamous mutiny aboard the USS Shenzhou, an act of insubordination that not only led to the death of her captain but also sparked a conflict with the Klingons—a conflict that would have far-reaching consequences for the Federation.

But Burnham's transgressions don't end there. Throughout her tenure on the USS Discovery, she consistently demonstrates poor judgment and a disregard for protocol and authority. Whether it's engaging in unauthorized missions or making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences, Burnham's actions repeatedly put her crew and the Federation at risk. And let's not forget her penchant for getting herself and her crew into dangerous situations, whether it's facing off against hostile aliens or inadvertently starting intergalactic conflicts.

But perhaps most troubling of all is Burnham's failure to uphold the core values of Starfleet. While other captains strive to embody the ideals of exploration, diplomacy, and compassion, Burnham's actions often run counter to these principles. Her willingness to resort to violence and deception when faced with adversity sets a dangerous precedent for the future of Starfleet, undermining the very foundation upon which the organization was built.

In the grand scheme of the Star Trek universe, Michael Burnham's journey, while captivating in its own right, pales in comparison to the legends that have come before her. Her path to leadership, marked by controversy and personal struggle, veers sharply away from the traditional narratives of Starfleet captains like Jean-Luc Picard or James T. Kirk.

While some may argue that her representation as a Black woman leading a major Star Trek series is groundbreaking, it's essential to separate the character from the accolades she receives. Indeed, her race should not shield her from criticism, nor should it serve as a shield against scrutiny. After all, if we're to judge characters based on their merits alone, then we must also acknowledge their flaws and shortcomings.

In the end, regardless of race or background, Michael Burnham must be judged by her actions and her actions alone. And when held up against the standards of Starfleet and the legacy of those who have come before her, it becomes abundantly clear that she falls far short of the mark. As such, it is not only fair but necessary to declare her not only the worst Starfleet captain but perhaps the worst Star Trek character, period.

And let's not forget how "Star Trek: Discovery" diverges from Gene Roddenberry's original vision for the franchise. At the heart of Roddenberry's vision was a belief in a future where humanity had transcended its past conflicts and prejudices, embracing diversity, equality, and cooperation on a galactic scale. Yet, the darker and more morally complex tone of "Star Trek: Discovery" often departs from this idealistic vision, presenting a universe where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and the ends often justify the means.

In the end, while Michael Burnham may have her moments of heroism, they are far outweighed by her shortcomings as a leader. From mutiny to reckless decision-making, Burnham's tenure as a Starfleet captain has been marred by controversy and incompetence. In the grand scheme of Starfleet history, she stands out not as a shining beacon of hope, but as a cautionary tale of what happens when power and ambition outweigh duty and honor. And in the context of Gene Roddenberry's vision for Star Trek, she represents a departure from the ideals of exploration, diversity, and cooperation that have defined the franchise for generations.

And let's not forget how "Star Trek: Discovery" diverges from Gene Roddenberry's original vision for the franchise. At the heart of Roddenberry's vision was a belief in a future where humanity had transcended its past conflicts and prejudices, embracing diversity, equality, and cooperation on a galactic scale. Yet, the darker and more morally complex tone of "Star Trek: Discovery" often departs from this idealistic vision, presenting a universe where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and the ends often justify the means.

In the end, while Michael Burnham may have her moments of heroism, they are far outweighed by her shortcomings as a leader. From mutiny to reckless decision-making, Burnham's tenure as a Starfleet captain has been marred by controversy and incompetence. In the grand scheme of Starfleet history, she stands out not as a shining beacon of hope, but as a cautionary tale of what happens when power and ambition outweigh duty and honor. And in the context of Gene Roddenberry's vision for Star Trek, she represents a departure from the ideals of exploration, diversity, and cooperation that have defined the franchise for generations.