With Moll and L’ak finally in custody, the Federation is pulled into a diplomatic and ethical firestorm when the Breen arrive and demand they be handed over. 

After a number of episodes where the season felt like it was treading water, Discovery shifts up a gear and addresses the main storyline head-on, making for an exciting hour and the sense of a well-plotted endgame.

L’ak and Moll are contained in Sickbay, the former dying from an injury. Book hopes that he can appeal to his former relationship with Moll, but the most pressing issue is the imminent arrival of the Breen, who are demanding that the prisoners are turned over to them.

As we discovered in the flashback episode, L’ak is valuable to the Breen because of a factional war caused by a successional dispute. Should Discovery keep running away from the Breen, or is there room for negotiations? The resolution sets up a satisfying conclusion that throws forward to the next episode.

Verdict: A welcome flourish of excitement and adventure that suggests the final push will deliver some memorable moments. 8/10

Nick Joy